Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

The brunch at Four Seasons, Avlu. We had great expectations to go to this brunch. Being a Four Seasons we thought this was going to be a great experience. Bad and slow service. They had a buffet nothing great. Salads, cheese, some local food. Outside they had a pasta bar ( nothing special), meat and some shrimp. The dessert table was poor. Our advise, do not waste your money in this hotel. There are much better options.

Wonderful hotel in a great location with typical A+ Four Seasons service. I would return here in a heart beat. The staff is fantastic and the room was super nice. The kid rollaway bed was beyond comfy that they gave our teenager. Side note: the spa area is a little small to shower and change before heading out of hotel as we got to enjoy the day in Istanbul before heading to the airport.

We have stayed in the hotel second time. It is wonderful in all aspects: location, service, food, spa and general atmosphere. Breakfast is superb! Highly recommend to visit the Spa service with Nati, she is the best therapist I have ever had.

Spent three nights at this hotel. I was impressed with the lovely grounds and gardens surrounding it. Seems like an oasis in the middle of a very busy area. Taxi drivers (from the airport) have a difficult time navigating the roads and finding the main entrance tucked away within a labyrinth of alleys and narrow streets. It is an easy walk to The Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome and several other attractions in the old town. There are many restaurants and shops close by but be prepared for the “hustle” when taking a walk by these shops and restaurants. Everyone seems to have a “special deal just for today and just for you.” The hotel restaurant serves an outstanding breakfast, probably the best breakfast of any hotel I have ever stayed at, for sure. I was so impressed with the hot and cold selections including many delicious Turkish dishes. It was really incredible with outstanding service, as well. I enjoyed one fabulous dinner in the same restaurant. I also attended a special reception one evening on the rooftop terrace with beautiful views of surrounding landmarks. My room overlooked the main entrance and was very well appointed and cleaned to perfection every day. Front desk staff accompany guests to their rooms to ensure satisfaction. Staff were consistently helpful and courteous throughout the property. I was able to preview several rooms during my stay which were all quite unique in shape and structure since the property was originally a Turkish prison. All were beautifully appointed. The hotel has a free shuttle service to its sister hotel on the Bosphorus. If you have the time, take advantage of this opportunity. You will not regret it. It is located directly on the water with lovely waterfront dining options both inside and outside on the patio. Both of these Four Seasons Hotels are unique and quite different from each other including an incredible art collection on the grounds and within the lobby areas. But, be aware and forewarned not to use one of the portable charging stations should your phone battery need recharging. My phone was hacked during this process. I begin receiving hundreds and hundreds of foreign emails, which, even several months later, I am still receiving and sending to my junk file. All in all, I would definitely recommend this hotel. And, I can add the fact to my travel dossier, that I actually stayed in a “Turkish Prison.”

Room disappointingly dated, difficult to find light switches in the dark, toilet old, robes (this is was a funny one ) seemed fitted for a munchkin - so small) and I got a feeling of melancholy walking through the very narrow hallways which was once a real prison. All Service staff were above adequate and grateful. I find the rooms at a Hilton property (I am a lifetime diamond member) are more modern and superior to the room I was assigned at Four Seasons Sultanamet. So maybe, save yourself $500 US a night ? On the plus side the hotel’s location is prime for historic site visits. For me, the only reason to be there.