Mr & Mrs Smith

Could not recommend this hotel highly enough. The staff were so helpful and went beyond the call of duty to ensure that our stay was just wonderful (they made a mean menemen for breakfast too). Our room at the front of the hotel was very large, light and sunny, and the area was perfect for exploring. Such a great city – we will def be back to visit and will stay here again, without doubt.

Super. Staff went out of their way to help, the rooms were gorgeous and the breakfast was lovely. Truly discreet. To help you and your taxi driver, yes, it is the building advertising itself as Apartments Lefkowitz. I've not eaten a bad meal in Istanbul although I don't recommend the Galatasaray Bridge fish restaurants. For a truly Turkish experience, ask about boza for dessert. It's  a drink made from seeds and has a slight kick.

Unless you have the ability to sleep through music from the restaurant at the back of the hotel which goes on until 1am, insist on a room at the front. The rooms are very pretty and the location is good. The service is mixed, with some of the staff delightful, and others indifferent. Generally a pleasant stay, however, if we had not been able to change rooms we would have checked out early. A full-service wash and steam at the hammam around the corner was a great way to relax.

I agree the hotel itself is great and looks wonderful, but if you have a room at the back you won't sleep at night – one of the best restaurants in the city is behind you and so is its open terrace, and then the long street of lesser restaurants, many with music until 12am. Lunch: as there isn't a restaurant, you've got a sandwich or salad – great views though.