May 4, 2014, 9:49 pm
DISCUSSION for Hilton Honors Hotels in Istanbul, Turkey {TUR}
Jul 25, 2020, 2:45 pm
#466
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 59
I have stayed in both, the quality of Conrad is better and the rooms/suites are very modern and nice. The breakfast is way better. The only advantages of the hilton is the central lication close to Taksim by walk and the lounge location and views.
I think the lounges at both are closed though, and not sure what they offer instead, its worth calling them to verify.
Having said all that, my personal preference is Bomonti, I have been getting the best treatment than any other hotel I have ever stayed in for years now. The lounge views at Bomonti are on the top best you can even imagine.
Enjoy Istanbul and say Hi 🤩🤩
I think the lounges at both are closed though, and not sure what they offer instead, its worth calling them to verify.
Having said all that, my personal preference is Bomonti, I have been getting the best treatment than any other hotel I have ever stayed in for years now. The lounge views at Bomonti are on the top best you can even imagine.
Enjoy Istanbul and say Hi 🤩🤩
Jul 25, 2020, 7:06 pm
#469
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Wanting a bit of advice. Heading to Istanbul for our first trip to the city. Will be there 3 days to do some tourist bits and chill at the hotel.
We was booked into the Conrad Bosphourous in a family suite (3 adults and a kid) and got an email today about an upgrade to a Bosphourous Suite. I noted this suite came with an airport transfer so much of the cost would be offset. But on emailing I was told it’s not available for upgrades.
So I looked at making a new booking and this suite was less to buy new than the cost of the current room and upgrade, so that’s what I did and cancelled the old booking.
I then emailed with my new booking reference and flight number, only to be told the car transfer is only offered on a flexible rate. On the app, there is not mention of it being dependant on the rate nor is it excluded under the terms on the dream away rate (the one I booked)
I’ve emailed back asking them to reconsider but it’s left a bad taste, so I started looking around and now I actually think I might even prefer the Hilton Bosphorous.
If anyone has stayed at both and can give me a verdict? Also, has anyone stayed recently at the Hilton. What’s open / closed in these days of Covid?
We was booked into the Conrad Bosphourous in a family suite (3 adults and a kid) and got an email today about an upgrade to a Bosphourous Suite. I noted this suite came with an airport transfer so much of the cost would be offset. But on emailing I was told it’s not available for upgrades.
So I looked at making a new booking and this suite was less to buy new than the cost of the current room and upgrade, so that’s what I did and cancelled the old booking.
I then emailed with my new booking reference and flight number, only to be told the car transfer is only offered on a flexible rate. On the app, there is not mention of it being dependant on the rate nor is it excluded under the terms on the dream away rate (the one I booked)
I’ve emailed back asking them to reconsider but it’s left a bad taste, so I started looking around and now I actually think I might even prefer the Hilton Bosphorous.
If anyone has stayed at both and can give me a verdict? Also, has anyone stayed recently at the Hilton. What’s open / closed in these days of Covid?
Jul 26, 2020, 1:22 am
#471
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Shoreham By Sea
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Posts: 1,334
It’s very clear both on their website and app under the room descriptions. Below is copied direct from it....Airport transfer, Executive Lounge access, free WiFi, scenic view, living room, bathtub
Take in the spectacular Bosphorus view from this 59 sq. m/635 sq. ft. suite.
Jul 26, 2020, 2:53 am
#472
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Manchester, England
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, BMI Gold (RIP)
Posts: 8,021
Having taken a look at the app, the Bosphorous Suite does clearly state the transfers are included with the room. Having taken a look at the range of rates available, none of them state an inclusion or exclusion for the free airport transfer. It would certainly irk me that they are stating exclusions that are not stated elsewhere.
Talking of seemingly clear rules though, the Bosphorous Suite only allows 3 in the room, unlike the family suite that allows 4. Just checking that you have all 4 people booked in on the reservation? The Conrad is a great hotel from past stays there, but they tend to be pretty rigid on things like this.
Talking of seemingly clear rules though, the Bosphorous Suite only allows 3 in the room, unlike the family suite that allows 4. Just checking that you have all 4 people booked in on the reservation? The Conrad is a great hotel from past stays there, but they tend to be pretty rigid on things like this.
Jul 26, 2020, 3:27 am
#473
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I’ve emailed back asking them to reconsider but it’s left a bad taste, so I started looking around and now I actually think I might even prefer the Hilton Bosphorous.
If anyone has stayed at both and can give me a verdict? Also, has anyone stayed recently at the Hilton. What’s open / closed in these days of Covid?
The Conrad is certainly a better hotel, but the Hilton Bosporus has a much better location - I've never stayed at the Bomonti, it's just not a convenient location.
I'd select where to stay and not get fixated on freeby transfers. A taxi won't break the bank, or you could book a private car - friends used KiwiTaxi and i think paid around £30 to Taksim. I use the bus, and hope I live long enough to try the metro
Jul 26, 2020, 7:50 am
#475
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
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I don't know the Bomonti, but yes the Conrad is the much better hotel. The Hilton is good too, it's the longest operating Hilton outside the USA, and benefits from centrality. The Conrad benefits from an amazing view and a pleasant immediate area, and high levels of customer service (usually!). Don't pay more than an implied 35€ for the privilege of an airport transfer, the usual cash rate is around 30€ anyway and may well be an older Merc.
Jul 26, 2020, 2:21 pm
#476
Join Date: Mar 2006
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Posts: 477
I disagree with the Hilton being better located. Maybe it was just when we were there, but walking back at night had us dodging a homeless area, and a lot of drunks. The Conrad is near a lovely shopping/food area, and an easy walk to catch a ferry. I’d take the location any day.
Jul 27, 2020, 6:06 am
#478
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Taksim itself is tourism central, and can be lively, but never threatening.....unless there's a demonstration going on!
But because of the tourism concentration in the area you DO need to be careful of con-artists striking up conversation, some respectably dressed and not drunk.
You are perfectly correct abut Conrad being in a delightful area. The plus of the Hilton is its very central position with excellent transport connections and the tourism area around Istiklal caddesi close by. It all depends what you want to do in Istanbul...
Last edited by IAN-UK; Jul 27, 2020 at 6:12 am
Jul 27, 2020, 8:15 am
#479
Join Date: Jul 2015
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Posts: 482
Wanting a bit of advice. Heading to Istanbul for our first trip to the city. Will be there 3 days to do some tourist bits and chill at the hotel.
We was booked into the Conrad Bosphourous in a family suite (3 adults and a kid) and got an email today about an upgrade to a Bosphourous Suite. I noted this suite came with an airport transfer so much of the cost would be offset. But on emailing I was told it’s not available for upgrades.
So I looked at making a new booking and this suite was less to buy new than the cost of the current room and upgrade, so that’s what I did and cancelled the old booking.
I then emailed with my new booking reference and flight number, only to be told the car transfer is only offered on a flexible rate. On the app, there is not mention of it being dependant on the rate nor is it excluded under the terms on the dream away rate (the one I booked)
I’ve emailed back asking them to reconsider but it’s left a bad taste, so I started looking around and now I actually think I might even prefer the Hilton Bosphorous.
If anyone has stayed at both and can give me a verdict? Also, has anyone stayed recently at the Hilton. What’s open / closed in these days of Covid?
We was booked into the Conrad Bosphourous in a family suite (3 adults and a kid) and got an email today about an upgrade to a Bosphourous Suite. I noted this suite came with an airport transfer so much of the cost would be offset. But on emailing I was told it’s not available for upgrades.
So I looked at making a new booking and this suite was less to buy new than the cost of the current room and upgrade, so that’s what I did and cancelled the old booking.
I then emailed with my new booking reference and flight number, only to be told the car transfer is only offered on a flexible rate. On the app, there is not mention of it being dependant on the rate nor is it excluded under the terms on the dream away rate (the one I booked)
I’ve emailed back asking them to reconsider but it’s left a bad taste, so I started looking around and now I actually think I might even prefer the Hilton Bosphorous.
If anyone has stayed at both and can give me a verdict? Also, has anyone stayed recently at the Hilton. What’s open / closed in these days of Covid?
Breakfast was room service only. The GM emailed me It's now served in the Executive Lounge and starting early August in the restaurant. The pool was open.
Just read in the Hilton Bosporus thread that the Executive Lounge is also closed there. Snack platter in the room, free soft drinks all day by roomservice and alcoholic beverages in the evening between 6 and 8. Pool is open.
Don't know about the situation at the Hilton Bomonti.
Jul 27, 2020, 8:50 am
#480
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
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Posts: 7,691
I think Hilton is in a better location for walking around, but Conrad's location is nothing a taxi can't solve. I have a soft spot for the Hilton as I have been staying there for many years and know a lot of staff there. The main attraction of the Hilton for me is the pool. I like it much much better than the one at the Conrad. I also like Hilton's variety of restaurants. But I think either hotel will ensure an enjoyable stay.