Grand Hotel de Londres

I love this place - the quirkiest hotel in Istanbul; huge rooms, daft decor, friendly staff and an excellent rooftop bar on two levels. On this visit we were staying elsewhere, but we made sure to visit the roof bar. As the sun sets, it's magical. The lights start flickering on, the sky turns into a rich mix of reds, oranges and blues, and the cocktails just slip down.

As a longtime Istanbul resident, I was most disappointed when I visited the terrace for a drink with three out of town visitors. We arrived around 11.30p.m. were completely ignored for 5 mins (there were three other people in the bar). Eventually, when I went to the waiter to order, he told me that they were closed. I asked what was closing time….it was 30 mins. later. I said that my friends had come a long way, that we would have a drink and leave before their closing time. The response was rude and there was a strong reluctance to serve. I prevailed and we were served with a COLD reluctance. This was not my first time having similar experiences at the hotel but until now. On another occasion while there to celebrate a friend’s birthday, we asked for a menu to be told that they don’t have a physical menu, so we asked them to just tell us a few of the options. They refused to list them and said we could read their Qcode if we wanted to find out. There have also been other similar episodes but it is a location that I like and want to like, so I have overlooked them. However, they need to change their staff if they want to gain a loyal customer base. On the way out, I explained the experience to a person who claimed to be the manager. He was completely unsympathetic and, like his pathetic waiters, just didn’t want to bother.

I was for the first time in turkey, and I choose this hotel because the pictures are amazing. The reality is different. Everything is not only old but very dirty and not at all hygienic 😧 I suppose there are a few rooms with balcony that look better. But that is normal and ok. The problem is that they should do a renovation, especially the bathrooms. Too bad because its a nice building with a nice history! The food was as well very poor. The stars are for the location and friendly reception.

Built in 1892, this hotel is quite interesting. I felt like I was still living in the times of the Ottoman Empire, with the rooms decorated so beautifully, and the common areas splendidly adorned. But, admittedly, it does need a lot of updating, with tired-looking furnishings. Nevertheless, I still give it a 4 star. Staff was efficient. Location was good for exploring Istiklal, the famous pedestrian street. Trams and funicular were close by. Wonderful restaurants in the area abound. Rooftop bar is very nice.