Review: Park Hyatt Istanbul

the unknown sink is an ablution sink... for cleansing before prayers

The hotel is fantastic, of course. But don't you feel it's a bit "removed" from the rest of Istanbul in terms of its vibe? I don't know...I don't think it really feels like being immersed in that incredible city.

The vibe of the PH Istanbul isn't very Istanbul but it's a great great part of town that feels very European... though if the goal of the trip is to visit historic Istanbul then I would elect to stay elsewhere. The breakfast was very solid. I got the menemen every morning and my wife loved the pain au chocolat.

I found after staying right in the center of things for a few days when in Istanbul, it was a real treat to then move to the PH and relax in a quieter environment.
It's a great hotel and even as a Plat I got upgraded to the spa king.

I can't believe you call Istanbul one of your favorite cities, yet refer to the Turkish Delights as "Turkish sweets". It'd be like going to Germany and calling the bratwurst a German hot dog.

Metal detector?

WHAT???!!!

Why? What? Why?

@ Michael--repeated acts of terrorism, including bombing of the US consulate a few years ago I believe

"probably the most all around "solid" hotel I’ve ever stayed at"? Wow.

I'm planning another trip to Istanbul soon and have been looking at the PH. Looks great, but I worry about the location--do you think you lose much by not staying on or near the water?

Lucky, if booking via the AMEX fine hotels do you receive Hyatt points/stay credit?

@ Brad -- I like the location because it's quiet and there are lots of nice restaurants in the area. Taxis are cheap so I don't think you're missing out with the location.

@ Robert -- You sure do.

So, my question is... did you use your free night certs to book the room? Or did you use points? Or did you revenue book? I am just wondering how Diamond status is handled with an award booking.
I will be in Istanbul in July and am still in a dilemma over where to stay. I have considered the PH as well as the Grand Hyatt. My only issue with either of these is that they are not located in Old Town, which is where all of the major sites are located in the city. I know that taxis are relatively cheap, but how easy is it to get to Old Town?
Thoughts?

I think it is better to stay in the Sultanahmet area in a boutique hotel. This one is not ideally located for touring around is it? Can you walk to the main attractions?

Istanbul is awesome!

I am going in about 3 weeks to a 5 night 6 days stay in Istanbul. Decided to stay 3 nights close to the Sultanahmet in a boutique hotel (Sultania) and 2 nights at the PH (using my 2 nights certificade from the Chase Hyatt). Can't wait for this trip!

@ Susan -- I made a revenue booking through American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts.

The taxi ride to the Old Town takes about 15 minutes or so.

@ Susan. Taxis are pretty cheap... The ride to the old town is like probably 12-15 lira if I remember correctly.. so like $10. Traffic can be a bear though so it can take anywhere from 15-30 minutes or more.... The PH is definitely not well suited for public transportation... It's a fantastic hotel, but if it was my first visit to Istanbul I would pick one closer to the Old City. The Grand Hyatt is better positioned for public transport to the Old City (Funicular to the tram). One thing to be wary is that Istanbul taxiis are notorious for scamming tourists (I was scammed)... primarily the ones from major tourist sites. I never had any problems with the ones that the PH would arrange.

FDW

I prefer Beyoglu area. It is live at night and most of the bars/club are in that part of town. During the day it is a short ride using the funicular to SultanAhmed.

@Sean
There was a terrorist bombing at the US Embassy in Istanbul just a few weeks ago. Istanbul is not somewhere I envision myself going in the near future (due terrorism), although this hotel is tempting.

The embassy is in Anakara, not Istanbul. The W is in a pretty good location too, not so far from the tram which takes 15 mins to the old city.

The area surrounding the PH is the really posh Nişantaşı district of Istanbul. It's like Rodeo drive in Beverly Hills, servers at restaurants were a bit snooty in this area. But Istanbul is such an amazing city, and being away from the Sultanhamet business is actually quite nice. Taksim and Beygolu are not far at all from the hotel. All are an easy cab or public transit ride away.

Although I did not stay here, I made a mental note that this would be the hotel to stay at in Istanbul, whenever I come back.

The unknown sink kinda looks like it could be for a traditional Turkish bath hamam experience in your spa room. Sit and soak wash yourself using the bowl given, wrap yourself up in your Turkish towel then go for a steam.
was just there at PH, the surrounding area although hilly has lovely eateries and higher end shopping

There are always some that want their accommodations to be a part of the cultural experience when visiting a foreign designation, while others elect for familiarity and comfort in shelter. If we didn't all have different preferences, imagine how crowded or singular the options would be!

Many of us reading Lucky's blog are interested in accruing points within our hotel loyalty programs. While I used to prefer smaller, more "local" lodgings, business travel has helped me earn elite status with both Hyatt and Starwood, so now when I travel for pleasure I am fortunate enough to be able to book award stays. None of the Hyatt or Starwood properties in Istanbul seem to have much Turkish flavor, but I plan on getting enough of that from my intense schedule of sight-seeing and eating and do look forward to the perks of the lounge and a potential upgrade.

"Authentic" isn't always better, just ask all those who complain about the rock hard mattresses in China, but hey, that's how the locals like it!

And the unknown sink by the tub is a kurna that you fill with water and dip the hamam tası (metal bowl) into for splashing water onto yourself.

Always great to review your old articles, and apparently, this hotel is now owned by Salt Bae. @Lucky