1. The walls are paper thin, so you hear the plumbing, doors closing, and any footsteps. 2. The nice pictures are of the renovated rooms. Unfortunately, we had an un-renovated one and it was old and dirty. 3. Our window faced a brick wall. Literally. 4.The location is conveniently close to the tram and sultanahment. 5. Breakfast is ok. 6. We had a double bedded room and it was just two twins pushed together.
Located along the tram line, this hotel is perfect for someone who is intent on exploring Istanbul. A complimentary breakfast is the perfect way to start the day. The sights of Sultanahmet are a ten minute walk away in one direction and the Egyptian Bazaar and New Mosque in the other direction. When you get back, you will find a clean hotel room.
The Ilkay Hotel was much better than we expected for the price in the center of all the attractions in the Old Town area of Istanbul. We especially liked that it was right on the tram line (we could see the Gulhame stop from the front door of the hotel) because we were going to use the tram/light rail to get to Ataturk airport to go home - 45 minutes and $2.00 to get from hotel door to airport. Extremely quiet even though we were on the second floor in the front of the hotel on the street and tram line. Short walk to top attractions and Galata bridge/Golden Horn/Bosphorus. Very nice bathroom and breakfast. Would definitely stay there again. Seemed a very good value compared to 3 other hotels we stayed in in Istanbul, Kusadasi and Bodrum.
No, this is not the Ritz Carlton, but it is wonderful. The staff is amazing and ever so helpful. They will do anything possible to make your stay great. The location is perfect. It is within walking distance of the must-see sites which makes things very convenient. The breakfast is more than adequate. The only problem with any place in the old city is the traffic since there are narrow streets everywhere you go. There is a tram line practically outside the door which makes getting outside of walking distance in the area even easier. If I ever come back to Istanbul there is no doubt as to where I would come. I think you could spend double, triple, or even quad times as much for a hotel and not be as happy.
The Hotel is OK for the money you pay. The rooms are clean and the breakfast is OK (but I don't recommend the cured meat). The reception staff was very helpful. They have a restaurant (Red River) with very decent prices where you can hear some R&B and watch some western posters. Its ad mid point of Hagia Sofia and The Egyptian Bazaar
The hotel has definite drain problem, time to time there was quite unpleasant smell all over the place, room and bathroom are extremely small. Don't expect anything above average. Eating places are in close proximity and many available. Tram stops are close.
The rooms are clean, valueable, comfortable, staff and service on time, breakfast with great selection and very good tasting. Public transportation right at the door and all important amenities around the corner.
The hotel is in a great location with access to public transportation (trams, trains and subways) plus it is close to the old city, the markets, and to Hagia Sophia. The breakfast is excellent and the room service on time. Wireless internet is free and staff is very friendly. Rooms are clean.
nice clean room.great location.walking distance to major attraction.
We stayed at Ilkay in April, 2012. Overall, we couldn't have been happier with the hotel. It was centrally located between almost all the major sights in Istanbul, and very close to a tram stop to reach the more distant locations. The rooms themselves are very clean and comfortable, although they are smaller than standard US hotel rooms. The staff is great, and the continental breakfast was always delicious. There was a wide assortment of items from breads/pastries to cereals to cold meats and cheeses. Overall, we would definitely recommend it to anyone.
located in the old town in between the two stops of light rail train, quite easy to walk over to either of the stations. also close to the seaside, Eminonu, where there's a general train station. the room is small but clean and breakfast is also good for travelers. staff is helpful in english especially in this country.
the only drawback is the carpeting was a little old. however the cleanliness overall made up for it. ideal location for exploring istanbul.
Breakfast was excellent. Staff were friendly. Condition of building was old and shabby. Very warm and beds excellent. Free computer and internet access in guest lounge was a bonus and much appreciated. Rooms need new carpet and replace fixtures and fittings. Location is excellent .
Our stay at the Ilkay was mediocre. The rooms are very small and do not contain any chairs, so if a person wants to sit, the bed is the only place to do so. The lighting in the rooms is horrible and absolutely impossible to read by - no other bulbs were available. The staff was friendly and helped us to navigate the city using public transportation or walking. The Ilkay is within walking distance of many of the "must see" sights of Istanbul. A lot of street noise that continues until the early morning - so be prepared to deal with that. Be advised that the area is full of very aggressive carpet salesmen! They can be ignored, but it is difficult!
Located in Istanbul City Center, Hotel Ilkay is a leisurely stroll from popular sights such as Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar. This 40-room, 3-star hotel has free breakfast along with conveniences like free in-room WiFi and a 24-hour business center.
Free buffet breakfast is included with your stay. Enjoy a leisurely bite to eat at the onsite restaurant, or have a drink at the bar/lounge. Savor a meal from the comfort of your room with 24-hour room service, or get a quick energy boost at the coffee shop/cafe.
Guests can expect free WiFi and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Bathrooms have hair dryers and slippers. Other standard amenities include safes, phones, and desks.
Guests of Hotel Ilkay enjoy free WiFi in public areas, a 24-hour business center, and a library. The 24-hour front desk has multilingual staff ready to assist with securing valuables, dry cleaning/laundry, and tours or tickets. Additional amenities include laundry facilities, a gift shop, and a water dispenser.
1. The walls are paper thin, so you hear the plumbing, doors closing, and any footsteps. 2. The nice pictures are of the renovated rooms. Unfortunately, we had an un-renovated one and it was old and dirty. 3. Our window faced a brick wall. Literally. 4.The location is conveniently close to the tram and sultanahment. 5. Breakfast is ok. 6. We had a double bedded room and it was just two twins pushed together.
Located along the tram line, this hotel is perfect for someone who is intent on exploring Istanbul. A complimentary breakfast is the perfect way to start the day. The sights of Sultanahmet are a ten minute walk away in one direction and the Egyptian Bazaar and New Mosque in the other direction. When you get back, you will find a clean hotel room.
The Ilkay Hotel was much better than we expected for the price in the center of all the attractions in the Old Town area of Istanbul. We especially liked that it was right on the tram line (we could see the Gulhame stop from the front door of the hotel) because we were going to use the tram/light rail to get to Ataturk airport to go home - 45 minutes and $2.00 to get from hotel door to airport. Extremely quiet even though we were on the second floor in the front of the hotel on the street and tram line. Short walk to top attractions and Galata bridge/Golden Horn/Bosphorus. Very nice bathroom and breakfast. Would definitely stay there again. Seemed a very good value compared to 3 other hotels we stayed in in Istanbul, Kusadasi and Bodrum.
No, this is not the Ritz Carlton, but it is wonderful. The staff is amazing and ever so helpful. They will do anything possible to make your stay great. The location is perfect. It is within walking distance of the must-see sites which makes things very convenient. The breakfast is more than adequate. The only problem with any place in the old city is the traffic since there are narrow streets everywhere you go. There is a tram line practically outside the door which makes getting outside of walking distance in the area even easier. If I ever come back to Istanbul there is no doubt as to where I would come. I think you could spend double, triple, or even quad times as much for a hotel and not be as happy.
The Hotel is OK for the money you pay. The rooms are clean and the breakfast is OK (but I don't recommend the cured meat). The reception staff was very helpful. They have a restaurant (Red River) with very decent prices where you can hear some R&B and watch some western posters. Its ad mid point of Hagia Sofia and The Egyptian Bazaar
The hotel has definite drain problem, time to time there was quite unpleasant smell all over the place, room and bathroom are extremely small. Don't expect anything above average. Eating places are in close proximity and many available. Tram stops are close.
The rooms are clean, valueable, comfortable, staff and service on time, breakfast with great selection and very good tasting. Public transportation right at the door and all important amenities around the corner.
The hotel is in a great location with access to public transportation (trams, trains and subways) plus it is close to the old city, the markets, and to Hagia Sophia. The breakfast is excellent and the room service on time. Wireless internet is free and staff is very friendly. Rooms are clean.
nice clean room.great location.walking distance to major attraction.
We stayed at Ilkay in April, 2012. Overall, we couldn't have been happier with the hotel. It was centrally located between almost all the major sights in Istanbul, and very close to a tram stop to reach the more distant locations. The rooms themselves are very clean and comfortable, although they are smaller than standard US hotel rooms. The staff is great, and the continental breakfast was always delicious. There was a wide assortment of items from breads/pastries to cereals to cold meats and cheeses. Overall, we would definitely recommend it to anyone.