Istanbul Romance: Your Dream Hotel Awaits in Turkey!
Istanbul Romance: Your Dream Hotel Awaits in Turkey! - A Messy, Honest Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Istanbul Romance: Your Dream Hotel Awaits in Turkey! – and let me tell you, "dream" might be stretching it a little…but hey, it's still a pretty darn good stay. This isn't your polished, corporate-speak review. This is the raw, unfiltered truth from someone who spent a week navigating the chaos (and charm) of Istanbul.
First things first: Accessibility. Now, I walked around Istanbul, but I'm not a full wheelchair user, so I can't speak to every inch of accessibility. What I can say is that the hotel claims to be wheelchair accessible, and they do have an elevator. So, that’s a good start, but I can’t personally vouch firsthand for a truly accessible experience. That said, the website is claiming they have facilities for disabled guests, so hopefully, that includes things like ramps and adapted bathrooms. Important takeaway: Double-check the specific needs of your party before you book!
Then there's "Services and Conveniences"—a mixed bag, to be sure.
- Elevator: Hooray! Essential for those who want to avoid Stairway to Heaven (or, you know, the 10th floor).
- Concierge: Always appreciated them.
- Daily housekeeping: Essential for a messy soul like me. They did a decent job, but sometimes, the towels disappeared mysteriously, which was a bit of a drag.
- Cash withdrawal: Super convenient! Although you'll pay some fees for those!
- Laundry service & Ironing service: Used them! They are there, which is great.
- Business facilities: They have the basics, which is enough.
- Food Delivery: Useful if you are in a rush!
- Gift/souvenir shop: A quick browse, but nothing that really struck me.
- Meeting/banquet facilities & Seminars: They did have an option if you want.
- Currency exchange: Right there, which is smart.
- Invoice provided: Great for those pesky expense reports!
- Luggage storage: Useful if you arrive early or depart late.
- Air conditioning in public area: Thank god! Istanbul can get HOT.
- Safe deposit boxes: Good for keeping your valuables safe.
- Smoking area: Available for all those who may.
- Doorman: Welcoming, and helps with your bags.
- Xerox/fax in business center: It's there if you need to send something.
The good news? Internet access – Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! - and it was actually pretty decent. Thank goodness, because I needed to post my copious amounts of food pics to Instagram. No Internet [LAN] for me. The main Internet service was actually quite good. In Wi-Fi in public areas I have to say, it was reliable, and useful.
The Eating Situation (AKA, The Most Important Part)
Oh, boy, where do I even begin with the food? The dining, drinking, and snacking situation at Istanbul Romance is…well, it's an adventure. Let's start with the "good" side.
- Restaurants: They have a few! The main one has a nice view, especially at night.
- Breakfast service: They have that too. It has a Buffet in restaurant, which is perfect for those like me.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant & Coffee shop: Needed for a caffeine addict.
- Poolside bar: A lifesaver in the midday heat.
- Room service [24-hour]: Major bonus points for those late-night kebab cravings.
- Snack bar: Good for those impromptu hunger strikes.
- A la carte in restaurant: Decent options, if you hate buffets.
- Desserts in restaurant: Yum! (I am a sucker for baklava.)
- Asian cuisine in restaurant: A little bit of everything!
- Vegetarian restaurant: Very nice.
- Bottle of water: Always good.
- Alternative meal arrangement: A very good touch.
- Salad in restaurant: Healthy options!
- Soup in restaurant: Some good ones!
- Western breakfast: If you can't live without your bacon and eggs.
- Western cuisine in restaurant: Some nice stuff.
Now, the not-so-stellar bits:
- Asian breakfast: More like a slightly confused attempt at Asian flavors.
- The Happy hour could’ve been happier. Drinks were… a little weak.
- Buffet in restaurant: The food was kind of mid.
Cleanliness and Safety: A Sigh of Relief (Mostly)
Look, let's be honest, in the current climate, this is a huge deal. And Istanbul Romance seems to be trying. They had:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Always a plus.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Visible effort.
- Doctor/nurse on call: Great to know.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Hot water linen and laundry washing: Essential.
- Hygiene certification: They are doing something right.
- Individually-wrapped food options: Mostly.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: Attempted, sometimes successful.
- Professional-grade sanitizing services: Seems legit.
- Room sanitization opt-out available: Nice option.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: A given.
- Safe dining setup: Decent attempt.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: Good.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: That is a must.
- Sterilizing equipment: They are trying.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: A must.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: A Mixed Bag
- Spa/sauna: They have one!
- Body scrub & Body wrap: They had it.
- Fitness center/ Gym/fitness: They have a gym, which is great.
- Massage: They are offering massages.
- Pool with view/ Swimming pool [outdoor]: Nice!
- Steamroom: They had it.
- Foot bath: A lovely touch.
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer: A must, and they do it!
- Taxi service: Readily available.
- Car park [free of charge] & Car park [on-site]: Bonus points!
- Valet parking: They had it.
For the Kids:
I didn't have any kids with me, so I can’t vouch for the Babysitting service, but they do have Family/child friendly & Kids facilities & Kids meal. They do seem to cater to families, which is a plus.
Rooms: Pretty Good (But With a Few Quirks)
- Available in all rooms: Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
- Additional toilet: A plus.
- Bathtub: Essential.
- Blackout curtains: Needed to sleep in.
- Carpeting: Fine.
- Closet: Enough space.
- In-room safe box: Great for your belongings.
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Great for families.
- Internet access – LAN & Internet access – wireless: Good to have.
- Linens: Clean.
- Mini bar: Meh.
- Mirror: Essential to judge yourself.
- On-demand movies: Always fun.
- Reading light: Essential for reading.
- Smoke detector: Needed.
- Sofa: nice addition.
- Visual alarm: Safe.
My Istanbul Romance: A Stream of Consciousness
Okay, so here’s the thing: My room, it was pretty good. It had everything you’d expect, the air conditioning worked (thank God!), and the bed was comfortable, which is always a win. The bathroom was clean, had towels, and the shower had good water pressure. The free wifi was a lifesaver, and the coffee maker was a godsend in the mornings.
One afternoon, I decided to hit up the spa. First, their steam room. It was hot, steamy
Maldives Paradise: LAZZLLA Oceanfront Apartment - Unbeatable Views!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Here's my attempt at a "real" travel itinerary, specifically for the Romance Istanbul Hotel, a place that, let's face it, already sounds romantic and a little bit…intimidating. Wish me (and my sanity) luck. This is gonna be messy, I know myself.
Romance Istanbul Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey - My Slightly Unhinged Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and the Grand Bazaar Debacle (Oh, the Haggling!)
Morning (Probably around noon, because jet lag is a cruel mistress): Arrive at Istanbul Airport. The first obstacle? Finding the right transfer. "Okay, okay, I'll just follow the signs…oh, wait, is that a taxi driver aggressively pointing at me? Ah, the adventure begins!" Finally, after a mildly chaotic taxi ride (think loud music and a near-miss with a flock of pigeons), I arrive at the Romance Istanbul Hotel, which…is actually gorgeous. The lobby is all plush velvet and the scent of something expensive and vaguely floral. My inner princess squee'd.
Afternoon: Check-in. Try to remember my limited phrases. "Merhaba?" (Nailed it!) "Oda?" (Hopefully I didn't accidentally ask for a cat.) The room itself? Breathtaking. Overlooking a courtyard. I immediately drop my suitcase (mostly, because the wheels got caught on the uneven pavement) and collapse onto the bed, giggling like a loon. I take a moment to bask in it.
Evening: Armed with WAY too much confidence and a phrasebook, venture toward the Grand Bazaar. Okay, here’s where things get interesting. The Grand Bazaar is a sensory overload! Colors! Smells! People trying to sell me things! I swear, one guy practically leaped at me while showing me a carpet that seemed to scream "your mother's kitchen rug in the eighties". I tried haggling but failed miserably. Got convinced I needed a ridiculously ornate tea set I'll probably never use. Still, a story for the ages! I end up eating the most delicious (and messy) kebab from a street vendor… and, somehow, getting myself covered in delicious, dripping sauce. Romantic, right?
Night: Back at the hotel, I hit the hotel's outdoor cafe and grab a drink. The view is perfect. I sit there and stare at the city, realizing I have no idea what tomorrow holds. Perfect.
Day 2: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Turkish Bath That Almost Broke Me (in the best way)
Morning: Wake up to a ridiculously early alarm. My own fault for being ambitious! The goal? Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque before the crowds. The places themselves? Utterly and completely mesmerizing. I stand in Hagia Sophia, mouth agape, feeling a tiny spark of awe. I’m seriously underdressed (who wears a tank top to a mosque? Me, apparently. Oops). A kind woman lends me a scarf, and I feel a tiny bit ashamed for being such a tourist.
Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant. Try to order something other than "kebab." I point at a dish and hope for the best. Turns out, I ordered a spicy lentil soup. I eat it. It's delicious. But it's also the spiciest thing I've ever eaten, and I spend the next half-hour fanning my face and trying to control my tears.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: The Turkish bath. Okay. Let me just say this: I'd heard the stories. I went in with a vague sense of trepidation and a whole lotta hope for relaxation. I emerged…glowing and slightly bewildered. Being scrubbed by a woman with the strength of ten oxen is an experience. At first I was embarrassed (I got all the "oops, nearly naked" business down), then I was laughing, and then I was just…blissfully clean. My skin has never felt so soft. I think I may have actually been reborn.
Night: I'm going to wander the cafe and watch the sunset. I can already tell, Istanbul is going to get under my skin.
Day 3: A Ferry Ride to Prince's Island and the "Accidental" Ice Cream Disaster
Morning: Decide to escape the city for a bit. Hop on a ferry to Prince's Islands! So beautiful! It had me like, "OMG, boats and water, I feel like I'm in a movie!" Horse-drawn carriages are lovely… until you remember you're allergic.
Afternoon: Spend it exploring the islands. I will wander, take photos, and breathe in the sea air.
Late Afternoon/Early Evening: In an effort to sample something sweet, I buy ice cream from a vendor. The guy does the whole silly "ice cream trick" routine. It's amusing… until he flicks the cone out of my hand. I'm mortified. He shrugs, gives me another, and I finally manage to hold onto it. It's delicious.
Night: Pack. I'm pretty sure I packed too many shoes. Also, I have a new tea set. I will cry when I leave this place.
Day 4: The Hotel and Departure
Morning: This morning, I'm going to have a leisurely breakfast. And then I'm going to spend it just… existing. I will sit in the hotel's lobby and read my book. I’ll just sit and soak it all in.
Afternoon: Check-out and transfer to the airport. I will miss the Romance Hotel – the friendly staff, the comfy bed, the courtyard. I will buy a stupidly expensive Turkish delight at the airport because, well, why not?
Evening: Fly home. I will have a million stories to tell. And I'll start planning my return trip to Istanbul the second I land. Because Istanbul, with all its chaos and beauty, has stolen a little piece of my heart.
Istanbul Romance: Your Dream Hotel Awaits... Maybe? FAQ – Let's Be Real!
Okay, so everyone's calling it "Istanbul Romance." Is it *really* romantic?!?
Alright, let's cut the flowery brochure BS, shall we? Romantic? Well, it depends. I mean, the *idea* is romantic. Picture this: sunrise over the Bosphorus, the call to prayer echoing, you're sipping Turkish coffee... Sounds dreamy, right? And the hotel *tries*. They’ve got the plush, overly-plush pillows, the rose petals artfully – and I mean *artfully* – scattered on the bed... it's certainly a *look*.
Here's the thing: romantic is what *you* make it. My first trip? Screaming toddler next door. Romance? Non-existent. But then, the next time? Lost luggage, delayed flight, total disaster - until we *finally* got there. And the relief? Pure, unadulterated *bliss*. We ordered room service and ate it in our PJs, looking over the water. THAT was romantic. So... yeah, potential. But pack your own brand of magic, okay?
Are the rooms *actually* as gorgeous as the photos? Because you know how that goes...
The photos... Ah, the photos. That's where the marketing team earns their paychecks. They're *good*. Think: Instagram filter on steroids. In reality? Well... let's just say there's a *slight* difference. (And I'm being kind here.) The first time I went, I was fully prepared with a camera. They have these rooms where there's a huge window with a balcony and the view is amazing. I'd booked it specifically and called in advance asking for "that room". I finally get in, and it was.. like the *slightly* less gorgeous sister. The view was *almost* as good. The balcony... well, it was technically there. And the "marble bathroom?" More like the "faux-marble-that-looks-pretty-good-but-you-can-tell-it-isn't-the-real-deal" bathroom. Still, it was comfortable. And honestly? After a long flight, I just wanted a shower. So, take the pictures with a grain of salt. Expect a little reality check. Don't expect the exact same room. And bring your own Instagram filter, just in case.
What's the deal with the Bosphorus views? Are they worth the extra dough?
Okay, the Bosphorus. *That's* where they get you. The view! The shimmering water! The boats! Look, if you're a sucker for a good view (like me), it's probably worth it.
Here's a story: One trip, I splurged. Big time. Got the room with the balcony, corner view, all that jazz. Watched the sunset over the water, drank wine, felt like a queen. Amazing! But then... the seagulls found my unattended cheese plate. Disaster. Seriously, they descended like feathered ninjas! So, pro tip: view = amazing. Cheese plate = guarded. (Or order room service that is well in closed containers).
Also, consider the time of year. During the summer, you might have the sound of boats ALL NIGHT long. During winter, the wind might be brutal. So, weigh your priorities. Is the view worth potential noise? Maybe. Maybe not.
How's the food? Is it Turkish delight or tourist trap?
Ugh, the food. This is a real mixed bag. The breakfast buffet? Standard hotel breakfast. Eggs, pastries, fruit…pretty uninspired. But the lokum - Turkish Delight, and the local pastries...they were seriously *dangerous*!
The hotel restaurant? Hits and misses. Some dishes are amazing, genuinely authentic Turkish cuisine. Others... well, they're clearly catering to a more bland Western palate.
I'd be getting so irritated! My first time in Istanbul and I'M not even *trying* to "do the tourist thing", and they are trying to feed me some bland American food.
My advice? Explore the city! Get out there! Go to the *real* Turkish restaurants. Find those tiny kebab shops and the hidden cafes. You'll find the real Turkish delights, and you won't regret it. (And tip *well* at those places; they deserve it!)
Is the spa any good? I need some serious relaxation.
The spa. Ah, the promise of bliss. Honestly? It's decent. Not the best spa *ever*, but not terrible. Think: clean, quiet, mostly professional. I'd say, do the spa but don't be expecting the best spa experience of your life.
Pro tip: Check out prices the *moment* you arrive. Those spa menus can be a bit, uh, "optimistic" price-wise. Also, specify what you think you'll want (massage, hamam, the works) so you can factor in price and time, and see if you really want to spend that much.
How's the location? Is it easy to get around?
The location. Now, this really depends on the specific Istanbul Romance branch you are looking at. Some are smack-dab in the middle of all the action, a hop, skip, and a jump from the major sights like the Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Others are a bit more secluded, which is good if you like feeling like you're in a movie! But also a bit of a pain if you want to see everything.
The taxis can be a *nightmare*. Traffic is legendary. So, factor in travel time. Learn the tram system (it's surprisingly easy). And wear comfortable shoes. You'll be doing a lot of walking, trust me. (And if you're staying somewhere slightly out of the way, consider the ferry - they're beautiful and can be faster than a taxi!)
What's the Wi-Fi situation? Because, you know, Instagram...
The Wi-Fi... bless its digital heart. It's usually, well, *there*. Sometimes strong. Sometimes patchy. Sometimes it decides to go on vacation to another dimension.
It's a hotel. Expect to spend a lifetime entering your credentials and then having connection issues.
My advice? Download EVERYTHING you need for offline viewing/use beforehand. Prepare to disconnect. And try to enjoy the moment, since you won't be able to stream the whole time anyway.
Hotels With Kitchenettes
