Balin Hotel - Special Category

Pros: The location is excellent, the breakfast was delicious, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. These were definitely the highlights of our stay.

Cons: The mattress was too soft for my liking, and the bathroom was a bit cramped. Another issue was the minibar: it was stocked with drinks that guests are charged for if consumed. I was disappointed to find it wasn't empty for guests' personal use, as I had expected.

Pros: The location is perfect so as the hotel itself. The breakfast is excellent. And I would like to express my gratitude to the ladies who serve breakfast for being very kind, helpful and professional. Special regards to the hotel manager who cared for all our needs during our stay.

Hotels location and its staff and manageress were great.

Pros: We arrived with, and were ill with flu for much of our stay but the reception staff and manager (Tu Anna) were so helpful and kind. The hotel is clean with a boutique style charm and located close to the superb tram system and cheapest method of getting around (only 2 stops to the blue mosque). Breakfast is in the adjoining restaurant which is not part of the hotel and staffed (only) for breakfast by the hotels staff. We stayed for 8 nights at a very reasonable rate and would recommend this hotel for those reasons.

Cons: The restaurant by contrast has its own staff and is overly expensive (I recall a can of coke costing €4.50) in my view probably because it is overstaffed for its low footfall of customers. That said, the attractive female waitress spoke good English and was the most attentive, helpful and tried to attract customers from the street into the restaurant in what was v cold weather. You should also bear in mind that in mid January it is very much off season.

Lovely hotel in Prime Location.

Pros: Having visited from UK, we rate this hotel very highly. Special Thanks to Manager, Tuanna and her staff for outstanding service. We had originally booked for 2 nights but extended our stay to 7 nights here. The hotel is located directly opposite Grand Bazaar and Beyazit Tram Stop and in close proximity of Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) and many other historic attractions. Breakfast consisted of a large variety of items. Please see our photos.

Cons: Floor carpets have stains and require cleaning.

Lovely stay in Istanbul

Pros: Location, helpful staff, the breakfast, the shower - lots of things to like. Definitely use their airport transfer service 50 euros each way may sound a bit pricey but it is quite a long drive (1h-1.5h with traffic) and it’s stressful getting a taxi at the airport + it cost us more on the way to the hotel. We took the transfer for our return journey and it was stressful getting a free and comfortable.

Cons: The bed was uncomfortable for my partner but fine for me

Pros: The hotel is very centrally located, right across from the Grand Bazaar, which is a big advantage for tourists. The location is excellent, and the breakfast is quite varied and tasty. However, the room I stayed in was rather small and felt a bit cramped. Although I had direct access to the terrace, which was definitely a plus, the overall room size was not very comfortable.

Cons: The room was small

Unique stay near the city centre of Istanbul

Pros: Overall, the stay was excellent. The location of this hotel is a big pros. Other pros I would pick a delicious breakfast (fresh vegetable, cheese and hams/salami and local desserts), comfy bed and the oriental vibe. The atmosphere is unique. Thanks to the staff for their hospitality.

Cons: There weren't any big issues. However I couldn't notice the dust under the bed. Also the bathroom would need a bit of renovation, especially corners and joints between tiles.

Definitely will come back

Pros: Very good location, easy to go everywhere. They made cleaning everyday, the breakfast was very good and diversified ☺️

Cons: In some nights the music was too loud, but that wasn’t the staffs fault. They manage to remedy that problem.

Pros: The location, it's 50 meters to the tram and across from the grand bazaar the terrace area on the first floor, The staff were always pleasant and helpful, They allow us to leave our bags when I travelled to Cappadocia and was kept safe until my return ,

It’s a charming boutique hotel featuring a lovely balcony garden area on the first floor.

Pros: It’s well located, just a 10–15 minute walk to the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, and other key attractions. The street in front of the hotel is closed to traffic, making it quiet outside. Breakfast was reasonable, offering a traditional Turkish spread. Overall, it’s good value for the price we paid. The staff are friendly, special thanks to Emrullah As for the smooth check-out on Sunday.