More about Hotel Niles Istanbul
Thank you Hotel Niles
by TripAdvisor Member JDBlues
The Hotel Niles is not the Four Seasons Istanbul--it hasn’t the grandeur or amenities. However, during the four days I stayed there last week, I couldn’t help but appreciate a richness in the experience that’s not as easily measured as the per-night cost differential of hundreds of dollars that separates the Niles from its upscale peers in the Sultanahmet.
The Niles is a small hotel with five or six floors, a handful of rooms on each, and a lovely rooftop cafe/ terrace overlooking the sea where the relatively simple, but satisfying breakfast buffet of fruit, eggs, cheeses, olives, yogurt, assorted breads and pastries (some homemade) and more, is served. Based upon my experience there, the rooms are of moderate size, and thoughtfully decorated but have less than memorable views. The bathrooms are snug but entirely modern and water pressure in the shower is ample. There are no bathtubs, whirlpool or otherwise, and no flat screen televisions, only the traditional variety, but everything is very clean and again rather simple, neither luxurious nor Spartan—nice.
The hotel is convenient to the major attractions in the Old City, nearest the Grand Bazaar, but within walking distance of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, etc. For those less inclined to spend time on crowded sidewalks, the tram is a couple of blocks away, and makes travel through the city quite easy.
But none of this explains why this hotel pleases in so many ways and is entirely deserving of the many accolades it receives on this site. As others have noted, the Niles stands apart because of service. The staff is ever ready to assist and be helpful. Seda Kucukbenli, the young manager, is a miracle of professionalism and natural enthusiasm for her work. We can only hope the ways in which she and her colleagues look after their guests will one day become standard in the hospitality trade. They lend the Niles a rare charm which makes it easy to overlook the noise occasionally erupting from construction across the street, the echo of steps and voices from the corridors (interior soundproofing is limited) and the hotel’s rather ordinary, albeit convenient, site and location. (The hotel is not on a major road and is not well known. I learned that taxi drivers from the airport can’t be counted upon to drive you directly to it. I’d recommend having the Niles schedule your airport pick-up for 20 euro. When checkout day arrives, you can easily find your way back to the airport a little less expensively by taxi.)
To sum it up ina few words, the Niles is a lovely little hotel--a fine and friendly place from which to meet Istanbul.
Perfect Hotel in Every Way!
by TripAdvisor Member mikeandheids
My wife and I stayed at Hotel Niles after reading the reviews from this website. We absolutely loved our stay there, and we highly reccomend it! Our room was great- very clean, quiet, and a nice size. I think it would be very hard to beat this hotel for the price! The entire staff were proffesional, prompt and knowledgable. Seda really made us feel welcome and made sure we were comfortable. The roof top terrace was a fabulous place to start the day, and the breakfast was superb. Another plus is the quick access (about two blocks) to the tram, which makes getting to all the major sites quick and easy. When we return to Istanbul, we will definitely stay at Hotel Niles.
Best Hotel i Town
by TripAdvisor Member Osmanbey
The Hotel Niles turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. I chose it because it was within walking distance to the primary sites I wanted to visit, but it turned out to be a great selection for other reasons.
The staff is absolutely superb. Warm and friendly, they are extremely
courteous and efficient in every manner. They couldn't seem to do enough for us. The rooms were clean and sufficient size. Breakfast each morning which was included in the price was delicious and the view from the roof terrific.
In particular I would like to cite Ms. Seda Kucukbenli. She is a vivacious ball of energy. Courteous, charming, eager to please, walking the extra mile, and a delightful person. I would have liked to bring her home with me. She is the icing on the cake.
In short, I would highly recommend the Hotel Niles to any traveler considering a stay in Istanbul.
Robert Osmon Captain US Navy
A Great Small Hotel
by TripAdvisor Member DannyBoy45
My wife and I recently spent five nights at the Hotel Niles. It is a small hotel that is at the same time charming and completely modern. However, the best part of the hotel was the staff. They were not only efficient, but they went out of their way to be helpful, explaining how things worked in Turkey and mapping out places we should see. Their recommendations both for sightseeing and for dinner were always right on the money. The hotel serves an excellent breakfast in a rooftop overlooking the Sea of Marmara. The hotel is within walking distance of the Haggia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. It is a slightly longer walke to the Topkapi Palace and the Archeological Museum. More importantly,the hotel is about two short blocks to the tram (light rail transit) that will take you to all of those and most other places you will want to visit.
The people at the Hotel Niles are very nice people and based on our experience, very honest. We have no trouble recommending them enthusiastically.
The Best Little Hotel in Istanbul!
by TripAdvisor Member TennesseeAdventurer
Istanbul-Hotel Niles-Convenient Location, Excellent Service, Reasonable Prices
Reviewer: Vance Fry, Rear Admiral, US Navy, Retired
My Navy friend and I visited Istanbul for 4 days in April 2007. We chose Niles Hotel on the Internet due to its location in relation to key tourist spots (including walking distance to Grand Bazaar), our desire for a family owned hotel, and a price of about $100 U. S. per night per room.
The hotel is located about 100 yards from the main street where we could catch trams, buses and find many restaurants. We had not read any reviews and did not know what to expect in way of service.
When we arrived the front desk Manager, Seda, greeted us like long time friends. She spoke excellent english, pulled out her Istanbul orientation map, discussed tourist sites and best times to visit.
While we discussed Istanbul, Seda called the cafe and had them bring complementary Turkish coffee and cookies to the reception area. We wanted to book a Turkish Dinner Show. Seda handled it for us. The rooms were spotlessly clean and of adequate size for a moderate priced hotel. Amenities included hair blower, soaps shampoos, and large towels.....items often overlooked in small european hotels.
Complementary breakfast was provided in a roof top cafe...both covered and open. The food was excellent and well prepared. After touring the coast of Turkey, we returned to Istanbul to fly home. And of course we stayed at the Niles that final night. Since we had to go to the airport before breakfast time, we were provided breakfast room service about 6 AM (no charge).
I have traveled to over 50 countries and stayed in many large and small hotels, motels and guest houses. Niles Hotel was exceptional in that every staff person we met was enthusiastic about providing quality service. The hotel manager had studied for his degree in Tourism and Hotel Mgmt in New York for two years. The service team is led by Seda, a remarkable young lady who could call every guest by name, made you feel special, and provided the ultimate in customer service with a big smile. She is pictured with us in the attached photo.
When I return to Istanbul and seek a small european hotel I will definitely stay at the Niles Hotel.
Nothing to get excited about
by TripAdvisor Member roger_sellek
We spent just one night in this hotel since the Dersaadet - the sister hotel - couldn't accommodate us on our first night in Istanbul. The Niles is clean and reasonably well located (though we were recommended to avoid a couple of the darker streets near the hotel after dark).The rooms are basic and ours had flaking plaster on the ceiling. Breakfast was OK in a pleasant top-floor room. The staff were helpful and made the transfer between the hotels very smooth.
Quite disappointing
by TripAdvisor Member violetteParis
I stayed at this hotel 2 days ago and Iafter reading the trip advisors comments, i was expecting a wonderful hotel.
OK breakfast was nice, "home made " food, the view from the terrass was great
but ourt room was really noisy, we stayed on 1st florr and heard the other neighbour, noise from the street and pray call every morning @ 5:AM!
Besides there was no heat ( not workng) and the room was cold
the carpet besides the bed was really dirty
To sum up I was really disappointed by this hotel and if i return in Istanbul I won't choose this hotel
Expensive...
by TripAdvisor Member Escargot100
I have spent in this small hotel five days full of surprises. For economic reasons, I have chosen to share a 3 beds room with two friends. To my greatest surprise, the bathroom was very small and equipped with only a shower. The room was very small. It was difficult to find some room for our suitcases. The manager, a girl in her early twenties, was very rude and tried to make me pay more than the bargained price. I have spent nine years in Turkey before and I find that this hotel's prices excessive.
