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, $20 for USA, etc...)
You can apply here at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
Tour website is at http://www.istanbulinhours.com/
There are 3 tours offered (Schedule)
- Tour 1 8:30am - 11am - Sightseeing Tour
- Tour 2 9am - 3pm - Tour
- Tour 3 9am - 6pm - Tour
- Tour 4 12pm - 6pm - Tour
- Tour 5 4pm - 9pm - Cultural Walk Tour
A Bosphorus cruise, with food and drinks, is available for business class passengers of more than 7 hour layover (€183 as of Nov. 2017)
Here's a list of the common hotels that are reported in this thread:
Marriott Renaissance Polat Istanbul Hotel (72% TripAdvisor – most common)
Akgün Istanbul Hotel (44% TripAdvisor–common – far from the airport)
Wow Airport Hotel (56% TripAdvisor–common - very close to airport)
DoubleTree
Wyndham İstanbul Petek (92% TripAdvisor)
Radisson Blu Conference & Airport Hotel (53% TripAdvisor)
Hilton Garden Inn
Courtyard by Marriott Istanbul International Airport
Gonen Hotel Istanbul
Pullman Istanbul Airport Hotel
FAQ 8: Free hotel/tour/cruise when connecting at IST
May 5, 2014, 8:23 pm
#256
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: UA 1K; *G and *A Top 1000; HHonors Diamond; *$ Gold; Global Entry
Posts: 2,273
Should I even bother?
I have a 7h:55min layover at IST later this month, traveling in J. Should I even bother to take TK up on the free hotel offer? Or, should I just stay airside and hang out in the lounge? If I do stay airside, is there anything to do in the airport outside of hanging out in the lounge?
Seems like a lot of hassle to get the free hotel room plus the time needed to get to the hotel and the time needed to get back to the airport in time for my connecting flight. Would also have to pay in advance for the e-visa to leave the transit area and take TK up on the hotel offer.
Seems like a lot of hassle to get the free hotel room plus the time needed to get to the hotel and the time needed to get back to the airport in time for my connecting flight. Would also have to pay in advance for the e-visa to leave the transit area and take TK up on the hotel offer.
May 6, 2014, 9:37 pm
#257
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
I have a 7h:55min layover at IST later this month, traveling in J. Should I even bother to take TK up on the free hotel offer? Or, should I just stay airside and hang out in the lounge? If I do stay airside, is there anything to do in the airport outside of hanging out in the lounge?
Seems like a lot of hassle to get the free hotel room plus the time needed to get to the hotel and the time needed to get back to the airport in time for my connecting flight. Would also have to pay in advance for the e-visa to leave the transit area and take TK up on the hotel offer.
Seems like a lot of hassle to get the free hotel room plus the time needed to get to the hotel and the time needed to get back to the airport in time for my connecting flight. Would also have to pay in advance for the e-visa to leave the transit area and take TK up on the hotel offer.
May 7, 2014, 4:32 pm
#258
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: UA 1K; *G and *A Top 1000; HHonors Diamond; *$ Gold; Global Entry
Posts: 2,273
The lounge is in the international departures area. No need for visa to access it.
May 8, 2014, 2:54 pm
#259
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 6
Short update on the BUD-YYZ issue:
Hoteldesk was the worst. I have never been delt with in such manner in my life. Got stranded with many fellow travellers.
For about 180€ (all in for 3 people with taxi and breakfast) we safed our night at the WOW Airport at 2 a.m. .
After calling out the highest Manager in IST in the middle of the night and him telling us he could also not do anything we had enough and called it a day.
Everyone with the same routing i highly recommend to reserve a hotel by yourself and avoid the TK Hoteldesk by any means. Worst customer service i ever expirienced. Some people without money and lounge access had to spend the night at starbucks.
Suites in CIP lounge were full due to a delayed Singapore flight.
Hoteldesk was the worst. I have never been delt with in such manner in my life. Got stranded with many fellow travellers.
For about 180€ (all in for 3 people with taxi and breakfast) we safed our night at the WOW Airport at 2 a.m. .
After calling out the highest Manager in IST in the middle of the night and him telling us he could also not do anything we had enough and called it a day.
Everyone with the same routing i highly recommend to reserve a hotel by yourself and avoid the TK Hoteldesk by any means. Worst customer service i ever expirienced. Some people without money and lounge access had to spend the night at starbucks.
Suites in CIP lounge were full due to a delayed Singapore flight.
May 8, 2014, 6:15 pm
#260
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
Short update on the BUD-YYZ issue:
Hoteldesk was the worst. I have never been delt with in such manner in my life. Got stranded with many fellow travellers.
For about 180€ (all in for 3 people with taxi and breakfast) we safed our night at the WOW Airport at 2 a.m. .
After calling out the highest Manager in IST in the middle of the night and him telling us he could also not do anything we had enough and called it a day.
Everyone with the same routing i highly recommend to reserve a hotel by yourself and avoid the TK Hoteldesk by any means. Worst customer service i ever expirienced. Some people without money and lounge access had to spend the night at starbucks.
Suites in CIP lounge were full due to a delayed Singapore flight.
Hoteldesk was the worst. I have never been delt with in such manner in my life. Got stranded with many fellow travellers.
For about 180€ (all in for 3 people with taxi and breakfast) we safed our night at the WOW Airport at 2 a.m. .
After calling out the highest Manager in IST in the middle of the night and him telling us he could also not do anything we had enough and called it a day.
Everyone with the same routing i highly recommend to reserve a hotel by yourself and avoid the TK Hoteldesk by any means. Worst customer service i ever expirienced. Some people without money and lounge access had to spend the night at starbucks.
Suites in CIP lounge were full due to a delayed Singapore flight.
P.S. - My opinion is that you did qualify because it was the shortest booking when you arranged the flights.
May 8, 2014, 8:02 pm
#261
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 6
In a nutshell - yes.
But you dont want to imagine how you they handeled you. Like you are entering a prison (as prisoner) . Seems the desk has its own handling manner, as Rest of IST appeared ok.
But you dont want to imagine how you they handeled you. Like you are entering a prison (as prisoner) . Seems the desk has its own handling manner, as Rest of IST appeared ok.
May 23, 2014, 7:31 am
#262
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: UA 1K; *G and *A Top 1000; HHonors Diamond; *$ Gold; Global Entry
Posts: 2,273
FAQ 8: Free hotel/tour when connecting at IST
I ended up taking TK up on the offer. Was put up at the Renaissance Polat during my 7:55 layover on a United saver business award ticket at IST.
Go down to hotel desk and wait 20 minutes in the adjacent Starbucks while they make the reservation. Then, walk out to the curb, where the hotel desk staff will see you get on the airline hotel shuttle. They'll give you a sheet of paper that has the hotel reservation number on it, as well as your return shuttle pick-up time.
Bring cash to give the shuttle driver a tip. Be sure to be ready for the airline shuttle on the return, as they will not wait.
Go down to hotel desk and wait 20 minutes in the adjacent Starbucks while they make the reservation. Then, walk out to the curb, where the hotel desk staff will see you get on the airline hotel shuttle. They'll give you a sheet of paper that has the hotel reservation number on it, as well as your return shuttle pick-up time.
Bring cash to give the shuttle driver a tip. Be sure to be ready for the airline shuttle on the return, as they will not wait.
May 23, 2014, 7:44 am
#263
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: RIX
Programs: SAS Lifetime Gold, HHonors Lifetime Diamond, TK*G Elite+, airBaltic VIP, Sixt Plat, Hertz Gold
Posts: 1,079
That seems to be US-specific. I've never seen transit pax tipping hotel desk staff, shuttle bus driver or anybody else. I don't even think it would be appropriate.
May 23, 2014, 8:34 am
#264
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: DCA
Programs: UA 1K; *G and *A Top 1000; HHonors Diamond; *$ Gold; Global Entry
Posts: 2,273
Quote:
Originally Posted by sannmann
Bring cash to give the shuttle driver a tip. Be sure to be ready for the airline shuttle on the return, as they will not wait.
That seems to be US-specific. I've never seen transit pax tipping hotel desk staff, shuttle bus driver or anybody else. I don't even think it would be appropriate.
Originally Posted by sannmann
Bring cash to give the shuttle driver a tip. Be sure to be ready for the airline shuttle on the return, as they will not wait.
That seems to be US-specific. I've never seen transit pax tipping hotel desk staff, shuttle bus driver or anybody else. I don't even think it would be appropriate.
Jun 8, 2014, 4:25 am
#265
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/1MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 11,982
I think no, I ask the same question few days ago
flight will be from Moscow, if you choice longer connection time , even if there are shorter ones , you wont be eligible... ( from moscow they have 3 flights so , you can always make shorter connection )
at least what they told me at the IST lounge...
but I think you can still try your chance ...
flight will be from Moscow, if you choice longer connection time , even if there are shorter ones , you wont be eligible... ( from moscow they have 3 flights so , you can always make shorter connection )
at least what they told me at the IST lounge...
but I think you can still try your chance ...
Jun 21, 2014, 8:03 am
#266
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: IAH and HAM
Programs: LH Sen, PPS, FB Platinum, Enrich Silver, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,496
I tried the service during my recent stop over from BKK to IAH. I was flying in C and had 7.5 hours layover. At the Hotel Desk arrangements were made and I was transferred to the Renaissance hotel. I received a room on the executive floor with lounge access and after 3 hours of sleep I had a nice breakfast.
All was good until that point. However TK "forgot" to pick me up from the hotel. The pick up was scheduled for 11AM (for a 1PM flight), but they never showed up. At 11:30 I made my own arrangements and just made it..... By the way the doorman at the Renaissance told that this happens quite frequently.
S
All was good until that point. However TK "forgot" to pick me up from the hotel. The pick up was scheduled for 11AM (for a 1PM flight), but they never showed up. At 11:30 I made my own arrangements and just made it..... By the way the doorman at the Renaissance told that this happens quite frequently.
S
Jun 24, 2014, 6:47 pm
#267
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: YYZ
Programs: A3&O6 Gold,IC AMB & HH Diamond
Posts: 14,132
We landed in IST at 3pm, luggage was routed to LGW so we did not have any luggage to lug. By 430pm we were in the room at the DoubleTree not far from the hotel. The desk staff were cordial, you approach them in a nice manner and they reciprocate.
Jun 27, 2014, 12:25 pm
#268
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 2
TK Hotel Desk. Worst Service Staff Ever. PERIOD
Jul 1, 2014, 9:27 am
#269
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: YYZ
Programs: A3&O6 Gold,IC AMB & HH Diamond
Posts: 14,132
Jul 4, 2014, 7:51 pm
#270
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: In the air
Programs: Occasional RTW club
Posts: 6,924
I'm a little bit confused. It looks like there must NOT be any flights available for you to be eligible for the tour. There are four daily IST-VKO flights, and I asked the desk whether KIX-IST, IST-VKO on the last flight of the day is eligible - and they said "yes" (I gave flight numbers). Are they confused? Should I not risk it?