Turkey has been struggling with soaring inflation and one can feel it at an increasing intensity in Istanbul. The prices across hotels and restaurants have skyrocketed and I feel baffled by the prices we need to pay to have a long weekend, a chill out moment or a fine dining evening. Novotel feels like a breath of fresh air amidst the rising prices and declining quality of service and food across a range of ‘premium’ hotels and restaurants.
I had a chance to have a weekend break at Novotel Karaköy which is situated in one of the best spots in the city. It overlooks the other side of Istanbul – the land of the blind as the ancients called it- as well as the historical peninsula with its majestic Topkapı Palace and Haghia Sophia. It is right across from the newly opened Galata Port and walking distance from my favourite Istanbul Modern Museum which hosts a wonderful restaurant.
What I especially enjoyed was the vibe of the hotel. The staff is extremely friendly in a natural manner. Very young, dynamic and welcoming. I felt welcomed at every moment from the check-in to dining at the Archers Bistro, from the spa to the breakfast. Everything I tasted was delicious and was very reasonable in terms of prices. The hotel is spacious and full of light. The rooms are comfortable. The spa offers a wide range of treatments and the hamam treatment I took was fabulous. The staff at the spa are very kind and accommodating.
The view of the breakfast lounge which turns into Mürver Restaurant in the evening can take anyone’s breath away. The breakfast was rich and well presented.
The whole experience felt like home away from home. I would definitely recommend Novotel Karaköy for anyone who is looking for a moment of solitude in the chaos of Istanbul either as a local or a tourist! You won’t regret it.
