Intercontinental Istanbul Hôtel

great location and helpful staff

Istanbul is a firm favorite so always on the look out for a great place to stay. Booked 7 nights room only basis. Swift check in by polite and professional staff. Security is very tight which is very reassuring given the heightened tensions in and around Turkey. You can expect airport style security with taxis being Checked. You also have to go through security screening every time you enter the hotel. Nothing to be alarmed about, it’s actually reassuring. Lobby area is what you’d expect at the Intercontinental Friendly staff who greet you in Turkish and English. Beds are comfortable and additional blankets are available if you need them. Situated in Taksim, but away from the main crowds. Try the local metro if you want to go loco. It’s on the doorstep. Staff were very conscientious and sent a flower arrangement for my birthday. It was very pleasant surprise. Thank you for taking the trouble. Alattin at the Saffran restaurant deserves a special mention for the lovely surprise birthday cake. He was very attentive, gracious and very professional on both occasions we visited. The food was delicious and so was the impeccable service. Special mention for Fatih at breakfast in the brasserie. Appreciated the attention to detail and above average customer service. City Lights is a good place to refuel. The views of the Bosphorus are excellent. Ate breakfast at the brasserie a couple of times and likewise the service was attentive, courteous and professional. Breakfast wasn’t included with our room but did try the recently renovated breakfast area. This is what I expected through out the hotel in terms of fixtures and fittings. It’s fresh, bright and in line with the international brand. Breakfasts 150 TL per person. There are plenty of choices on Istiklal Cadessi if your room doesn’t include breakfast. The hotel is centrally located so you’re well served for eateries. You can’t go wrong or hungry in Istanbul.

Excellent service and great staff, location close to everything. Just need minor upgrade in the room, but overall very clean , taxi service very good close to Taksim square, great night life price wise slightly higher than average. The concierge people are great. I left an internet router with them and they kept it with them and coordinated the return to the internet company. Very cooperative.