Hamidiye Cami

Two experiences turned what could have been a good stay into meh. First was their choice of the guide. As soon as we checked in we were pushed a guide and a dinner cruise, we declined the cruise but accepted the guide who was supposed to be taking us through the old city from 900-1700. We requested he start a bit late at around 1000. The guide could barely speak, had such a low voice we struggled to hear, didn't tell us anything beyond the wikipedia pages of the attractions, couldn't cover the grand bazaar since it was closed and didn't offer any alternative for that. In the end he just pushed aggressively for a "heirloom" rug which we told him multiple times was out of our budget. The tour also ended before 1400 and we were left wondering why did it cost that much. Second was their whole communication around a reschedule we had to do. Due to an emergency we had to checkout a day earlier. We reached out to reception to understand if they could offer a partial refund, and they said we have to reach out to Expedia. I reached out to Expedia and after a long chat session they agreed to drop a note to the hotel requesting refund. Initially the hotel refused to acknowledge they have received any email from Expedia. Then I had to ask Expedia to call them, post which the email was acknowledged. By the checkout time, the hotel didnt give any confirmation on the request but expedia said it was declined by them, which they could've done from start saving me the hassle.

Hotelli on helppo löytää ja siinä on viihtyisä aula sekä aamiaispaikka hotellin kattokerroksessa. Huone oli siisti ja tasokas, sekä myös hiljainen. Ilmastointi tehokas ja helposti säädettävissä. Huoneen tilavuus hyvä, eli ei tule ahdasta. Vuoteet olivat mukavia ja on hienoa, että on tarjolla myös kolmen hengen huoneitakin. Hotellin vieressä on pari hyvää ravintolaa, eli hotelliin saapumisen jälkeen on helppo käydä lounaalla tai illallisella. Hotellin respa oli lopulta joustava, vaikka vahingossa olin varannut varauksen vain yhdelle hengelle. Kaksi henkeä onnistui kuitenkin hyvin. Hotellia on helppo suositella ja hotellin hintakaan ei ole paha, varsinkaan jos kolmen hengen huoneessa jakaa hinnan kolmeen osaan matkaajien kesken.

The hotel was very comfortable. Fridge in the room, free bottles of water every day and a decent size room. I was room only so can't comment on the breakfast quality. I also didn't use the spa. The main downside is that the hotel is located in a bit of a dead zone as far as public transport is concerned. It's a good few minutes walk to a bus stop or metro.