DrivingRain

It looks like we're doing 3 nights in IST as a city-stop before giving Silversea a try in the Med. My 2nd trip to IST. First time was the W; forgive me. But I did like the Ws locale and the unique nature of the rooms/patios. And it's in such a nice little sub-neighborhood of Besiktas on the "other side" of the stadium.

Anyway...this thread has been all about FS Bosphorus vs Park Hyatt. And I think that's the choice for us too. The RC seems like a solid business choice, but not vaca. FS Sult is the equivalent of a hotel in Times Square; no thanks.

So....
I lean toward the PH, but I cant help but feel that the call of the water of the FS will be haunting me while Im in the land-locked PH. That being said, what we primarily want to do in IST is wander off Taskim all night, find just the right hole-in-the-wall for dinner, sit in the squares at all hours, drink leisurely and take it all in. The PH seems better suited for such wanderings. Thoughts?

DrivingRain

Oops, is that the Grand Hyatt that's nearer to Taksim, not the PH?

Earthman

I've stayed in that W twice and like it a lot actually,great service and a funky roof bar,it's only a 10 minute walk from the four seasons Bosphorus,so both give you the same local area experience.The rooms at the W are typically funky W style,except more deluxe but last time we were there,the shower flooded the room,which was off putting.
On our 2nd stay there though,we walked up to the four seasons and didn't want to leave.We resolved came to our senses to stay there in future which we did.

Kagehitokiri

DrivingRain, i would highly recommend switching if possible >

looks like
- seadream has a bunch of itins
- seabourn spirit has 3 itins with turkey/istanbul in may 2013
x ms europa doesnt have itins (let alone international/english ones) that far east

aa213bb

Had a fantastic stay at the FS Bos last year.

We were upgraded to a Jr Suite, and found the views quite nice -- certainly not the (I'm imagining) stunning views from a full-on palace room, but still very enjoyable.

I found the property in general extremely lovely, fantastic spa, and the perfect bit of tranquility to return to after exploring the city. I could not more highly recommend it ... one of my more favorite stays in the past few years.

DrivingRain

Yes, I've seen the mixed reviews out there too; but I just had my closest travel confidant return from a 7 day Med and he said the ship has been righted. I trust him on these things. So I'm giving Silversea a whirl. I've done Seadream many times and Seabourn/Crystal/others itins just didnt match up with my schedule.

Kagehitokiri

what do you think of seadream? casual service is how good / any luxury hotel comparison?

my experience on silversea was laughably bad - seems to me silversea has service training issue, and food i think was due to ship size (with ms europa seemingly immune to size problems)

seabourn i dont recall any real problems, but i still wouldnt recommend it here
for alaska would suggest american safari cruise or residensea (latter incl this summer)
i regret not doing nomade / bora bora cruise

DrivingRain

When I first took Seadream in 2002 it was like a floating five star hotel with an RC club level. Once you get onboard, everything is taken care of. There's not much you need to think about due to its an inclusive nature. the same is true with other lines now too, including Crystal. The cabins had flat screen TVs which were rare at the time, the sqft was far above avg, etc. The room service caviar was free-flowing and of decent-enough quality. The rest of the food was hit or miss, but the misses were never revealing of deep flaws. The quality of the ingredients was strong; the problems that did occur were more about execution. The service was pleasantly personalized. It's been proabably five years since my last cruise with them though. Meanwhile, others have upped their standards and built new ships, etc. So where do they fall out? I'd imagine it's still strong. What matters to us is the sun deck, the spa, the cabin and the food & beverages. If those items meet my expectatons then I'll be fine every time.

FlyingDoctorwu

Seadream is great... however, it is very very casual... we've done their carribean itineraries... they are perfect for that sort of thing... I think, though, for European itineraries, I would stay away from them... their "yacht" is perfect for the swimsuit type... lounging on the Balinese beds is quite nice and they'll arrange the unique experience of sleeping under the stars. One of the highlights is pulling into St. Bart's and having a sunset swim... we really enjoyed the marina as well- jetskis, kayak and swimming off the boat... the food is good, but not as good as Seabourn, in my experience... Service is very solid.. it's a small boat and the crew really get to know you and what you like and when you like it... for instance, I for some odd reason, always wanted a shirley temple after coming back onboard... all it took was me asking for it once for the bar tender to remember that that's my coming back on board drink of choice (don't ask why...) hmm for comparison's sake I guess it reminds me a lot of Goldeneye.. sort of non-traditional luxury... bear in mind the boat is 20 years old, and the cabins aren't really as up to snuff....

We've done Seadream, Seabourn, and Regent.. my favorite experiences have always been with Seadream....

FDW

Kagehitokiri

any specific hotel comparisons?

sounds like food is just least bad on seadream/seabourn, especially with declines.
but thats not necessarily all that different from luxury resorts discussed here.

europa has best small restaurant, but ususal limited avail >

wripro

Have to respectfully disagree that FS Sultahnamet can be compared to a hotel in Times Square. True, it's close to all the sightseeing musts but it's on a quiet street and inside it's an oasis of calm and superb service.

FlyingDoctorwu

Hmm.. specific hotels.. honestly beyond Four seasons, I haven't stayed at many hotels like some of you guys.. still waiting my first Aman opportunity. I think Goldeneye in Jamaica is an amazing special place, but it's not traditional luxury- and that's what I think Seadream is like... I thought the food in Restaurant 2 on Seabourn was quite nice... Seadream did have caviar very frequently (and available on demand if you would like). Honestly, one of the best things I ate on Seadream (which my wife still talks about) is the spaghetti bologonese.. she loved it.. very simple but very well done... oh I guess this is another example of the service... even when it wasn't on the menu, they would ask if we would like the chef to prepare it for us ...

FDW

Larkin

FS Istanbul Bosphorus is great, but IMHO must get room on palace facing bosphorus. I just love looking at that view, but that is me. Like hong kong, I would not stay somewhere without a great water view in Istanbul, but that is my preference. I also like ciragan palace for location and views as grpunds re more expamsive. I plus chose FS first, but would choose ciragan over park Hyatt for the views, and do love the pool and outdoor areas. Much larger pool area and wonderful high end Turkish restaurant, but rooms better at FS and spa also much better.

Regarding ships, other than specialty to Burma ( orient express) and down the nile, have done one seabourn and one silver sea. Preferred seabourn food and wine. Caviar was included - not the best caviar but not bad. Food was much better IMao than silver sea and service was great. Had penthouse room which we liked. We were on odessey.

DrivingRain

The options with a 3 night rate total seem to be as follows:

• FS Bosphorus Courtyard at $1,900 +taxes, upgrades not a big deal here, plus other FHR benes
• FS Palace Courtyard at $2,500+, upgrades to Palace Boph ($1,800 per night) plus other FHR benes...only option that has a chance of full Bosph view
• Park Hyatt Superior Room $600+, no FHR benefits
• Park Hyatt King Spa Room $1,200+, no FHR benefits

Ultimately we want to be at the FS, but the pricing difference here seems excessive. I dont mind paying a premium to get what we really want....but I am struggling to justify this...

Kagehitokiri

if considering PH, cheapest room at FS works. the FS is one of the best regarded european properties here. dolder grand is another. great service reports, but probably not a coincidence they are new with great pools/spas/etc. FS also has location.

actually jr suite, when i looked