Hilton members have a plethora of options over here in Istanbul. There is a wide range of properties ranging from your more budget-friendly options like a Hilton Garden Inn to the Conrad! This is hands down the best property over here in Istanbul. Istanbul is a great place for mattress runs and there are some of the most well-priced properties in Turkey. You can even get some at 5000 points. Istanbul is not a place where I will scrimp on hotels after a bad experience previously. I would go for something big and safe over here. I have been wanting to check out this property for a long time. Istanbul is a city that fascinates me. I have planned to be back and to properly check out the city. It sits at the crossroads between Asia and Europe. Furthermore, Istanbul is one of the sweet spots on the SQ award chart where it costs just 56,500 miles instead of the usual Europe rates of 103,500 miles. I took a cheap 100 SGD economy flight from Zurich to Istanbul and flew back to Singapore instead.
Booking Process & Pre Arrival
I got some information prior from the hotel itself with regards to the transportation and the rooms. I also wanted to get some information prior given my late arrival. The concierge also reached out before seeing if I required any assistance. A couple of days out of my arrival, I also got an automated upgrade to a Park Suite which is one of the highest category available for diamond members. Elite treatment is amazing here. I was provided with all the timing for the facilities and the restaurants. Conrad Istanbul comes with 553 guest rooms and suites spread across 18 categories. You can check out the breakdown below.
| Rooms | Executive Lounge Access | Bathtub |
|---|---|---|
| Deluxe | No | Yes |
| Deluxe Park View | No | Yes |
| Deluxe Partial Bosphorus View | No | Yes |
| Executive Park View | Yes | Yes |
| Executive Bosphorus View | Yes | Yes |
| Two Bedroom Family with City View | No | Yes |
| Park Suite | Yes | Yes |
| Family Suite with City View | Yes | Yes |
| Park Suite with Balcony | Yes | Yes |
| Bosphorus Suite | Yes | Yes |
| Bosphorus Suite with Balcony | Yes | Yes |
| Grand Deluxe Bosphorus Suite | Yes | Yes |
| Bosphorus Suite with Kitchen | Yes | Yes |
| Deluxe Suite with Kitchen | Yes | Yes |
| Two Bedroom Family Suite with Kitchen | Yes | Yes |
| Two Bedroom Deluxe Suite with Kitchen | Yes | Yes |
| Ambassador Suite | Yes | Yes |
| Presidential Suite | Yes | Yes |
Checking In
I got to the hotel in the evening. It is about an hour’s journey from SAW airport where I landed. I booked an airport transfer from Istanbul Shuttle Port for a fuss-free experience. It cost me around 1305 TRY. You can just pay in cash after the ride. Taxis aren’t entirely reliable and I figured that 50 SGD or so is well worth spending. There was a slight delay and I ended up only getting to the hotel at around 9pm. The hotel has a very grand driveway and it is located up a little hill. Upon arrival, the bellboy came over to help me with my bags. They also have security with proper airport-style scanners. You can then spot the seating around the lobby with a gorgeous spiral staircase. There was a short wait before I was helped to at the reception counters which are located to the left of the lobby. I was thanked for being a diamond member before the staff gave me a very detailed introduction to the hotel and facilities. I was also informed that I have been assigned a Family Suite for the stay. That is excellent. This would have cost around 330 Euros a night. Late check-out was also offered but not needed since I am leaving early.
Family Suite
I was assigned a Family Suite on the 8th floor. This is a mid-tier suite over here. Suite 801 is located at the end of the corridor. It is quite a walk. Right upon entering, you can find a short entranceway with a wardrobe to the right. It comes with plenty of hangers in the cabinet and an ironing kit here.
This suite is spacious and good for 4 pax with a sofa bed in the living room. The living room is in a squarish configuration. It comes with two couches as well as a sofa set that can be converted into a double bed if you require it.
There is a television mounted on the wall. It comes with a good number of both local and international cable channels. I did feel like the size was a little bit too small for the room itself.
Next to it is the working desk. It is of a good size and power outlets are within reach. The wifi connection in the room is very good and strong. It comes equipped with an armchair that provides decent back support for short periods of work. Below it is a shelf where we can find a minibar set up. It is well equipped with both a kettle, a Nespresso coffee machine and a fully stocked mini fridge below too. This is accompanied by coffee capsules, packaged tea and drinking water.
The suite not only comes with a half bath but also a full bathroom. It seems like they might have converted this suite from two bedrooms in the past. The bathroom is of a good size and handy if you have 4 adults staying here. It is well equipped with all sorts of amenities and as per usual they are from Byredo in large pump-size bottles.
The bathroom only comes with a standing shower. The showering space is spacious and I love that they had multiple taps and shower heads in the space. There is even a ledge where you can sit while you shower. The water pressure and temperature control are amazing. There is a total of 3 kinds of shower heads.
The living room is separated from the bedroom by a sliding door. I do love this configuration as it allows you to have a separate space when needed. As we move on to the bedroom, you can find a luggage rack in the corner which can fit a mid-size suitcase well.
Along the wall is also another armchair. I appreciate having multiple seating areas in the room.
The plush king-size bed is in the middle of the room, sort of an island concept. It is nicely designed to ensure that you get an amazing view of the surrounding area. The bedding is extremely high quality and plush. I love that the bed has a nice firm touch to it. I had a great rest here. You can also complement your sleep experience with a selection of pillows. Flanking both sides of the bed are nightstands with power outlets and lighting controls. There is also a wifi charger on the side. Left on the side is also a signature Conrad stuffed animal which is a seagull.
The television is right in front of the bed on an island where the design allows it to be concealed nicely if you are not using it. It is the same size as the one in the living room.
The bedroom comes with a lovely 90-degree view of the surrounding area. You can even get a slight view of the Bosphorus in the for corner.
Behind the beds are spacious wardrobe that comes with everything that you might need for the stay. It is stocked with plenty of hangers, a safe, hairdryer, bathrobes and bath slippers. There is also an additional luggage storage rack in the wardrobe.
The main bathroom over here is the bigger of the two. It comes with plenty of counter space and a single sink. Everything is generously provided from dental kits to mouthwash. Amenities are in large pump-size bottles from Byredo. This is one of the nicest aspects of the room. It comes with a spectacular shower space. It is something like the usual Japanese configuration with the tub in the shower room too. Water pressure and temperature control are excellent. The tub is also spacious. I had an amazing shower every single night.
Turndown service is automatically offered in the evening with Turkish delights. That is a lovely touch.
Fitness Centre
The fitness centre is located on level LL. It is quite a nice place and well-maintained. The space comes with multiple sets of various equipment. Towels and water are provided. The facility is open 24 hours which allows you to use it anytime you fancy.
Indoor Pool
They have both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. During the time of my visit, given the colder season, the outdoor pool is closed. Similarly, the indoor pool is located on level LL. It is open from 6.30am to 10pm. The heated pool allows for a comfortable temperature to be used all the time. It is not an overly huge space and more for one to do laps rather than chilling by the pool.
Executive Lounge
The executive lounge is located on level R. It is just beside the restaurant. The lounge is a lovely space and is designed with a residential vibe. The space is not overly huge but it never gets that crowded. Service is excellent and polished. The staff would immediately come over to offer drinks and have small conversations. I also love that they had this outdoor terrace area overlooking the surrounding area and Bosphorus. They have heat lamps which makes it comfortable even in the colder season. Here are some pictures of the space. The lounge is open from 6.30am to 11pm. It offers breakfast from 6.30am to 11am, nuts & organic fresh fruit service from 11am to 3pm, and afternoon tea from 3pm to 5pm and this continues with hot snacks, canapés and a selection of soft & alcoholic beverages till 7pm. You can find refreshments at other times.
I missed out on the evening canapes on the first night since I had a late arrival. I did manage to check out the all-day refreshments. There are some fruits, snacks, soft drinks, coffee, tea and juices.
I did not make it back for the afternoon service during my stay. I did come back in time for evening cocktails on my second night. The selections are quite good and can be a light dinner refreshment. They have some desserts, cakes, hummus, dips and salads. For hot dishes, they had some fish soup, rice and grilled chicken wings on the night of my visit.
Drinks-wise, they had some beers, and local Turkish wines, including, red, white and rose. There is also a good selection of spirits and mixers. I love the local touch.
Room Service
Room service is offered 24 hours. I got room service on the first night after arrival since we were too tired to travel. We got the Grilled Salmon to share which cost around 755 TYR. The food was delivered within 30 minutes and piping hot. It also came with a bread basket. The portion was healthy. Prices are much higher than in the city but acceptable by Western standards.
Breakfast at Manzara
Breakfast is served at Manzara restaurant. It is located on level R, just above the main lobby and by the side of the executive lounge. You can access it via the spiral staircase too. Breakfast is buffet style and served from 6.30am to 11am daily. The long hours will come in handy. Service is excellent at the restaurant. Upon arrival, I was ushered to a table and the staff then came over to get drinks orders and to introduce themself.
Upon learning that it was my first time here, she also went further to recommend a local Turkish breakfast of Simit, cheese and honey.
I love the local Turkish teas and coffee. Perfect with some baklava.
There is a huge array of food on the buffet line. First up, right in the middle, you have these little individual containers of fresh juices. There is a selection of honey, cheese, yoghurts, jams, fruits, nuts and pastries. Everything looks so fresh and good. They even had a whole honeycomb.
Moving on to the hot food, there is a selection of both Turkish and international items. You can find some pictures over here. I did find the aspect a little lacking. There wasn’t even anything like turkey bacon or chicken sausages. They do have an egg station.
You can also find a pancake and waffle station. Those were great as you get them fresh. I love having them with the spreads and honey. The selection changes slightly daily. I wish they could improve on the hot items and offer barista-made coffee.
Conclusion
This is the go-to hotel over here in Istanbul. I had a very comfortable stay here. Elite treatment is excellent here. The location may not be that ideal but Istanbul is a huge city. You need to have transport to get around. Taxis are very affordable over here and I mainly rely on it to get around. You can also use Uber too. Istanbul is a place where I will not scrimp on hotels. I will go for something reputable and reliable with a big brand name. Clear to say that Conrad Istanbul did this very well with good security. I will have no qualms about coming back again as my base is in Istanbul.
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