Stayed 28-29 May. Trip to/from IST was about $20 each, via a yellow taxi via Uber, less than 30 minutes. As a Diamond, I was upgraded, in advance of check-in to a king one bedroom suite, 1809; a true suite - separate bedroom, 1/2 bath attached to living area, full bath with a deep tub and rain shower. (I had booked the cheapest room I could obtain as I was there for less than 12 hours.) Pics on the Hilton site exactly reflect the room. My observation was that the large lamp over the circular work table was quite low - bumped my head twice (takes me awhile to learn) and that there are not any outlets hear the work table.

Note that the security staff unloaded my bags from the taxi and took the bags directly to the scanner and placed the bags on a luggage cart afterwards.

Buffet breakfast - hot and some cold items were served by staff including eggs cooked to order; great variety of items. Beverages and breads were self-service. I peeked in the executive lounge - it is closed, but looks to be very nice when it is opened.

Downside and partially my doing. I arrived at 1 AM or so. Bellhop grabbed my bags, but all I had was US $20s. I asked the front desk agent to exchange one $20 for TKL knowing I'd get a poor rate, but wanted to tip the bellhop as I know times are tough (and explained as such). Worked about to be about a 10% loss. By the time I checked in, the bellhop was busy with another customer. The front desk agent offered to take my bags, but I said I could handle it. He seemed disappointed and seemed to be trolling for a tip. He then called the room about 15 minutes after I got in the room (and was getting ready for bed) to 'make sure I liked the room he had assigned me'; again I had the sense he was looking for a tip. I will not tip front desk staff. And maybe it is a cultural thing that I am not aware of.

Can't comment on the area other than what I could see out the windows - retail/commercial/residential apartment area (including Hilton Residences). Not sure about any public transportation to the airport or into touristic Istanbul.

One note re: Uber pickup at IST. Uber simply connects you to a yellow (cheaper) or blue taxi. Not sure what those differences are. Determining the pickup area was a bit challenging. I had the impression that you exit to the bottom level (some signage indicated so, but I'm a foreigner). The pickup spot for me turned out to be the top level at the exact opposite end of the terminal. Fortunately the Uber app in Turkey (or at least Istanbul) has a translate feature so I was able to figure this out.