Review of Neorion Hotel - Special Class 4*

When I look for a hotel to stay at, especially in large cities like Istanbul, my prime objectives are hospitality, location, and comfort. I cannot stress enough how much this hotel excels in all three. Any doubts and worries that usually ensnares a traveller is plucked away the moment you enter the hotel. The staff are fantastically accommodating; all eager and lovely, their service was marvellous – absolutely zero hesitation and limitlessly professional and lovely, every person who worked there were a pick-me-up after a long day of exploring what the city has to offer. Which is a lot. Knowing the city as only natives do, they offered significant details and tidbits of information ranging from short-cuts, to cheap alternatives, to the best bazaars/pazar, best times to visit certain places, to warnings – which is crucial in strange cities. And Istanbul is a beautifully strange city. Personally, I will miss the staff, for I have never met such practical, helpful and friendly people in other establishments. In hotels that share the high calibre that Neorion Hotel has, I have usually found staff to be cold and distant, even in their assistance. But the warmth and approachability of the staff here knows no bounds and I will here on base my judgement of the staff of other establishments on these brilliant people. The hotel is based in ‘Sirkeci’, practically within walking distance of all major tourist attractions. I usually base myself in hotels that are in quieter out-of-city locations to really capture the ‘holiday’ feel – I live in London, and feel the need to get away from the city. But Istanbul is a city like no other, and not staying within it would be the biggest mistake you could make. Sure, people want to get away from the bustle and noise of city life – but this city has an ambience that I haven’t felt anywhere else – it’s as vivid as its history, architecture and people; the individual sounds joining the hum of the city and make it a unique place I want to visit again and again. The hotel is near to all sorts of transport and shops and cafés and restaurants, although I did explore these, I mostly found myself enjoying the hotel’s restaurant and café. I was sending my thanks and utter love to the chef every day for the beautifully presented and tasty dishes – I have always found it’s usually one or the other, but here it was both. Rooms change according to what you have booked, however the level of comfort doesn’t change. My talks with other travellers who vary from avid traveller to curious summer-goer all had people competing over whose room was better (mine had the best view, so I got the last glassful of the complimentary wine). These talks took place on what I can say was the winning aspect of the hotel: The Terrace. I am sitting on the rooftop terrace now, the stars having nothing on the twinkling of Istanbul at night; the golden glow of the city at sunset has you sighing soulfully and – if you’re an early riser like me – the sunrise is life-affirming. This city is truly magical, ancient and mystical, and the rooftop is its magic carpet ride. You can see everything, and you will find yourself here at every chance you get when in the hotel. Other locations I found myself at after a long day was the brilliant spa and sauna, swimming pool, the hamam they have was preferable to ones I didn’t know, and the massages (of course at extra and acceptable fees) were just brilliant. Overall, I absolutely enjoyed, adored and loved this hotel.