Rated 2.0 out of 5.0 by Macca1967 Rude staff at check in and rooms non smoking rooms smelt of smoke
I don't normally leave reviews but I had very mixed feelings staying at this hotel. When we first checked in we were early and told to come back in a few hours. When we did a difference front desk staff deal with us and was totally rude and arrogant. It made me so upset that I wanted to cancel my reservation and go to another hotel. Unfortunately I book a pre-paid rate so had to stay. Some of the other front desk staff were also not very friendly.
The hotel is good value but I had a non smoking room which seemed to have smoke coming out of the air conditioning and it really smelt of smoke during the night.
Breakfast was chaotic for the first few days. They had nobody greeting you and all the tables were full, except a roped off area which had nobody. I had to go around asking someone if seats were taken so we could find somewhere to sit. I couldn't find anywhere so eventually had to find someone serving coffee to find a table for us.
Overall there were numerous things that didn't make our stay go well. I would never stay at this hotel again and certainly think it doesn't live up to the standard off the numerous other Crowne Plaza Hotels I have stayed at over the world.
June 15, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Ess364 Good business rooms
I feel too much happy as I used priority club rewarded
Nights when I need it
June 14, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Henchick Friendly, helpful staff and comfortable bed
A great hotel in an excellent position. Tram almost at the door - though watch those Turkish drivers when crossing the road, even on the walk sign! Delicious breakfast buffet. The only problem we found was the hotel does not recognise Australian dollars for exchange! OK though as money changers nearby. The indoor pool is fantastic. Noise from the loud speakers at the nearby mosque added to the atmosphere of being in Turkey.
June 14, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Nnaimali Platinum Elite Level Member Review
As a Platinum Elite Member, it was a great experience to be upgraded the Presidential Suite. I have stayed in a lot of Crown Plaza Hotels and I really enjoyed the service and the facility. The location is great because you can walk everywhere within the Old City from this hotel. Thank you to the staff and management.
June 4, 2013
Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by
Blackarrowsa Good for some
When I checked in I show the receptionist my Ambassador gold card, and he told me this only applied at Intercontinental hotel so they only offer a bigger room next day and extended check out until 1400 hrs. Without any welcome of any things, after three days I show them my elite gold card, then only change my check out time.
This was my fifth stay at same hotel for the last tow years with total of more than 20 rooms for me and my families.
Over all they never considered my member card at checked in.
By the way my first night I stay at room 2311 and next days at room 2211.
May 20, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Sanandrus Great stay
I enjoyed my stay very much. It was easy to reserve online and check in. My room was fantastic - I was given a beautifully decorated corner suite. The shower was one of the best I have ever used. There were only 2 small things that I found a bit inconvenient: the outrageously high prices for minibar items and the requirement for a bathing cap if guests want to swim in the pool. I didn't have one with me and I didn't want to buy one, so I had to skip it. Overall I was really happy with the hotel and felt that it was an excellent value.
May 17, 2013
Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by cuillin First-class stay
Being a Platinum Priority club member, I received an upgrade to a small suite and complimentary access to the Club Lounge. Reception staff were very welcoming and informative. Free WiFi provided, with excellent connection and fast broadband.
The Club Lounge was the only disappointing feature - rather cramped and, late afternoon, not much to choose from and no clean cutlery, glasses left. Breakfast, however, was no problem and good continental-style range.
Our room on the second floor of 3 block was very comfortable, with bath/shower, good water pressure and good toiletries. It was at the opposite end of the hotel from main entrance and overlooked a small side street. No noise problems, unless you left a window open. I did hear call to prayer at 5am one morning but that was because I happened to be awake then.
The cafe/bar in the atrium foyer was very good, with simple range of choice. We ate there twice and it was first-rate both times. Service very quick and staff very pleasant and attentive.
The leisure facilities were especially good. Steam room and sauna were very clean. Staff here also friendly and helpful. But I liked the swimming pool best; although not huge, it was above average than in many city hotels, and I particularly liked the low lighting levels, which made for a relaxing experience. Too many swimming pool rooms are glaringly bright. Very good temperature too; not too hot if you wanted to engage in energetic swimming but not so cool that you had to keep moving to be warm.
The hotel's title is a bit misleading - it is not in the old city. It is situated in a boring area, mainly of clothing shops (and not especially nice clothing). But it is within walking distance of all main tourist sites; mosques, etc. You may be better off walking, as the tram line means that taxis have to divert around, which can make even a short distance quite expensive. Note that many taxi drivers do not seem to know the name or location of the hotel. Get a card from reception to show to taxi drivers, although one we encountered still struggled to find the hotel.
From airport, grab a metered yellow cab and you should only pay about 40 Turkish lira, rather than 45 Euros that hotel quotes. Speaking of airport, you must pass through two security screenings before reaching departures and the queues there, plus queue at passport control, can be horrendous. Traffic to and from airport can also be really busy, so do leave plenty time. Ataturk airport has good shopping and eating places, so there is plenty to do if you have time to spare there. Better safe than sorry!
I was very pleased with my stay at this Crowne Plaza. Rack rates are expensive, so look for deals in advance.
May 16, 2013
Rated 2.0 out of 5.0 by Steve2418 Dark and noisy hotel
As a long term user of the Intercontinental chain I found the hotel in Istanbul to be a great let down. As a platinum member my preferences are well documented and all were ignored on this booking. Given access to the club lounge was not a real perk as the lounge was unmanned for most of the time and during breakfast or afternoon drinks you had to go to reception to get a member of staff o replenish the poor offerings that was there. Combine this with a happy hour from 4pm until 6pm ensured the majority of business people staying rarely if ever got there. Man the lounge, vastly improve the food and change the timing to two hours later to accommodate your best customers. Dark and very noisy rooms did not make for a restful stay and please avoid the Hobbit rooms on the fourth floor with no lift access.
May 15, 2013