The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

One of those hotels where everyone willl say hello to you when passing - whether they work there or are a guest…somehow the atmosphere is so friendly that it impacts behavior. Great views of the Bosphorus, Nobu restaurant and super comfy beds with outstanding service. Superb choice in Istanbul.

We stayed in the RC Istanbul for 4 nights. The hotel is situated at one of the best location in the city. The staff show impeccable and kind hospitality. They serve excellent food and drinks. The interior design and decorations display Turkish style in high quality. Unfortunately, we're very disappointed during the stay. First, there is continuous rumbling noise in the bathroom. We raised noise issue to the front desk. They stated it was caused by heating and steaming systems and refused to change the room. The room has very poor sound insultation in the door and walls. We could not even get a good night's sleep at all. Second, the club lounge became a market and children's corner. A few guests vaped and young kids yelled and shouted inside the club lounge. The hotel management literally does not formulate a proper club lounge policy for a pleasant and quiet environment, including age restriction during evening cocktail hours and smoking policy. Overall, the RC Istanbul does not meet satisfactory level to Marriott Bonvoy members.

The entire experience was wonderful 10/10. First, the room and view were perfect (I was upgraded to a corner room with Bosphorous view). Next, the service by the staff was excellent (from every level: bellhop, dining - especially the evening manager and breakfast staff on the second day, and Derya the front desk shift supervisor was very kind) and lastly the amenities were world class (spa, sauna, infinity pool, marble hamam, and the bathroom of my room I could live it). I really enjoy my stay there and especially the room and rain shower. Being able to open the window gave the freshest, cleanest air. Thank you to the Ritz for one of the best stays I’ve experienced.

Ritz Carlton Istanbul is anything but what you would expect from a Ritz Carlton property. Specially if you have travelled the world and stayed at other parts of of the world and stayed at a Ritz Carlton. The location is great and the view from the room was splendid Bosphorus view. But to get this upgrade I had to exchange many mails with the hotel management. So even if you are a Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite Member expect nothing or almost zero privileges from Ritz-Carlton Istanbul. You will have to send mails and make your Ambassador Service get in touch with hotel property to get a good room with a view. You don't get any lounge Access or Free Breakfast as a Marriott Ambassador Elite Member. No one will even recognize you as a Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite Member. Not even a letter of thanks for being a Marriott Elite Member leave aside other amenities or privileges. The Breakfast is limited and average and as expensive as Ritz-Carlton Hotel Breakfast should be but the standards of Breakfast is below average. There is no Service. No one would even ask for water or coffee at your table. Expect a Fairfield Marriott Breakfast experience for the price of Ritz Carlton. Room Service is good. Also the food. Overall Service response is also good. Staff is courteous. But the overall experience is of a Courtyard Marriott or a Fairfield Marriott. So if you are well travelled and have stayed in the best of Ritz-Carlton hotels in the world, you will be disappointed. And if you are a Marriott Bonvoy Member then there are no zero benefits apart from earning points and nights. For someone even like me who is a Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite Member, I had to struggle to demand my privileges. So for someone who wants to stay a good hotel with a great location and rooms with good Bosphorus view, I recommended this hotel. But not to those who have experienced the best of Ritz-Carlton hotels and for Marriott Bonvoy Members, I suggest expect zero benefits or privileges. You might get a room upgrade but even for that you need to exchange a few mails.

Don't expect the high standard of Ritz Carlton we receive in other parts of the world. I've been to this property 5yrs ago and I can confirm the service and experience has gotten worse rather than better. As a Marriott Bonvoy Elite member I was shocked at the lack of service, attention, timeliness,impersonal and transactional. Just another standard hotel. From reception to room changes to even the laudry service not delivering and having to find my lost items.