Swissotel Istanbul - The Bosphorus

Everything about the Swissotel is 1st. class. The rooms are so comfortable, the staff excellent and friendly. Have not stayed in any other hotels there so cannot compare but it would have to be very special to beat this place.

We were very fortunate to negotiate an upgrade for just £10.00 per night prior to leaving the uk, the benfits trully made our experience memorable. Not only did the upgrade give us a room facing the Bosphurus but we were placed in the "executive lounge" on the 8th floor, the benefits were as follows; Free Breakfast and buffets throughout the day, access to broadband internet and 60" TV, access to roof top terrace and a dedicated team of staff. We estimate the upgrade saved us approx £100.00 per day. It was very nice to come back from the hussle and bussle of Instanbul to a welcoming reception on the 8th floor, there was never more than 6 people in the whole lounge and you were really able to relax. I must conclude that it was the best hotel experience we have ever had!!!

I stayed at the Swissotel Istanbul the Bosphorus in the beginning of July in executive business room booked by the internet. I didn't expect that my choice would be so good. It's an excellent hotel, especially for the tourists!

Location is second to none. View is incredibly picturesque. Service is really 5-star. Rooms are spacious and stylish and posses all the necessary facilities and rather more including bathrobes, slippers and daily fresh fruit bowl. Breakfasts as well as snacks and drinks during the day are served at the executive lounge with a terrific view of the Bosphorus and Dolmabahce Palace. Free access to wellness center with indoor pool, sauna, etc.

Concierge service is very helpful - they booked for me all the excursions I'd like to get.

The Roof Garden is unforgettable restaurant - expensive but worth visiting due to a charming dinner with a breathtaking view of St. Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi palace at night on the other bank of the strait.

Highly recommended!

Beware the totally outrageous prices in the hotel bars and restaurants. I stay approximately 100 nights per year in hotels around the world, and I have never before seen such a level of prices across the board. The hotel itself is OK, even though we had to wait one hour for a room to be available, despite arriving at 5pm. There are much better hotel options in Istanbul.

The view of the Bosphorous and Dolmabahce Palace from our room was breathtaking. We had breakfast on the roof terrace again with stunning views and the service was impeccable thoughout our three night stay. The hotel has many features and facilities which I think would take a week to explore.

The room was large and well furnished and ditto for the bathroom. We had access to the executive lounge where complimentary food and drinks were available.

It was not recommended by the porters to go walking from the hotel at night but taxis are cheap and readily available and Taksim Square, which seems to be the hub of tourist activity, is only five minutes away

Only criticisms would be the temperature of the outdoor pool (it was as cold as the North Sea although it may warm up by July) and beware of the price of drinks at the pool. Approximately £6 for a small beer although iced water is provided free of charge.

The rooms are dated and the entire hotel needs a makeover. I could not figure out what the theme of the decor of the rooms was as there was so much going on. The pillows were cheap and the sheets were scratchy. I had a non smoking room and the chair in my room had a big cigarette burn on it. There are incredible views of the Bospherous from the lobby but again the lobby needs a makeover as well. It is a great location but is geared towards the convention crowd. I stayed at the Ciragan Palace Hotel last trip and would stay there or the Four Seasons. They are more expensive but much nicer hotels and worth the extra cost.

I wanted to stay in this hotel again, however their reservation staff needs a haul over. They do not respond to numerous e-mails, or telephone calls. They evidently have rules of their own.

Only after we called to Turkey and told them to cancel the reservation did they seem to pay attention. By then my travel agent, myself and the LHW were so frustrated we told them nothing would make me return.

I am staying at Cirgian Palace instead.

It is a big hotel but it is very well kept. Good location, great breakfast, wonderful view, impecable service. Good choice.

Istanbul is a faboulous place and the Swissotel enjoys a terrific location in this faboulous city. Moreover, the staff is impeccable and friendly, rooms are wide and spacious, food is excellent. Just having breakfast in the open air on the terrace overwiewing the Bosphorus is worth the staying. You really can't ask for more.

I have stayed in the Swissotel 3 times now in the past few years and believe it to be one of the best hotels anywhere. I travel regularly worldwide on business and feel that the Swissotel compares very favourably with the best of them. The quality and friendliness of the staff is a key differentiator albeit the rooms and general ambience of the place is absolutely superb. From the rooftop bar to the splendid breakfast and lavish toiletries...you are truly cossetted by the place. Think 5 star Asian hotel quality, unusual in Europe, with a location that is outstanding. To quote an earlier contributor - stay stay stay!