Skalion Hotel & Spa

The Skalion Hotel & Spa, opened in 2013, is housed in a charming contemporary building, its white stone exterior dotted with small balconies sprouting potted plants and flowers. Inside, decor is grand and stylish. A mirrored ceiling in the lobby is an eye-catching detail, providing a dazzling reflection of glossy floors, contemporary chairs and couches made of velour and leather, and gilt-framed artwork of flowers and bouquets. The lobby morphs into a small bar area with a few purple velour chairs around circular wooden tables topped with fresh flowers in vases. The on-site restaurant is less sumptuous in decor, though still quite luxurious, with a color scheme of white and beige, wooden contemporary chairs with white padding, glossy white floors, and lovely floral artwork on the walls. The hotel offers an intimate vibe, though the decor might not suit all tastes -- some might find it a bit too busy, stuffy, or dated. The property attracts both families and couples, who are drawn by the friendly atmosphere, free breakfast, and convenient location.

This property is not far from the water’s edge and some of Istanbul’s popular attractions. It’s a 12-minute walk to the Grand Bazaar, while Sultanahmet Square is about a 20-minute walk -- where guests will find the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Basilica Cistern. To reach other attractions or parts of the city, there’s a tram stop that’s about a 10-minute walk from the hotel -- but it’s located uphill so expect a bit of a hike. Some restaurants can be found a few minutes’ walk south of the hotel. Sirkeci train station is about a 10- to 15-minute drive away, as is the Yenikapi ferry terminal. It’s a 30- to 45-minute drive to Ataturk Airport. 

The guest rooms feature elegant contemporary decor in hues of gold and cream. Bedrooms have wooden or carpeted floors, plush beds topped with white linens and sophisticated floral bed runners, and tufted beige headboards below sconce lamps. Family Rooms and Suites are more spacious, and are sometimes outfitted with two maroon velour armchairs. All units have flat-screen TVs, minibars, kettles, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, and two free bottles of water. Some rooms have spacious, furnished balconies with rooftop views. Note that not all rooms have decent views. The black-and-white bathrooms are modern, yet small, with showers, toiletries, and hairdryers. Note that there have been reports of maintenance issues, problems with water temperature in the showers, and bothersome noise from other rooms. 

This hotel doesn't offer too many features, but it does provide an extensive free Turkish breakfast buffet that's served in the hotel’s restaurant; dinner is also available here. The breakfast has received many positive reviews, but the dinner menu has garnered complaints concerning food quality. There is also a small bar that provides a variety of drinks, plus room service is available -- but for drinks only. Other amenities include an on-site spa that offers massages, baths, and saunas. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Private parking is available for a fee, as is an airport shuttle.