Jul 21, 2015, 8:54 pm
Last edit by: ISTFlyer
It's strange this thread has no Wiki, so here it is, created 7/21/2015
PLEASE READ THE OP Post first
For case related questions ( ex: Am I eligible, etc... ) contact[email protected] first before posting your question here.
TK free hotel room rules:
Note:
- You still need e-VISA to enter Turkish for a Tour or Hotel. The prices vary by countries ($60 USD for Canadian, $20 for USA, etc...)
You can apply here at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
Tour website is at http://www.istanbulinhours.com/
There are 3 tours offered (Schedule)
A Bosphorus cruise, with food and drinks, is available for business class passengers of more than 7 hour layover (€183 as of Nov. 2017)
Here's a list of the common hotels that are reported in this thread:
Marriott Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel (72% TripAdvisor – most common)
Akgün Istanbul Hotel (44% TripAdvisor–common – far from the airport)
Wow Airport Hotel (56% TripAdvisor–common - very close to airport)
DoubleTree
Wyndham İstanbul Petek (92% TripAdvisor)
Radisson Blu Conference & Airport Hotel (53% TripAdvisor)
Hilton Garden Inn
Courtyard by Marriott Istanbul International Airport
Gonen Hotel Istanbul
Pullman Istanbul Airport Hotel
PLEASE READ THE OP Post first
For case related questions ( ex: Am I eligible, etc... ) contact[email protected] first before posting your question here.
TK free hotel room rules:
A complimentary hotel accommodation (maximum 2 nights) will be provided to our valuable passengers when there are more than 10 hours (for economy cabin passengers) and 7 or more hours (for business cabin passengers) waiting during their international connecting flights due to Turkish Airlines’ schedule structure. However, if your destination can be reached by an alternative flight to your first flight and the waiting time is less, you cannot take advantage of the hotel service. This service is not applicable when there is a shorter connection available within the time frame mentioned above. The first and the connecting flights must be with Turkish Airlines. All passengers must hold a confirmed reservation for the first and the connecting flights. Complimentary accommodation will be arranged with Turkish Airlines’ corporate partners and will be provided through the “Hotel Desk” located after the customs’ check point at the arrival. Passengers must check for any visa requirements when entering Turkey. In the event where a visa is not granted, Turkish Airlines assumes no responsibility for providing complimentary hotel accommodation.
Note:
- You still need e-VISA to enter Turkish for a Tour or Hotel. The prices vary by countries ($60 USD for Canadian, $20 for USA, etc...)
You can apply here at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
Tour website is at http://www.istanbulinhours.com/
There are 3 tours offered (Schedule)
- Tour 1 8:30am - 11am - Sightseeing Tour
- Tour 2 9am - 3pm - Tour
- Tour 3 9am - 6pm - Tour
- Tour 4 12pm - 6pm - Tour
- Tour 5 4pm - 9pm - Cultural Walk Tour
A Bosphorus cruise, with food and drinks, is available for business class passengers of more than 7 hour layover (€183 as of Nov. 2017)
Here's a list of the common hotels that are reported in this thread:
Marriott Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel (72% TripAdvisor – most common)
Akgün Istanbul Hotel (44% TripAdvisor–common – far from the airport)
Wow Airport Hotel (56% TripAdvisor–common - very close to airport)
DoubleTree
Wyndham İstanbul Petek (92% TripAdvisor)
Radisson Blu Conference & Airport Hotel (53% TripAdvisor)
Hilton Garden Inn
Courtyard by Marriott Istanbul International Airport
Gonen Hotel Istanbul
Pullman Istanbul Airport Hotel
FAQ 8: Free hotel/tour/cruise when connecting at IST
Jul 8, 2014, 7:03 am
#271
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: New York City
Posts: 92
My flight leaves at 18:20 and I have a 8 hr 45 minute layover - does anyone know if the 12:00 to 18:00 tour is an option? I e-mailed the desk but I just want to double check that I won't miss the flight.
For those of you that have done the tour in IST, what time did you return to the airport?
Thanks!
For those of you that have done the tour in IST, what time did you return to the airport?
Thanks!
Jul 8, 2014, 12:55 pm
#272
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Long Island, NY
Programs: AIR: AA, TrueBlue, MileagePlus
Posts: 41
FYI, I took the tour (Had a 14 hr Layover) and regretted not taking the hotel room and a taxi/train into the center of the city. (My main goal was Hagia Sophia and there is other things in that area.
It may have just been a bad tour guide because I was wanting to see as much as possible, but she was pretty laid back and not concerned as long as we got back in time for our plane.
It may have just been a bad tour guide because I was wanting to see as much as possible, but she was pretty laid back and not concerned as long as we got back in time for our plane.
Jul 16, 2014, 8:29 am
#273
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
So I think I would be eligible but just want to check with all y'all too... well double check...
PRG-IST on TK 1770 Arriving at 2215 connecting to TK 7 the next day at 1340.
the only other PRG flight arrives after the TK 7 departs.
Should be fine right? It's an award ticket.. does that matter? Have their been any reports of people being turned away for a hotel? I'll be in biz....
FDW
PRG-IST on TK 1770 Arriving at 2215 connecting to TK 7 the next day at 1340.
the only other PRG flight arrives after the TK 7 departs.
Should be fine right? It's an award ticket.. does that matter? Have their been any reports of people being turned away for a hotel? I'll be in biz....
FDW
Jul 16, 2014, 9:08 am
#274
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,859
Recent experience:
On the outbound, had a 7h TK-TK connection in C. Went to the CIP Lounge, had some snacks and asked for a suite later - granted. Very nice for a nap or a quiet work session. My itinerary seem to be just on the limit for allowed connection, since it's 4-7h.
On the return, had a ~12h TK-LO (TK coded) in C. Went landside and asked for a hotel in the city for sightseeing. They checked the ticket (heard one agent asking another if it's ok with LO in Turkish) and said only airport hotels available now. Upon further investigation, C class was noticed and was offered Renaissance Polat. Took it, and went for a quick bite next door to TK Arrival lounge. In a couple minutes someone came to pick us up and walk to the shuttle with a couple other people. At the stop, the agent told the others to wait, and us to board - so we got a private transfer. No tip solicitation from the driver.
At the hotel, we got a high floor room and were told bfast was included. High floor turned out to be club floor with a great view over water and the sunrise over the bay.
Asked at the club for advice how to get to the city and was informed they have a free shuttle leaving at 10:30 am with stops at the old town and taksim. Return service at 4-4:30 pm.
We skipped the return and took the subway straight to the airport.
On the outbound, had a 7h TK-TK connection in C. Went to the CIP Lounge, had some snacks and asked for a suite later - granted. Very nice for a nap or a quiet work session. My itinerary seem to be just on the limit for allowed connection, since it's 4-7h.
On the return, had a ~12h TK-LO (TK coded) in C. Went landside and asked for a hotel in the city for sightseeing. They checked the ticket (heard one agent asking another if it's ok with LO in Turkish) and said only airport hotels available now. Upon further investigation, C class was noticed and was offered Renaissance Polat. Took it, and went for a quick bite next door to TK Arrival lounge. In a couple minutes someone came to pick us up and walk to the shuttle with a couple other people. At the stop, the agent told the others to wait, and us to board - so we got a private transfer. No tip solicitation from the driver.
At the hotel, we got a high floor room and were told bfast was included. High floor turned out to be club floor with a great view over water and the sunrise over the bay.
Asked at the club for advice how to get to the city and was informed they have a free shuttle leaving at 10:30 am with stops at the old town and taksim. Return service at 4-4:30 pm.
We skipped the return and took the subway straight to the airport.
Jul 16, 2014, 11:03 am
#275
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Baltimore MD
Posts: 3,457
Recent experience:
On the outbound, had a 7h TK-TK connection in C. Went to the CIP Lounge, had some snacks and asked for a suite later - granted. Very nice for a nap or a quiet work session. My itinerary seem to be just on the limit for allowed connection, since it's 4-7h.
On the return, had a ~12h TK-LO (TK coded) in C. Went landside and asked for a hotel in the city for sightseeing. They checked the ticket (heard one agent asking another if it's ok with LO in Turkish) and said only airport hotels available now. Upon further investigation, C class was noticed and was offered Renaissance Polat. Took it, and went for a quick bite next door to TK Arrival lounge. In a couple minutes someone came to pick us up and walk to the shuttle with a couple other people. At the stop, the agent told the others to wait, and us to board - so we got a private transfer. No tip solicitation from the driver.
At the hotel, we got a high floor room and were told bfast was included. High floor turned out to be club floor with a great view over water and the sunrise over the bay.
Asked at the club for advice how to get to the city and was informed they have a free shuttle leaving at 10:30 am with stops at the old town and taksim. Return service at 4-4:30 pm.
We skipped the return and took the subway straight to the airport.
On the outbound, had a 7h TK-TK connection in C. Went to the CIP Lounge, had some snacks and asked for a suite later - granted. Very nice for a nap or a quiet work session. My itinerary seem to be just on the limit for allowed connection, since it's 4-7h.
On the return, had a ~12h TK-LO (TK coded) in C. Went landside and asked for a hotel in the city for sightseeing. They checked the ticket (heard one agent asking another if it's ok with LO in Turkish) and said only airport hotels available now. Upon further investigation, C class was noticed and was offered Renaissance Polat. Took it, and went for a quick bite next door to TK Arrival lounge. In a couple minutes someone came to pick us up and walk to the shuttle with a couple other people. At the stop, the agent told the others to wait, and us to board - so we got a private transfer. No tip solicitation from the driver.
At the hotel, we got a high floor room and were told bfast was included. High floor turned out to be club floor with a great view over water and the sunrise over the bay.
Asked at the club for advice how to get to the city and was informed they have a free shuttle leaving at 10:30 am with stops at the old town and taksim. Return service at 4-4:30 pm.
We skipped the return and took the subway straight to the airport.
FDW
Jul 17, 2014, 5:22 am
#277
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: BRS; PVG
Programs: BA Gold, A3 *G, EY Gold, AZ CFP (ST E+). Hilton Gold
Posts: 271
So I think I would be eligible but just want to check with all y'all too... well double check...
PRG-IST on TK 1770 Arriving at 2215 connecting to TK 7 the next day at 1340.
the only other PRG flight arrives after the TK 7 departs.
Should be fine right? It's an award ticket.. does that matter? Have their been any reports of people being turned away for a hotel? I'll be in biz....
FDW
PRG-IST on TK 1770 Arriving at 2215 connecting to TK 7 the next day at 1340.
the only other PRG flight arrives after the TK 7 departs.
Should be fine right? It's an award ticket.. does that matter? Have their been any reports of people being turned away for a hotel? I'll be in biz....
FDW
Jul 22, 2014, 4:03 pm
#279
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 13
Hi all.
I'm wondering if TK would be lax with their rules and give a hotel for a Y passenger with a 9h5m connection.(BOS-IST-PVG)
I'm *G if that helps at all.
I know that I'm not technically allowed but wondering if TK would show some compassion.
I'm wondering if TK would be lax with their rules and give a hotel for a Y passenger with a 9h5m connection.(BOS-IST-PVG)
I'm *G if that helps at all.
I know that I'm not technically allowed but wondering if TK would show some compassion.
Jul 22, 2014, 5:13 pm
#280
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Orange County, CA, USA
Programs: AA (Life Plat), Marriott (Life Titanium) and every other US program
Posts: 6,411
The practical answer, based on research, is that TK is very strict with the rules (but that doesn't mean that you can't go to the hotel desk, hand them your documents, and see what they do).
Jul 26, 2014, 1:23 pm
#281
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: PHX
Posts: 4,787
Does anyone think I can get the tour with a layover slightly longer than 24 hours? I arrive at 1705 from the US and depart the next day at 1900 to TXL.
Aug 5, 2014, 5:54 am
#282
Join Date: May 2012
Location: SXE
Programs: QF LTG, VA Gold, BA Gold, HH, SFSC
Posts: 502
Has anyone any experience at requesting an earlier pickup time for the return to IST? Or should I just go with the hotel shuttle (assuming there is one) to be sure? I do not want to risk traffic/customs delays, and would be happy to spend a bit of time in the lounge if I got through early.
Aug 9, 2014, 12:12 pm
#283
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: PHX
Posts: 4,787
Edit: I did e-mail and they got back to me pretty quickly that a layover a bit over 24 hours (mine is about 25:40) is ok.
Last edited by lkar; Aug 11, 2014 at 11:47 am
Aug 17, 2014, 7:27 pm
#284
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: CHS
Programs: DL Diamond, WN A-List, Marriott Platinum Elite, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 685
The hotel aren't all that great, are they? From what I've gathered, these are some of the hotels to expect, are there any others?
- Marriott Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel (72% TripAdvisor--most common)
- Akgün Istanbul Hotel (44% TripAdvisor--common--far from the airport)
- Wow Airport Hotel (56% TripAdvisor--common)
- DoubleTree
- Wyndham İstanbul Petek (92% TripAdvisor)
- Radisson Blu Conference & Airport Hotel (53% TripAdvisor)
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Courtyard by Marriott Istanbul International Airport
- Gonen Hotel Istanbul
Aug 21, 2014, 9:46 pm
#285
formerly mattking2000
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: DXB
Programs: BA|AC|AZ|SPG|H|FPC
Posts: 1,187
Hello! Would anyone be able to weigh in on this?
I'm thinking of booking YUL-IST-VCE. The YUL-IST portion arrives at 1600, and the IST-VCE portion departs at 1650 -- technically an illegal connection since the MCT is 60 mins.
The next flight is 1100 on the next day, will I be eligible for this hotel/tour benefit? There is technically another flight 50 minutes after I arrive, does that disqualify the ticket from the offer?
Thanks!
I'm thinking of booking YUL-IST-VCE. The YUL-IST portion arrives at 1600, and the IST-VCE portion departs at 1650 -- technically an illegal connection since the MCT is 60 mins.
The next flight is 1100 on the next day, will I be eligible for this hotel/tour benefit? There is technically another flight 50 minutes after I arrive, does that disqualify the ticket from the offer?
Thanks!