Swissotel Istanbul Hotel
, Istanbul, Turkey
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Swissotel Istanbul Hotel
Rooms: 580
2 Bayildim Cad
- Istanbul - 80680 - Turkey
| 212 326 1100
421
Traveller
Reviews - Swissotel Istanbul Hotel
Excellent Hotel in a beautiful city
Submitted by: Weber in 06/11/05 - Age Group: 51 - 60
- From: Austria
- Traveller type: Relaxation Seeker
Excellent facilities, fantastic staff, nice relaxing days, quiet, despite a rainy week wiht beatiful views to the Bosporus, Golden Horn, Topkapi, Hagia Sophia if seaview, which is highly recommended.
Good value for money
Submitted by: Sunil Nadar in 16/05/05 - Age Group: 31 - 40
- From: United Kingdom
- Traveller type: Family Traveller
Good hotel, friendly staff, good service for all our needs. would definitely recommend it to others. Good value for money.
Read 419 additional reviews of Swissotel Istanbul Hotel at TripAdvisor.
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Historical Traveller Reviews of Swissotel Istanbul Hotel
Very disappointing
from Ayeletb
I was here on a business trip. The view from the hotel was gorgeous.
But the room was awful; old and depressing.
But the room was awful; old and depressing.
Superb Hotel but ridiculous Drink and Food Charges
from Freddy22
This is superb hotel in a great location just outside all the sites and directly on the Bospherus. As taxi fares are so cheap in Istanbul and so is the abundance of taxis (you will always get a taxi in minutes wherever you might be and at any time of day or night) this is not a problem.
The hotel has great facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, designer shops, many restaurants ect..
The service is exceptional and the rooms are what you would expect. Try and get a room with a sea view or even the view of the floodlit outdoor swimming pool is good.
The only downside is that the food and drink prices are absolutely ridiculous and I suspect aimed at the Japanese business man on expense accounts. There is one drinks bar there which is always kept in darkness for some reason and is generally empty, as it should be when you charge the equivalent of £17 for a Gin and Tonic...also, as everyone in Istanbul is a chain-smoker this bar can be awful....but the rest of the hotel is a delight.
I would say that overall that this is probably the best hotel in Istanbul
The hotel has great facilities, indoor and outdoor pools, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, designer shops, many restaurants ect..
The service is exceptional and the rooms are what you would expect. Try and get a room with a sea view or even the view of the floodlit outdoor swimming pool is good.
The only downside is that the food and drink prices are absolutely ridiculous and I suspect aimed at the Japanese business man on expense accounts. There is one drinks bar there which is always kept in darkness for some reason and is generally empty, as it should be when you charge the equivalent of £17 for a Gin and Tonic...also, as everyone in Istanbul is a chain-smoker this bar can be awful....but the rest of the hotel is a delight.
I would say that overall that this is probably the best hotel in Istanbul
I like it!
from expectant customer
I have stayed in this hotel twice now.
If you book a lower priced room on the Internet, you tend to get a lower floor room in a wing, that means there is little view.
There are excellent views, if you have certain rooms.
Overall the hotel is large, comfortable, and with a lot of choice for eating and drinking.
Views from the breakfast room are also superb.
There is a bar on the rooftop, well worth a visit especially in the evening. If Besiktas are playing football, you can look down into the ground, and hear all of the ooohs and aaahs from the crowd. You cannot really see much football though.
The hotel keeps a Swiss St Bernard dog, woth looking out for and saying hello.
Pool area is generally nice, you can spend a few hours there in the summer quite happily.
My bedrooms were comfortable, I slept well. Nice bathrooms. Wide corridors.
The hotel is getting (slightly) dated, and parts will need refreshing soon.
I personally enjoy this one, there are hotels in Istanbul that are a bit fresher, but I like the Swissotel.
If you book a lower priced room on the Internet, you tend to get a lower floor room in a wing, that means there is little view.
There are excellent views, if you have certain rooms.
Overall the hotel is large, comfortable, and with a lot of choice for eating and drinking.
Views from the breakfast room are also superb.
There is a bar on the rooftop, well worth a visit especially in the evening. If Besiktas are playing football, you can look down into the ground, and hear all of the ooohs and aaahs from the crowd. You cannot really see much football though.
The hotel keeps a Swiss St Bernard dog, woth looking out for and saying hello.
Pool area is generally nice, you can spend a few hours there in the summer quite happily.
My bedrooms were comfortable, I slept well. Nice bathrooms. Wide corridors.
The hotel is getting (slightly) dated, and parts will need refreshing soon.
I personally enjoy this one, there are hotels in Istanbul that are a bit fresher, but I like the Swissotel.
Not the Ciragan!
from dadinha
The hotel needs some work and though the rooms are clean and well kept, the other areas show the lack of mantainance. Be aware of hidden charges and abusive food prices!!!
Very grand in Istanbul
from Mme_X
We stayed here with my husband on business, me at leisure. In part, his company chose this hotel for its exellent security, if you have any concerns about this problem, i.e. cars and trunks are checked before they can drive in; the hotel entrance has a security monitor like at airports, and you may be asked to have your bags checked. This level of security is similar to other high-end hotels in Istlanbul that get an international crowd or are associated with international corporations. The location is a short walk or cab to the business district and high-end shopping, but you will need a cab to the major historic sites on the other side of the Golden Horn.
This is a modern, glitzy-but-tasteful hotel with all the options. There are multiple dining options; a full business center; hair salon; a large (for Europe) and beautiful pool area with terrace and poolside dining and cocktail lounges; a full-service spa; and other services. There is a shopping arcade for everything from newspapers and sundries to luxury brands.
I have minor complaints about the hotel, but they are relatively trivial.
The service throughout is excellent and very polite and helpful.
The 12th-floor standard room is spacious and spotless with all the high-tech internet options you want. I assume that most rooms in either tower have beautiful views of the Bosphorous in one direction or another. The marble bathroom is quite spacious with nice toiletries, robes, etc. TV with lots of international channels for news, etc. There is a pants press, but no ironing board unless requested. Big complaint: this room is very short of drawer space -- lots of closet space, but only two small drawers for underwear, etc. Even the nightstands have NO drawers to catch all that little stuff that you like to put in there.
The hotel has multiple dining options, including a rooftop cocktail lounge with a stunning view of the Bosphorous. We dined at Naz twice, which specializes in Turkish cuisine, and there are also restaurants for Japanese and French cuisines. There is also an all-purpose dining room which handles the breakfast buffet and smart-casual dining at other hoursm with a nice view and an outdoor terrace overlooking the Bosphorous and gardens. The buffet has everything -- cooked-to-order omlettes, incredible array of fruits, meats & cheeses, breads and pastries, juices, etc. The spacious lobby cocktail lounge also handles a good-looking afternoon tea, but I never sampled it (timing!) The dining drawbacks: as far as I could tell, the only breakfast option is the excellent-but-very pricey breakfast buffet (about $35+ U.S) There is no grab-and-go coffee option, or "something small" for breakfast.
The professional and polite doormen here do an excellent job of trying to keep cabbies honest. Often, they will give you a card with the hotel's name, and write down the number of the cab if you have a future complaint. They will also often advise about the cab fare to expect to your destination. Believe me, this is appreciated. I have dealt with cabs around the world, and know that many in Istanbul are honest, but it probably has the highest percentage of those who try to cheat tourists that I've ever encountered. I recommend that you verify your approximate charge on your return trip if you are coming from a tourist site before getting in the cab. From most sites, your trip back to the Swisshotel should be 10-14 Turkish lira -- NOT 30! (With that guy, we told him that we were insulted, walked away, and then he tried to "negotiate" a lower fare afterward.) I usually like mass transit, but I think it is too cumbersome to the historic sites on the other side.
Again, there is not much right outside the door of the hotel except the view, other than the Dolmabahci Palace for touring nearby. However, the nearby business districts have lots of dining and shopping, a few minutes walk away.
I stayed at the nearby Hilton ParkSA the previous week for a conference. See my review there if you want a somewhat less expensive hotel in this area, but neither that or Swisshotel are budget places to stay. In between, I also spent a few days at the Kismet resort in Kusadasi.
This is a modern, glitzy-but-tasteful hotel with all the options. There are multiple dining options; a full business center; hair salon; a large (for Europe) and beautiful pool area with terrace and poolside dining and cocktail lounges; a full-service spa; and other services. There is a shopping arcade for everything from newspapers and sundries to luxury brands.
I have minor complaints about the hotel, but they are relatively trivial.
The service throughout is excellent and very polite and helpful.
The 12th-floor standard room is spacious and spotless with all the high-tech internet options you want. I assume that most rooms in either tower have beautiful views of the Bosphorous in one direction or another. The marble bathroom is quite spacious with nice toiletries, robes, etc. TV with lots of international channels for news, etc. There is a pants press, but no ironing board unless requested. Big complaint: this room is very short of drawer space -- lots of closet space, but only two small drawers for underwear, etc. Even the nightstands have NO drawers to catch all that little stuff that you like to put in there.
The hotel has multiple dining options, including a rooftop cocktail lounge with a stunning view of the Bosphorous. We dined at Naz twice, which specializes in Turkish cuisine, and there are also restaurants for Japanese and French cuisines. There is also an all-purpose dining room which handles the breakfast buffet and smart-casual dining at other hoursm with a nice view and an outdoor terrace overlooking the Bosphorous and gardens. The buffet has everything -- cooked-to-order omlettes, incredible array of fruits, meats & cheeses, breads and pastries, juices, etc. The spacious lobby cocktail lounge also handles a good-looking afternoon tea, but I never sampled it (timing!) The dining drawbacks: as far as I could tell, the only breakfast option is the excellent-but-very pricey breakfast buffet (about $35+ U.S) There is no grab-and-go coffee option, or "something small" for breakfast.
The professional and polite doormen here do an excellent job of trying to keep cabbies honest. Often, they will give you a card with the hotel's name, and write down the number of the cab if you have a future complaint. They will also often advise about the cab fare to expect to your destination. Believe me, this is appreciated. I have dealt with cabs around the world, and know that many in Istanbul are honest, but it probably has the highest percentage of those who try to cheat tourists that I've ever encountered. I recommend that you verify your approximate charge on your return trip if you are coming from a tourist site before getting in the cab. From most sites, your trip back to the Swisshotel should be 10-14 Turkish lira -- NOT 30! (With that guy, we told him that we were insulted, walked away, and then he tried to "negotiate" a lower fare afterward.) I usually like mass transit, but I think it is too cumbersome to the historic sites on the other side.
Again, there is not much right outside the door of the hotel except the view, other than the Dolmabahci Palace for touring nearby. However, the nearby business districts have lots of dining and shopping, a few minutes walk away.
I stayed at the nearby Hilton ParkSA the previous week for a conference. See my review there if you want a somewhat less expensive hotel in this area, but neither that or Swisshotel are budget places to stay. In between, I also spent a few days at the Kismet resort in Kusadasi.
Mesmerising Views
from CCN
We stayed here for the third time in April 2006. It is the hotel of our choice in Istanbul because of the mesmerising views of the Bosphorus from the hotel. We try to get a room with views of the old city. Sitting on the ottoman in the room, we never tire of looking at the Bosphorus with its multitude of vessels - huge tankers and product carriers, pleasure craft, tourist boats, ferries and fishing boats. The waterway is constantly busy contrasting with the stately majesty and serenity of Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia in the distance. Nearby are the gardens of the Dolmabache Palace and the Dolmabache Camii, with its perfectly proportioned minarets. All absolutely fascinating!!
The views from the Swiss Executive Lounge are even more fabulous - it is hard to think of a sight comparable with the panoramic view of the Bosphorus stretching all the way from the old city up to the Bosphorus bridge.
Rooms are a decent sized, well appointed and bright. The hotel seems to be the centre of social life in Istanbul. There are always many parties and functions hosted in the hotel, especially in summer. The sight of Istanbul high society all dressed up is a spectacle in itself.
The hotel walking distance to Nisantasi, which is the smartest shopping area in Istanbul. Beware however of the gypsies pestering for money. It is also walking distance to Dolmabache Palace, one of the must see sights in Istanbul.
Service is generally good, with the service in the Swiss Executive Lounge being excellent.
The views from the Swiss Executive Lounge are even more fabulous - it is hard to think of a sight comparable with the panoramic view of the Bosphorus stretching all the way from the old city up to the Bosphorus bridge.
Rooms are a decent sized, well appointed and bright. The hotel seems to be the centre of social life in Istanbul. There are always many parties and functions hosted in the hotel, especially in summer. The sight of Istanbul high society all dressed up is a spectacle in itself.
The hotel walking distance to Nisantasi, which is the smartest shopping area in Istanbul. Beware however of the gypsies pestering for money. It is also walking distance to Dolmabache Palace, one of the must see sights in Istanbul.
Service is generally good, with the service in the Swiss Executive Lounge being excellent.
Not quite on top of their game
from Pinkmoon7
We've been living in Istanbul for nearly three years now so we are well acquainted with local prices and what type of service you expect for such prices. So, this review might be at odds with people flying in who expect different levels of service and prices. As it was our anniversary, we booked a Bosphorus view room on the Internet for 165 euros B&B, which (I checked) was one of the best rates for the weekend in Istanbul at one of the 5 star hotels. The Swissotel is considered the best hotel (for a standard room as opposed to a suite at the Ciragan Palace) north of the Golden Horn. If Bosphorus views are not important and you are on a leisure break as opposed to a business trip, then you should probably head to the Four Seasons in Sultanahmet where the quality of service and food surpasses (along with the room rate) those at the Swissotel. On the contrary if I were on business then I would more likely to want to stay at the Swissotel because of its location.
All the 5 star hotels expect you to pay well over the odds for drinks (especially alcoholic ones). The Swissotel is not alone in this. If you are on an expense account then you will not be concerned, but most guests would find 12 dollars for a cup of tea extortionate. The problem of excessive prices is further compounded by the relatively remote location of the hotel. It may be more economical to pay for access to the executive lounge, depending on the rate prevailing at the time.
Whilst the Swissotel is viewed as excellent for the quality of its rooms (which are difficult to fault), most people who are really interested in having a top class meal would not consider eating there. They would take a Taxi to the Ritz Carlton (which we did). For around 30 dollars a main course you will be safe in the knowledge that you are eating at one of the two best restaurants in Istanbul. Now here I'm talking merely in terms of food and service, not views (although they are pretty good) and atmosphere (sometimes non-existent). The other would be the restaurant at the Four Seasons.
Breakfast at the Swissotel is excellent in terms of the variety of food but when the Terrace is not open it is woefully cramped.
The attitude of the staff is generally very good as opposed to universally excellent (as at the Four Seasons).
The public areas are good if a little dated. Externally, the hotel is a little less horrendous than the other 5 star hotels.
All the 5 star hotels expect you to pay well over the odds for drinks (especially alcoholic ones). The Swissotel is not alone in this. If you are on an expense account then you will not be concerned, but most guests would find 12 dollars for a cup of tea extortionate. The problem of excessive prices is further compounded by the relatively remote location of the hotel. It may be more economical to pay for access to the executive lounge, depending on the rate prevailing at the time.
Whilst the Swissotel is viewed as excellent for the quality of its rooms (which are difficult to fault), most people who are really interested in having a top class meal would not consider eating there. They would take a Taxi to the Ritz Carlton (which we did). For around 30 dollars a main course you will be safe in the knowledge that you are eating at one of the two best restaurants in Istanbul. Now here I'm talking merely in terms of food and service, not views (although they are pretty good) and atmosphere (sometimes non-existent). The other would be the restaurant at the Four Seasons.
Breakfast at the Swissotel is excellent in terms of the variety of food but when the Terrace is not open it is woefully cramped.
The attitude of the staff is generally very good as opposed to universally excellent (as at the Four Seasons).
The public areas are good if a little dated. Externally, the hotel is a little less horrendous than the other 5 star hotels.
Customer Service is not very highly regarded
from marrucci
First of all, I must say that this hotel affords its extended stay guests no luxuries. When I went to extend my stay I found that the hotel management was claiming that I could not do so because of the F1 Formula One race in town. I found this to be very odd, because before I made the request I found clear availability via Expedia(-) - and I found that availability was plentiful for the dates they claimed to be fully booked. At one point after repeatedly being told they are positively booked, I reserved a room and obtained confirmation booking via expedia(-) within a minute after they told me they have no availability for. This is very mysterious to me, as long-term guests are usually accomodated but not so here at the Swissotel Bosphorus Istanbul.
I found the hotel to be very far removed from outside vendors, requiring a taxi for you to get anywhere outside. Maybe thats why they can charge you ten times higher prices for a simple Nescafe coffee they get from Nesprsso Pod machine.
I found the pool area to be beautiful but its fountain not always on when it should have been. The staff was still cleaning the pool at a time when 9:30AM when most other hotels are ready for customers.
Some of the behavior of the staff was great and others were very unacceptable.
Yes it is a nice hotel, but the customer service you'd expect from a five star is absent.
I found the hotel to be very far removed from outside vendors, requiring a taxi for you to get anywhere outside. Maybe thats why they can charge you ten times higher prices for a simple Nescafe coffee they get from Nesprsso Pod machine.
I found the pool area to be beautiful but its fountain not always on when it should have been. The staff was still cleaning the pool at a time when 9:30AM when most other hotels are ready for customers.
Some of the behavior of the staff was great and others were very unacceptable.
Yes it is a nice hotel, but the customer service you'd expect from a five star is absent.
Above Average Hotel
from jnice
Stayed for 3 nights in July 2005. Very nice hotel. Friendly service, great restaurants, a gorgeous terrace, clean/modern rooms and bathrooms, luxury shopping on premises. While the rooms rate was very reasonable for a 4-star hotel, everything else at the hotel was very expensive (i.e. a tea for breakfast was $9US). Despite the expense, I would definitely return.
Fantastic Hotel
from 1meweb
A beautiful Hotel in a fantastic city, highly recommended. Big rooms, sea-view (Bosporus, Golden horn, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia etc. from one window!) should be recommended; excellent service and facilities. Very quiet; sightseeing either by Grey line or by taxi. Nice fitness centre, indoor pool and massage, Hamam etc. so that a rainy week could be tolerated without many excursions.
Price is high. Very friendly employees.
Price is high. Very friendly employees.
Top Local Tips for Istanbul
Taxis You get the impression that Taxis outnumber private cars in Istanbul. They are incredibly cheap and numerous. Dont worry about getting back from anywhere, even at 2 or 3 oclock in the morning as they are everywhere...also things stopping at a red light sem optional !...no-one indicates ever and they criss cross lanes all the time...but you never see any prangs..and it seems a lot safer than driving in France or in Italy...!
Terrible traffic Watch when you are travelling and allow plenty of time. The traffic in Istanbul can be horrendous. The banks have made it easy for people to borrow money to buy cars - and they have!
Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar Check pricing and know what you're buying. There are no prices on any items and the pricing is very creative. The "pure silk" patterned pashminas were imports from China - we'd purchased several from street vendors in Italy in previous years, for less than 5 Euros apiece. The same solid-color shawl that was sold at Old Navy for $10 last winter was double/triple that in the Bazaars. Most of the embroidered shawls were imports from India but the prices were at least triple the cost as compared to prices in a NYC shop in the Indian neighborhood in Jackson Heights. Much of the filigree gold jewelry were also of Indian origin - and overpriced.
- (hotels)
Other names for Swissotel Istanbul Hotel
- swissotel the bosphorus istanbul
- swissotel the bosphorus hotel istanbul
- Address: 2 Bayildim Cad - Istanbul - 80680 - Turkey
Travel Library Traveller Rating?
"Excellent Hotel in a beautiful city" - Weber
"Good value for money" - Sunil Nadar
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