Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah

Very good hotel in a good location. Doesn’t have a rooftop bar, isn’t directly on the Bosphorus, and abuts a busy street. But has a charming sense of faded glamour about it and a remarkable history. To me that’s far more interesting than a new building with new amenities. If you feel differently you might prefer to stay elsewhere. The breakfast was excellent. I’ve had buffet breakfasts at a number of 5* hotels and this could compete with all of them.

Wanted to stay here given its historical significance in this city as a hotel and some of its storied guests, and it didn't disappoint. I had a room on the 4th floor with a balcony and a lovely view of the Golden Horn (thanks to the receptionist who 'upgraded' my room when I asked for such a room). The elegance of the hotel sets it apart, particularly things like the amazingly old elevator (not in routine use but you can ask to ride it) and the beautiful setting of the Orent bar and the Library. The lobby is oddly small and unimpressive (for such a grand hotel) and note that the rooms (given their age) are not quote modern 5 star hotel standard - though still very nice. Only gave 4 stars overall as I felt the service level was not up to scratch. In the Orient bar, you can take a while to attract attention (and once I had to go up to the bar itself to be served). Another example was one morning at breakfast where I did not interact with any member of staff at any point! (I seated myself and no one approached me at any point, whether to clear finished plates, ask if I wanted tea/coffee, ask if I wanted to order anything from the egg menu, etc). This service level needs to be improved if they want to be maintain luxury hotel status.

We stayed at Pera for 4 nights on our first visit to Istanbul. We chose it because it is a place full of history and we like this type of experience and we enjoyed every minute of it. We had a nice room on the 6th floor with a view on the Golden Horn. What strikes you immediately when getting out of the elevator is the exceptional daylight coming through the huge glass roof, going down to the third floor level. This is a special type of architecture that you do not find anywhere else in any other high rated hotels. The richly decorated entrance, lobby and especially the first floor restaurant and bar confer to this place a special quality and distinction, somehow magic and mysterious. The quality of all services, including breakfast, is absolutely outstanding, One very special person is the concierge, who helped us a lot at every step and choice that you have to make on a limited number of days first time visit of a city full of history. We really felt like we were all the time his special guests. I dare to say that such a concierge adds enormous value and prestige to the hotel.

It is a very beautiful hotel. The rooms we had were very comfortable with great bathroom. The staff at reception and at breakfast are first class. We needed an iron before going to a wedding. It was brought to our room within minutes. Now some details: 1. Breakfast rooms are fine, if needlessly drafty with aircon turned on when there is no need. Outside temperature under 20c. 2. Breakfast choices fine, however remember there is no pork hence no bacon, thank goodness. 3. The spectacular lounge and library are hard to enjoy. There is almost always an event taking place. For example every afternoon there is “afternoon tea” for which there is a charge. There is almost no seating in the common parts for guests. 4. The Orient Bar is equally attractive although service is a bit haphazard, yet the drinks are good quality and nicely served. 5. The Patisserie is most attractive with great cakes and good choice of teas. 6. Cleanliness first class. 7. We didn’t try the beautiful dining room for a meal because the choices on offer were disappointing. It has the same kitchen as in the downstairs Agatha Restaurant. A suggestion: it would be appreciated if they offered also the choice of a la carte breakfast with waiter service. This class of hotel deserves it.

After our Mediterranean cruise, we had the wonderful opportunity to stay at the Pera Palace hotel for two nights! It was such an exciting experience, especially since we’re big fans of Agatha Christie, who stayed there and even wrote her book. The hotel staff were incredibly friendly, and our room was beautifully decorated. The neighborhood was buzzing with fun things to do, from delicious dining options to modern art museums. Although our stay was short, it truly felt perfect!