I needed a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located place to stay, as I planned to spend most of my time exploring Istanbul. For this purpose, this hotel was a great choice, and I can see why it receives consistently high ratings.
The room was clean, the bed comfortable, and the bathroom well-equipped. Breakfast was included, and the staff were welcoming and friendly. Gulhane and Sirkeci tram and metro stations are just a short walk away, making it very easy to get around the city.
Although my reservation was for the Ilkay Hotel, I was actually checked into the Lalahan Hotel. This was a bit confusing at first but didn’t impact my stay overall.
A few points for future guests and for management:
The adjoining street is very noisy in the evenings, be sure to close your window if you’re a light sleeper.
The lift didn’t work, not a problem for me being on the first floor but not for those higher up.
The television in my room wasn’t working, though I didn’t really need it.
The sealant in the shower is starting to get mouldy and could use a refresh.
Please consider covering the food in the breakfast buffet. Some of it was left exposed, and I noticed flies around, along with guests coughing nearby.
Overall, my stay was pleasant, and I would definitely recommend this hotel for anyone looking for a central, affordable base in Istanbul.
