Swissotel The Bosphorus

This was the third time I have stayed at the hotel in the last 12 years or so. The service is first class and cannot be faulted. The lobby area is great and the front desk and porter service is very good. It is also in a great location. If I was disappointed with anything it would be that the shower was not at all powerful, and when you are on business and in a rush if you have a shower with a 'weak stream' it takes so much longer to get ready - especially if every second in bed asleep counts. The bedrooms are fully functional (if a... more

One of my favourite stays in Istanbul, amazing views from the rooms of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, The beauty of the lobby really strikes you as you walk in, its very spacious and grand, and gives a great first impression, and again that view !! Service was the best feature though, always attentive and helpful, the concierge was above the call of duty on a few things that we needed sorted out in the city in regards to new restaurants and activities that we had in mind, (they were able to book us a great table at the very sought... more

Istanbul is a fabulous city and I have been a couple of times. On this occasion I decided to stay at the Swissotel as it was a weekend away for my husbands birthday. The hotel is okay, but not more than that. It's definitely not well located if you want to go to the old city or if you want to be able to walk to different restaurants and bars etc. My main problem was with the staff and their complete inability to speak English! Not once, but twice did I encounter problems as they were unable to understand the most basic of... more

A lovely hotel - fabulous views and fabulous service. The views over the bosphorus are wonderful. Service was impeccable - I had coffee on the terrace and sat there for well over an hour.....when i asked for the bill, they said "oh don't worry, you only had a coffee" (and they had seated me at the best table!). The only criticsm might be that the decor is a little dated - could do with a bit of a renovation....not in dire need but not at it's best

This superb hotel occupies a prime position looking out over the mouth of the Bosphorus to the south and up to the Bosphorus bridge in the north. The service was first-class throughout and the hotel was spotlessly clean. My room was comfortable and spacious. The hotel facilities were good although I was disappointed that the spa and fitness facilities were non-existent because of refurbishment. Security was fine. My one complaint about the room was the lack of choice of TV channels. My one complaint in general is the ridiculously... more

With one proviso this is a terrific, genuine five star, hotel. You get genuine five star service and accommodation (and as others have pointed out, you pay genuine five star prices). The proviso is that when we booked we were quoted a tax inclusive rate - which their own documentation bore out - but they insisted on charging us a tax exclusive rate. It left a slightly unpleasant taste in the mouth. On the subject of tastes in the mouth, breakfast is wonderful - but try and get a breakfast inclusive deal as it is otherwise quite expensive... more

Location location location ... it does not get any better than this, particularly I recommend a room with a Bosphorus view - you will not be disappointed. Very slick sumptuous operation. Very attentive personal professional service from everyone. Security is good without being too obtrusive. It all made for a very special experience. My only complaint was the scandalous price of alcoholic drinks, particularly in the lobby bar. I would not expect bargain beverages at a hotel like this but the prices charged are beyond anything... more

The location of the hotel is excellent, not least because it offers such unique and impressive views from the bedrooms and the main lounge. All the important and relevant sights are within easy and cheap cab drive- I cannot understand why anyone stay here should even consider hiking up the hill for anything other than exercise. The little yellow cabs, usually clean but with well worn interiors, are green as they are gas powered and are usually driven by very polite Turks with a death wish. Sit there and say your prayers as... more

We had 3 nights through a package tour and after having looked at the hotel website, I think we got a very good deal. Our room was very spacious with a king sized bed, a huge bathroom, with jaccuzi tub & shower, along with amenities you usually find in finer hotels. The best was our little espresso making machine. Everything was very comfortable and clean and updated. Our friends thought it was the nicest hotel they had ever stayed in, and although I thought it had the feeling of luxury, it still had that aura of a business class hotel,... more

The Swissotel is a great 5-star hotel. We got an awesome deal by booking through a travel agency. We only paid 165 euros/night, and that included a view on the Bosphorus (from an angle though), an amazing breakfast and the swimming pool. The breakfast is so generous, there's no way we could have lunch afterwards. And we heard that entrance to the pool for locals is about 80 euros!! All this made it an amazing deal for us. The rooms are large and very comfortable. The only problem is the location, as there's not a whole lot within... more