Pera Palace Jumeirah, Istanbul

The staff are so accomodating and service so good, its fantastic for its location, a short enjoyable walk to Taksim square. I have had the pleasure of staying there many times now, and a trip to Istanbul, would not be complete without the experience of the Pera Palace Hotel.

I have been staying at the Pera Palas since the early 80's; my daughter and I were there as recently as 2005. Its charm is in its history, its 19th Century ambience, and its glimpse into modern Istanbul life. I love the excitement. I have never been there when there hasn't been a Rotary Club meeting, a local wedding being celebrated, a movie being filmed, a chess contest being waged, or a photo shoot going on with Turkey's top models. The marble staircase is lovely. The wooden elevator is beautiful. The pastry shop is charming. The bar makes one think of Mata Hari and intrigue as one observes the activity of the streets through lace curtains. My rooms have always been great. The corner rooms with their high ceilings, spaciousness, and views of the old city skyline across the Golden Horn are fabulous. The lavish, fresh breakfast buffet can fuel one until teatime. The staff has always been extraordinarily courteous and helpful. Istiklal Boulevard, a pedestrian thoroughfare and shopping district, is steps away.

Turkish Airlines put our small group of passengers up here when our plane was delayed and we missed our connection. I was looking forward to it, having heard so much about it, but frankly I was appalled. It took reception over half an hour to check in 7 passengers and allocate us keys, by which time we could not get dinner, and were offered no alternative. When I finally got there, my room was small and poky, badly lit and looked out onto a dingy alley. The furniture, bedding and curtains looked like they'd been left over at the end of a car boot sale. The plumbing looked ancient and I gave up on the idea of a shower (no bath) after I couldn't get any hot water at the basin. The lift looked positively dangerous, and the carpet on the stairs was threadbare and torn in places, making it nearly as dangerous as the antique and rickety lift. The lift attendant was FAR too pushy and followed me round asking me to improve his English. I wouldn't stay there again if it was a quarter of the published price, and if Turkish Airlines want to put me there, I'll be making my own arrangements!

It was our first visit to Turkey, 3weeks we had a blast,Istanbul is very nice and this hotel is so cool, very clean service was freindly,it is well kept historical hotel , one of the first laxury hotel in Istanbul, all the movie stars stayed there, we loved it,after a week we went on to Antalya,and Marmaris,and again one night in Istanbul before we fly,and we choose this hotel again,we will go back.