Turgut Ozal Cad. No:189, Topkapi, Istanbul, Turkey | (888) 822-7560
Two-minute walk to the Pazartekke Tram Station
Comfortable guest rooms; some with balconies
In-room perks include minibars, LCD TVs and iPod docks
Family-friendly and accessible options available
Buffet-style and à la carte eateries plus lobby bar/lounge
Outdoor pool with hot tub and lounging lawn
Wellness center with Turkish bath and sauna
Massages and spa treatment available
Bright, well-equipped work-out room
9,688-square feet of event space, including a ballroom
Business center and on-staff meeting coordinators
Free parking and hotel-wide Wi-Fi
Not in walking distance of must-see sights
Accommodations have dated decor
Potential for noise, especially in front-facing rooms
Issues reported regarding maintenance and service
Breakfast only included in some rates
For travelers who prefer a larger, full-service property with a reliable brand name over the boutique hotels and inns scattered around this region, the upper-middle-range Holiday Inn Istanbul City could tick all the right boxes. The property includes multiple dining and drinking options, impressive business amenities, a spa-equipped wellness center, plus a sizable outdoor pool (a rarity in these parts). Moreover, its 203 rooms are undeniably well outfitted with each featuring minibars, LCD satellite TVs, laptop safes, and iPod docks. The downside is that the overall look is dated, and reported issues concerning maintenance only exacerbate that. Travelers prepared to sacrifice the swimming pool would be better off booking into the upscale Ramada Istanbul Grand Bazaar instead: it offers more sophisticated, contemporary accommodations closer to the top attractions.
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Scene
A practical choice for business and leisure
The creamy, classically inspired facade of this contemporary Holiday Inn will appeal to vacationing couples; ditto for the sleek white lobby, which comes complete with a grand piano. The clientele, however, is largely comprised of corporate types and traveling families who find the brand name reassuring. An extensive list of in-house facilities covers the bases for both demographics. The rooms fill the bill, too, as all have seating areas with desks and sofas beds; rollaway cots/cribs and connecting accommodations are also available on request. This property can also offer a good value for families as kids under 18 can stay free in their parents’ room, and up to four under 12 can eat free in on-site restaurants.
Location
West of Sultanahmet, near the TI tram line but not top sights
This Holiday Inn outpost sits on a busy (and potentially noisy) street, well west of Istanbul’s tourist core. But the Pazartekke Tram Station is a mere two-minute walk away, and from there sightseers can reach the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and other top Sultanahmet attractions in 25 minutes or less. Public transport can also get you to Ataturk International Airport in about 40 minutes. If you would prefer to travel by car, private transfers can be arranged through the hotel; if you have your own vehicle, free parking is available, too.
Rooms
Comfy choices that are well-equipped but lacking in character
Ranging in size from 215 to 592 square feet, guest rooms here are comfortable enough, and they qualify as well-equipped given that all come with air-conditioning, minibars, tea/coffee-making facilities, LCD satellite TVs, laptop safes, iPod-docking stations, and free Wi-Fi. Seating areas with sofa beds are also standard (suites add separate ones with larger TVs); some options boast balconies overlooking the pool area as well. Yet the decor is ho hum at best. The wall-to-wall navy carpeting looks dated, while the medium-toned wood built-ins that dominate each room seem better suited to a high-end dorm than a supposed four-star hotel. The white tiled bathrooms with their combination shower/tubs fare better but remain rather bland. On the plus side, they do come stocked with toiletries, hairdryers, and magnifying mirrors.
Features
A pool, spa area, fitness facilities, meeting rooms and other upscale amenities
While rooms fall short of their advertised four-star status, features here are extensive and relatively more upscale. Many are, understandably, geared to corporate travelers -- including A/V-equipped meeting spaces for up to 1,000 people (a ballroom among them), plus dedicated meeting coordinators, in-house caterers, and a 24-hour business center that’s staffed much of the day. All guests, however, can take advantage of the hotel’s wellness facilities: most notably a work-out room outfitted with free weights, cardiovascular machines, and more, as well as a Turkish bath, sauna, and spa rooms for massages and body treatments. The seasonal outdoor pool with its adjacent hot tub and lounging lawn is another highlight -- especially given the urban setting. In terms of dining options, the hotel has two restaurants (one bright and buffet-style, the other a more elegant a la carte venue specializing in Mediterranean cuisine); a lobby-level bar/lounge also serves light bites along with the expected beverages, while room service is available round-the-clock. Other features here include a 24-hour front desk with concierge and currency exchange; a salon and gift shop; ticket/tour, dry-cleaning/laundry, babysitting and shoe-shining services; a free coffee/tea station in lobby, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
