The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

I am so glad we stayed at the Ritz in Istanbul. It is in a great location, across from the Bosphorus and 5 minute walk from Dolmabahce Palace. The second you walk in, their hospitality is unmatched. I was able to experience my first hammam at their spa with Nissa. She was so wonderful and it was a great experience. Their spa is beautiful and you’re given a ton of privacy.

After dining at Nobu, I requested to calla yellow taxi. The bellboy told me just take the black van with the hotel logo and not informing me about the hiked cost. I specifically asked if there’s a meter and he said yes. In reality, they charge a flat fee of 500 liras plus some distance cost and the cost came to 780 liras for a trip that would have cost 250 liras by yellow taxi. When I had my own hotel manager call them, Ritz said they don’t allow yellow taxi to come pick up. This is insane for no transparency of cost and policy. I was scammed!!! Beware and don’t fall for this trap!!!

This is my first time in this hotel with this spa experience doing a Turkish bath. And Erna & Tiara were very sweet and professional.

Okay… simply put… one of the best hotel experiences I have had outside the US… the staff, the restaurants, the management,the concierge… comfortable beds… as good as it gets

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Istanbul is a modern and friendly place. Everyone who works there was genuinely friendly and always tried to be helpful and kind. The hotel is clean, and its location is convenient enough. The room we had was fabulous, with a great view (King Premium Bosphorus View). What I wasn't entirely convinced by was the breakfast. I would have liked a better selection of fresh fruit and more healthy options such as chia seeds, avocado, nuts, and seeds in general. I also feel that the use of mobile phones on speaker should not be permitted. It creates the atmosphere of a train station rather than a five-star hotel. We ate at the Italian restaurant. The food was good, but only that. The rooftop bar, however, had a lovely food selection and the quality was excellent. Again, the staff were always competent, accommodating, and genuinely nice. Thank you for that.