Gulhane Park Hotel

Stayed at the Gulhane Park for one night pre Cruise. Room was very clean spacious and comfortable and we were made to feel welcome by the staff at reception. Breakfast was first rate, there was a wide range of food to choose from the buffet. The location of this hotel is perfect in terms of its nearness to the main attractions. The Topkapi Palace is only a few minutes walk and the other interesting places to visit are easily accessible after you have been to the palace eg. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Roman Cisterns and Grand Bazaar. It is not far from the Galata Bridge(to see the fishermen at work) and Town Centre, most attractions are in walking distance and the Cruise Terminal is only 15 minutes away (10 with a crazy driver).

However the real advantage of this hotel is the quality of the management and staff. They can't do enough to make you feel comfortable. We took a taxi back to the hotel after our cruise in the hope that they would look after our bags whilst we did some more sightseeing (our flight was not until 7.40pm and we docked early in the morning). When we arrived at the Hotel to ask if we could leave our bags we were told that "this is your home whilst you are in Istanbul." I don't think that one of the 5 star chains would have been so obliging.

Well done Bayram and Soner Onal and all the staff at the Gulhane Park Hotel.