Garden House Hotel - Special Class

This hotel goes above and beyond from the moment you arrive! There's always somebody by the door greeting you with a smile, and everyone inside are just as friendly - especially Selçuk! We had originally booked a standard double room, but he upgraded us immediately to a suite with a view at no extra cost, simply because he wanted us to enjoy our first visit to Istanbul as much as possible. He was always around for any questions we had and able to organize trips and activities easily. The room itself was also beautiful - huge, extremely clean and tidy with two balconies and tasteful decor. Cleaning staff respected any signs on the door and left the room spotless daily! The breakfast was delicious, the servers were extremely hospitable and we loved that it stays open quite late! The whole premises is stunning - a very warm and friendly home base in such a central location in Istanbul! There's also 24/7 tea, coffee and biscuits for free in the lobby - much appreciated!

The hotel is located in Sultanahmet, one of the oldest and most historical neighborhoods of Istanbul. It's five minutes walk to the Hippodrome, and the wonderful Blue Mosque, and ten minutes from the Basilica Cistern and Agia Sofia (Topkapi is not much further) - as consequence, you have the chance to immerse yourself into the history every day. Go the other direction, and the fascinating Small Agia Sofia is within 5 minutes walk: I recommend it for its peaceful gardens, and its ancient architecture. Five more minutes and you are on the Sea of Marmara. The neighborhood felt safe at all times. There are restaurants, but the hotel's restaurant seems better and it is - for the prices in the area - competitive. We were delighted by the welcome. The reception staff was consistently polite and helpful. The concierge, particularly a young man named Ahmet, are very friendly, and kind, at all times. You will also meet an older man at the door, and we were always greeted by his amiable greeting - no rain, all good. We found our room to be very clean if a bit small (I was travelling with my son, so the bed felt a bit small - it would be great for a couple). I liked the traditional furniture and loved the embroidery of the curtains and red pillows. The hall is nice and cozy, and the veranda and restaurant, in the garden, are pleasant: I liked the way tables are set. Breakfast is rich, in line with Turkish tradition - lots of vegetables, cheese, and other delicacies. We ate at the restaurant many times: it is a bit expensive if you do not pay attention, but the food choice is excellent, We tried the hot starters (honey pastry is great, loved by both of us), the lahmacun (not liked by son, I did), the baked rice pudding (loved it) and many other things. The bread which welcomes you is hot and tasty, and the complimentary pomegranate or Turkish tea with baklava is a great surprise.

Garden house hotel is tucked away in the Sultan Ahmet area, within walking distance to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the historical Roman centre of Istanbul. The representation on the web site is close to reality and it has a wonderful authentic feel. They have 4 floors and no elevator and the surrounds are hilly so I do not recommend it to anyone who may experience difficulty walking or climbing stairs. Having said that I had bad knees but managed ok, just took my time. Staff here are very welcoming and will do anything to make your stay a happy and comfortable. Having the restaurant attached was a bonus. We enjoyed the breakfasts and the dinners that we had and the restaurant staff were super, especially Khadir who would respond with "why not?" to any of our requests. The rooms are clean, spacious and comfortable although "aged" everything was well maintained. Feedback from friends on the 3rd floor suggested that they had problems with water pressure at times but on the 2nd floor we had no problems at all. Although we had pre-booked tours and planned our stay the hotel reception were also willing to do this for us. They did organise a tour of the Hippodrome Cistern and museum, which is under the Nakkas carpet and pottery store nearby. It was well worth the visit, as the hippodrome history is part and parcel of the History of Constantinople. Finally, the cats. The cats are part of Turkish culture as are the community dogs. You will see them everywhere and I think it is wonderful how the Turkish people and approach these animals we found it an addition to our stay.

It left me speechless! This hotel is one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen. The gardens, the decor, the food. The breakfast was wonderful. The customer service was AMAZING. Tarik, Elvin, Ahmed, Murat, Burul, Queen Kitty, In no certain order. They are all OUTSTANDING and took great care of us. Also the gentleman standing at the door greeting us daily. We can’t wait to return. I am a Flight Attendant and stay in various hotels around the world. I respect great hospitality and this place has it all. THANK YOU ALL from a very happy customer.

Rose Garden Hotel - A Haven of Tradition and Comfort I had the privilege of staying at the Rose Garden Hotel, and I can say without hesitation that it is a truly special place. Nestled in a picturesque area, this hotel delights with its authentic traditionalism and welcoming atmosphere. The rooms are not only clean but also radiate care, offering remarkable comfort. Moreover, the stunning views are a delightful bonus. If you are looking for a place to relax in tranquility, admire beautiful landscapes, and benefit from fast Internet access, Rose Garden Hotel is the perfect choice. Another strong point of this hotel is undoubtedly its staff. A dedicated and friendly team is ready to go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay for all guests. As for the hotel’s restaurant, Garden 1897, I can only offer praise. From the moment you enter, the beautiful garden enchants you and offers a sense of peace and relaxation. The food is absolutely delicious, with each dish being a true work of culinary art. The meals are carefully prepared, the ingredients are fresh, and the presentation is impeccable. In conclusion, Rose Garden Hotel and the Garden 1897 restaurant together create an unforgettable experience. The tradition, comfort, and hospitality here make it a destination I warmly recommend to anyone looking for a remarkable stay.