Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah

We were booked into the Pera Palace Hotel by our Travel company. The reviews were good and they told us it was a historical hotel but we did not know anything more about it. When we arrived we found out so many more things and loved our stay. The hotel is like Istanbul- a great mix of the modern and old. They have the world's second ever elevator that is still functional. When you arrive, you will get to use it when you first go to your room. Make sure you get photos and videos when you do that. The front desk, doormen, service, housekeeping were all very friendly and attentive. Check in was a breeze, the room was excellent. We stayed for four nights in the Ernest Hemingway suite and everyday when we came back after a day of seeing the sites, the room was refreshingly clean. Their breakfast spread is excellent, the service staff at breakfast was always attentive, friendly and helpful. The hotel seemed to be full but we never had to wait for a table or had any of the food running out even when we went towards closing time. They have a live counter for omelettes at breakfast but their breakfast buffet spread is big enough that you may not even want to go there. We tried the omelettes on one of the days and it was excellent. The have an on site pattiserie, restaurant and bar and even though we are vegetarian and their menu had very few options for us, they were able to get us some items off the menu for dinner on one of the evenings when we were too tired to go out. Be sure to visit the historical room where Ataturk stayed and get picture outside the Agatha Christie room. The hotel has been mentioned in many books and movies over time and they have a booklet which will tell you all about it when you arrive. The lobby and restaurants still have the old world charm and the rooms were very modern, clean and luxurious. We had restful sleep after all the walking we did during the day. There are many restaurants close by within walking distance if you don't want to go to istikal street which i salso within 5-6 minutes walking distance. The vibe of the streets, restaurants and coffee shops close by is wonderfuls so I would suggest walk around and explore the area. On our last day we walked to the Galata tower in the morning and enjoyed the spring weather, the coffee shops and the vibe of the place. It was an enjoyable stay and we look forward to returning some day.

The Pera Palace is Istanbul's crown jewel hotel. The day before we were supposed to arrive there was a significant earthquake; though there was little damage and no fatalities (in a panic, a few people jumped out of buildings!), I called the hotel from Marrakech to be sure we were still welcome. Not only did they reassure us, they upgraded our small balcony room to the Presidential Suite (larger than our condo in NYC). The staff is great, especially Betiil, who despite working long hours, went out of her way to meet my special needs (gluten free/vegetarian). Don't miss the intimate Ataturk museum on the first floor, or the sumptuous breakfast buffet. I'm so glad we stayed in this historic district, just a five minute walk from İstiklal Avenue, a popular and colorful mile-long outdoor walking mall stuffed with restaurants, clubs, bookstores, retail and coffee shops. The Pera Palace is an historic refuge in this cosmopolitan city.

I will admit that this hotel is very centrally located, and it’s rich history is appealing, the quality and attentiveness from the staff is sorely lacking. Restaurant and bar are horrible in their service and it’s very unexpected in a “high end” hotel. I was very surprised and disappointed in that area. The rooms are clean and functional, but we had a claw foot tub in an enclosed shower stall, very difficult to enter and exit on wet marble.

Staff, service, rooms, everything was perfect. Breakfast was a delight, just wish I had had more time. Be sure to take the tour of the historical rooms, and visit the gym, the pool is great. We were picked from the airport, and then we walked everywhere from the hotel.

This splendid hotel was one of the most famous in Istanbul - a century ago, maybe until 1960s? guessing based on the names of the celebrities that stayed here. Now it still looks quite impressive, outside and inside - especially the lobby. The caffeteria looks better than 20 years ago (then it was really a dissapointing place, including the service - seemed as an institution in the process of closing down) - transformed in a turistic, kitchy way, with a waitress who clearly didn’t want to be there and made no effort to hide it. The cakes and coffee were ok, but overall - not really. Still, happy to see the hotel's revitalisation. The staff in the lobby and in front of the hotel seemed more professional and attentive, so maybe the waitress just had a bad day ;)