Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City
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Summary of reviewsGrand Hotel Gulsoy Old City enjoys extensive praise for its exceptional location in Istanbul. Its central position offers easy access to many of the city's historical sites and popular attractions such as the Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet neighborhood, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, many of which are within walking distance or a short tram ride away. Well-connected to public transport options, including metro, tram and bus stations, the hotel's proximity to Vezneciler metro station and Laleli tram stop further enhances its convenience for guests. The vibrant neighborhood of Fatih, brimming with restaurants, shops and markets, adds to the hotel's appeal while providing a lively yet peaceful atmosphere and beautiful vistas of nearby mosques.
The breakfast experience generally receives positive feedback for its variety and freshness, offering ample choices from local delicacies to freshly made omelets. While some guests note that the breakfast can become monotonous over extended stays and criticize additional charges for certain beverages, most find it to be a highlight of their stay. The rooftop restaurant also garners high marks for both its quality dishes and stunning views, making dinner a particularly memorable occasion.
Guest rooms are frequently praised for their cleanliness, comfort and modern furnishings. Many rooms offer stunning views of the cityscape, enhancing the overall guest experience. The friendly and helpful staff, especially noted individuals such as Monia and Faruk, contribute significantly to the positive atmosphere of the hotel. Housekeeping is efficient, ensuring rooms are kept tidy and well-maintained.
The hotel's cleanliness standards are consistently highlighted with daily cleaning routines ensuring immaculate conditions in both rooms and common areas. The staff is applauded for their professionalism and attentiveness with numerous reviews noting their warm, welcoming nature and willingness to assist.
However, not all aspects of the hotel are without criticism. Wi-Fi connectivity is noted as inconsistent with many guests experiencing frequent outages and slow speeds. While the spa facilities receive favorable remarks for their cleanliness and variety of services, some guests find the operational hours limited and additional charges for certain amenities disappointing. The gym facilities also receive mixed reviews with some guests appreciating the basic equipment and others noting the need for better maintenance and more extensive exercise options.
The pool areas, both indoor and rooftop, are generally well-received for their cleanliness and scenic views. Guests enjoy the warm water and the relaxing atmosphere, though some mention the pool size and after-hours charges as minor drawbacks.
Parking options at the hotel, particularly the convenience and security of underground parking, add to the overall positive experience for guests. Despite some areas needing improvement, the majority of reviews emphasize the comfort, cleanliness and exceptional service provided by Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City, making it a commendable choice for travelers visiting Istanbul.
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The breakfast experience generally receives positive feedback for its variety and freshness, offering ample choices from local delicacies to freshly made omelets. While some guests note that the breakfast can become monotonous over extended stays and criticize additional charges for certain beverages, most find it to be a highlight of their stay. The rooftop restaurant also garners high marks for both its quality dishes and stunning views, making dinner a particularly memorable occasion.
Guest rooms are frequently praised for their cleanliness, comfort and modern furnishings. Many rooms offer stunning views of the cityscape, enhancing the overall guest experience. The friendly and helpful staff, especially noted individuals such as Monia and Faruk, contribute significantly to the positive atmosphere of the hotel. Housekeeping is efficient, ensuring rooms are kept tidy and well-maintained.
The hotel's cleanliness standards are consistently highlighted with daily cleaning routines ensuring immaculate conditions in both rooms and common areas. The staff is applauded for their professionalism and attentiveness with numerous reviews noting their warm, welcoming nature and willingness to assist.
However, not all aspects of the hotel are without criticism. Wi-Fi connectivity is noted as inconsistent with many guests experiencing frequent outages and slow speeds. While the spa facilities receive favorable remarks for their cleanliness and variety of services, some guests find the operational hours limited and additional charges for certain amenities disappointing. The gym facilities also receive mixed reviews with some guests appreciating the basic equipment and others noting the need for better maintenance and more extensive exercise options.
The pool areas, both indoor and rooftop, are generally well-received for their cleanliness and scenic views. Guests enjoy the warm water and the relaxing atmosphere, though some mention the pool size and after-hours charges as minor drawbacks.
Parking options at the hotel, particularly the convenience and security of underground parking, add to the overall positive experience for guests. Despite some areas needing improvement, the majority of reviews emphasize the comfort, cleanliness and exceptional service provided by Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City, making it a commendable choice for travelers visiting Istanbul.
Hotel for Honeymoon
Hotel with Spa
Family Friendly Hotel
Romantic Hotel
Hotel near Nightlife Spots
Hotel with Swimming Pool
Indoor Pool
Business Hotel
Hotel with Parking
Accessible Hotel
Hotel with Gym
4-Star Hotel
Hotel with Indoor Pool
About Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City
License: 005424
Guest Reviews
Location
The hotel is well-connected with various public transport options, including metro, tram and bus stations just a few minutes' walk from the property. Vezneciler metro station and Laleli tram stop are frequently mentioned as convenient access points for guests traveling around the city.
Reviewers also commend the vibrant neighborhood surrounding the hotel, featuring numerous restaurants, shops and markets. The bustling area of Fatih provides a lively atmosphere, yet the hotel's location manages to offer peaceful surroundings with beautiful views, including stunning vistas of nearby mosques.
Overall, the convenience and centrality of Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City make it an excellent choice for visitors looking to explore the historic heart of Istanbul while enjoying easy access to public transportation and local amenities.
Breakfast
However, some reviews point out areas for improvement. A notable number of guests feel that the breakfast lacks variety and becomes monotonous over extended stays. Several reviews mention the additional charges for fresh orange juice and other beverages, which some find inappropriate given the cost of the room. There are criticisms regarding the quality of the coffee and juice with descriptions of these drinks as watered down or unsatisfactory. Additionally, some guests have expressed disappointment with the overall quality of the breakfast, expecting more from a 4-star hotel.
Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviews tend to be positive, recognizing the breakfast as a highlight of their stay, particularly praising its diversity and the pleasant, helpful staff. This balance of extensive options and room for improvement creates a varied but generally favorable impression of the breakfast experience at Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City.
Dinner
The ambiance of dining on the rooftop is another highlight with the elevated position offering some of the best views in town. Breakfast offerings, however, have received mixed feedback with mention of poor quality and lack of variety at times. Despite this, the lunch and dinner options generally receive positive remarks with specific praise for the varied menu and the delicious dishes served.
Some reviewers have noted inconsistent experiences, including the occasional high costs and limited restaurant opening hours. Nonetheless, the positive-feedback emphasizes that the rooftop dining experience is both fabulous and recommendable, making it a must-try for visitors to the hotel.
Rooms
However, there are some recurring issues noted by guests. Soundproofing in the rooms is often poor, allowing for noise from neighboring rooms and the street to be a disturbance. The size of the rooms also varies with some guests finding them smaller than expected, especially for longer stays. Additionally, the bathrooms in some rooms could use upgrades, as issues with mold, outdated fixtures and occasional plumbing problems were mentioned.
On the positive side, room service is prompt and efficient and daily cleaning keeps the rooms tidy. The hotel offers amenities including a cozy restaurant with panoramic views and convenient services like money exchange and PCR testing at the reception. Overall, while there are areas for improvement, many guests find Grand Hotel Gulsoy a comfortable and convenient option for their stay in Istanbul.
Beds
Cleanliness
The hotel's rooms are described as spotless, comfortable and modern, contributing to an overall pleasant experience. Many reviews mention the pristine conditions of the bathrooms, steam bath and sauna, further emphasizing the establishment's dedication to hygiene. However, a few guests pointed out specific shortcomings, such as dirty carpets, occasional dust and inadequate deep cleaning in some areas, particularly bathrooms and certain corners of the rooms. Despite these isolated incidents, most guests agree that the hotel's cleanliness stands out as a major positive aspect.
In conclusion, while there is some room for improvement regarding deep cleaning and attention to details like carpet upkeep, the overwhelming majority of guests find Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City to be a clean, comfortable and well-maintained accommodation, making it a reliable choice for travelers seeking a hygienic stay in the heart of the city.
Staff
Several guests noted the proficiency and multiple language skills of the reception staff with particular commendations for individuals like Cengiz, Leila Gurbuz and Sercan, who were often mentioned for their warm welcomes and top-notch service. The concierge and housekeeping teams were also well-received, applauded for their efficiency and attention to detail, ensuring that rooms were kept immaculately clean and guests' needs were promptly met.
However, it's worth mentioning a few isolated concerns regarding language barriers and less favorable interactions, such as the behavior of certain restaurant waiters and security personnel, which slightly marred the hotel experience for some visitors.
Overall, the staff at Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City earns high praise for their friendliness, professionalism and keen willingness to go the extra mile, thereby significantly enhancing the overall guest experience.
Wi-Fi
However, the overall sentiment leans more towards dissatisfaction. Many reviews painted a picture of inconsistent connectivity, frequent outages and slow internet speeds, particularly in certain areas of the hotel and during peak hours. Guests frequently struggled with connection issues, including having to constantly reconnect to the network or deal with weak signals, especially in their rooms.
Issues such as the internet often being turned off, inconvenient login procedures and problematic Wi-Fi performance were commonly cited. Despite occasional functional moments, many found the Wi-Fi unreliable and subpar for a hotel of its standard, indicating a need for significant improvement.
Spa
The spa services, such as massages, are noted to be good, although there are mixed feelings about the quality of some massages and training of the staff. Access to facilities like the sauna, pool and gym is often free, although certain services, including the hammam and massages, come with an extra charge. The limited operational hours of the spa, usually from 10 am to 5 pm, are a consistent point of criticism and some visitors mention additional charges for using facilities outside these hours.
Overall, the spa is described as relaxing, functional and a great addition to the hotel, especially after a day of sightseeing. Despite some areas needing an update and occasional dissatisfaction with the additional costs, the spa area largely enhances the guest experience at the hotel.
Gym
However, many guests expressed disappointment regarding the gym facilities. Some noted that it is under-equipped and poorly maintained with outdated machines and limited exercise options. Several reviews highlighted the small size of the gym and the insufficient number of exercise machines. Issues like missing gym towels, non-functional power outlets and the need for better soundproofing were also pointed out.
Furthermore, there were grievances about additional costs associated with using the gym after 5 pm and the lack of information about the gym's availability prior to booking. Overall, while some aspects of the gym were appreciated, there is significant room for improvement to meet guest expectations fully.
Pool
Several reviews pointed out that the pool is heated, though some guests mentioned that the water can be slightly cold. Additionally, there were mixed feelings about the size of the pool with some describing it as perfect, while others found it to be on the smaller side. Despite these minor issues, most guests found the pool to be an enjoyable and valuable amenity. However, there are charges for pool access after 5 pm and a requirement to wear swimming caps, which some guests felt could be better communicated.
Overall, the pool area at the Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City offers a pleasant and enjoyable experience with stunning views, a clean environment and various amenities, making it a notable highlight for many visitors.
Parking
Although there are free parking options, including a free public and free parking garage, these are not always guaranteed due to limited availability. The valet parking service also receives praise for its convenience and quality. For larger vehicles, the parking setup can be challenging and the alignment of spaces could use improvement to better accommodate all guests.
In summary, while the underground parking is a reliable option for many, it does come at an additional cost and the availability of free parking may vary. The overall sentiment is that despite some drawbacks and extra charges, the parking facilities are generally well-maintained and secure.
Family
Situated near key attractions such as the Grand Bazaar and Shahzad Masjid, the hotel provides easy access to many local shops and restaurants, enhancing the family-friendly experience with cultural and culinary delights. The neighborhood is praised for being lively and safe, a crucial factor for families with small children.
The hotel's staff receives high marks for their attentive service, assisting with bags and strollers and offering a pleasant and secure environment. The provision of family-oriented services and packages, including afternoon tea, further caters to the needs of families. Despite a few concerns about room arrangements and the lack of connecting doors between some family rooms, the overall stay is described as positive and comfortable for family groups.
In summary, this hotel stands out as a great option for family vacations, providing a safe, clean and kid-friendly experience in a central and culturally rich part of Istanbul.
Nightlife
The hotel's terrace provides beautiful, exotic views of the city, adding to the charm of staying in such a lively area. The surrounding neighborhood is pleasant and safe for visitors, described frequently as a lively family neighborhood. Moreover, the proximity to nightlife hotspots means guests can easily walk to their nightlife destinations.
However, it's important to note that the energetic nightlife comes with its share of noise. Many reviewers mentioned loud music and street noise, sometimes exacerbated by traffic and nearby restaurant noise, which can disrupt sleep due to the rooms not being soundproof. Guests looking for a quiet night's rest may find the constant noise from nightclubs and the surrounding area challenging.
Overall, Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City's location boasts both vibrant nightlife and convenient access to city attractions, perfect for those who thrive in a bustling urban environment.
4 Star
Business
The staff receives high marks for their excellent organization and prompt handling of requests, including the ability to print documents and boarding passes. Despite some concerns over internet connectivity and the breakfast selection, the overall value and price point are seen as favorable. The presence of free Wi-Fi and the convenience of onsite services such as PCR tests further enhance its appeal for those on business trips.
In essence, Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City stands out as a practical choice for business travelers seeking a centrally located hotel with reliable services and professional support.
Accessible
Indoor Pool
Despite some varying opinions on the size with a few mentioning it as small, particularly for children, the pool is generally well-received. It's described as nice, excellent, grand and perfect for a relaxing swim. The heated water and the extended access hours, including use of the sauna until 10 pm and free access all day, enhance the convenience for guests.
The accompanying amenities such as the swim-up feature, heated towel rails and overall good spa and gym facilities further contribute to a positive experience. Overall, the indoor pool at Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City is a cherished feature that has delighted many visitors, offering an inviting and soothing environment.
Honeymoon
Romantic
Yes, Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Indoor Pool.
Yes, a spa is available at Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City.
No, Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City doesn't allow dogs.
Yes, parking facilities are available at Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City.
Yes, Grand Hotel Gulsoy Old City has a gym.
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