Balin Hotel - Special Category

I've stayed in a lot of hotels over the years and this is definitely one I'll remember. The room itself was brilliant. Really clean, great lighting, the air conditioning was amazing (an absolute lifesaver in the Istanbul summer), and the shower had some of the best water pressure I've had in a hotel. Breakfast was lovely every morning too. The location is about as good as it gets. You're literally a few metres from Beyazıt Mosque and the Beyazıt tram stop, so getting anywhere in Istanbul is incredibly easy. There are loads of places to eat nearby and a Migros just around the corner if you need anything. What really made this place special though was the staff. By the end of the trip they honestly felt like friends. Everyone says hello, remembers you, has time for a chat, and genuinely wants you to enjoy your stay. I especially want to mention Tuanna. I'm a team leader myself, yet she is genuinely amazing in her role as general manager. She expects high standards, but she earns the right to expect them. She's constantly helping the team, talking to guests, solving problems and making sure everything runs properly. You don't see her standing back telling people what to do. She's right there alongside them. It says a lot about the culture she's created. You can tell she's always looking for ways to make a great hotel even better, and that attitude spreads throughout the whole team because everyone goes that extra step without you even asking. Tuanna will even make sure to go to every customer to make sure their experience is a good one! Hotels can have nice rooms and great locations, but it's the people you remember years later. That's what this hotel has. Thank you, Tuanna, and thank you to the whole team. You made me feel genuinely welcome from the day I arrived until the day I left, and I'll definitely be back.

Nothing worth mentioning. If the worst part of your stay is having to leave, I think that's a good sign, and my only negative is having to leave at all. :)

The breakfast was excellent, A wide choice, including Turkish specialities and varying each day. Very handy location within walking distance of The Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Galata Tower (40mins) and, if you wanted to go further afield, the tram line. Hotel staff very friendly and helpful.

The attached restaurant was expensive compared to similar nearby places.

Location is on spot.

Sound isolation is close to zero.

The location is perfect to get into the city vibe and very clean.

The fact that it is very difficult to get to the location if you are driving. We had to leave the car in a far away car parking, and then we had to walk up the hill like almost 30 minutes. Then the breakfast very poor, almost no fresh fruits besides some apples and old dry oranges. Every single day the same, no alternate food, unfortunately. The staff were nice though.