Sofitel Istanbul Taksim

An absolutely terrible stay. I specifically booked a deluxe Straits Sea View Twin Room and requested a high floor. However, upon check-in, I was given a first-floor room. When I questioned this, I was told the hotel was fully booked. I asked the front desk why, since I booked a month ago, and if Trip.com hadn't informed them. Their only response was that it was fully booked. I then waited at the front desk for nearly two hours, completely disrupting my afternoon plans. Trip.com's communication eventually persuaded me to accept the room, and I ended up having to comply like an *****. During this time, I received two calls from Trip.com customer service where I couldn't hear anything (at this point, I was already very angry, and they were still using internet calls? And I picked up the call, but heard nothing, yet Trip.com told me they couldn't reach me and would contact me again in half an hour? I *did* answer the call, I didn't reject it!). Around the same time, I checked the room prices at the hotel. A non-sea view room was several hundred RMB cheaper than what I paid a month ago. Attached are photos: Figures 1 & 2: Their so-called sea view room, as actually photographed. Figure 3: The twin room I booked versus the room they prepared for me (although I could separate the beds myself). Figure 4: Hotel room prices checked on-site. Figure 5: The hotel's promotional image of the sea view room when I booked. Figure 6: My booked room type and price. I want to ask Trip.com: Are you engaging in false advertising? Can I demand compensation? The room I was given had absolutely no relation to 'deluxe' or 'sea view'!

The facilities are outdated, super outdated! There is mold in the corners of the room, the bathroom door doesn't close, and the floor is filthy... They even have the nerve to call it a "sea view room," what a joke. The most speechless part is the bedding—every single pillow is completely lumpy and misshapen, every single one! The mattress is so old, saggy, and unsupportive that it's high in the middle and sunken on both sides. The bedsheets have stains on one side and small holes on the other, falling short of even budget hotels like Home Inn or Hanting back in China. I arrived at the hotel at 12 PM, and they stubbornly made me wait until 3 PM for check-in... There are just too many things to complain about. Spending over 7,000 RMB for 3 nights in a dump like this is an absolute rip-off. Future travelers, beware and avoid this place at all costs!

The hotel's location is superb, right outside the door you'll find Taksim Square and Istiklal Avenue. The room was clean and spacious, and the 2-meter bed was incredibly soft and comfortable. Breakfast offered a decent variety, and the service was attentive and professional. The rooftop terrace provided a fantastic view. It was very convenient for getting around and exploring the local food scene. Overall, my stay was excellent.

We had an exceptionally warm and pleasant experience during our stay at this hotel. From the moment we arrived, we felt very comfortable and surrounded by attention and care. We especially want to highlight the staff – everyone was incredibly welcoming, attentive, and kind. Thanks to their attitude, we truly felt like special guests. The room was beautiful, clean, and very cozy, and the view from the window was simply stunning. Everything was thought out to the smallest detail, and every moment of our stay brought us joy. A huge thank you to the entire hotel team for such hospitality, care, and wonderful attitude. Thanks to you, we have the warmest memories of this place and of Istanbul. We will definitely be back again and will gladly recommend this hotel to our friends! ✨

A really nice hotel in terms of location, service, and cleanliness. It's a bit pricey. There's a Turkish lady at the reception who speaks Arabic; she truly deserves all the respect and appreciation. She's incredibly helpful and goes above and beyond to make sure you're happy. Thank you to her! The spa needs more attention in all aspects. The barbers for men, Abdullah and Adnan, are very professional. I will definitely come back, God willing.

The service was just okay. I often called the front desk for ice and no one picked up. I usually had to go downstairs myself to get ice, and frequently encountered drunk people, which felt a bit unsafe.

The hotel has a convenient location, and the rooms are pleasant and clean. However, unfortunately, they didn't return my swimsuit. I left it in the room, 100%, and they said they didn't find it.