More about Hotel Spectra
Hotel Spectra - A Wonderful Place!
by TripAdvisor Member goseetheworldnow
Hotel Spectra is a very special place. Five years ago I spent four months at this hotel on and off through the spring and summer. This Christmas I was lucky enough to spend twelve days at this lovely hotel. The second night at the hotel the new manager, Hatice, invited myself and two other guests out for pizza after we decorated the lobby Christmas tree. This I will not forget. In addition to being eager to help me with whatever I have needed, I have found myself on numerous occasions enjoying extraordinary conversations concerning culture and history with the staff. The owner of the hotel could not be better. He, Dr. Sumengen, is a kind, genuine, generous, knowledgeable man. Positive energy and an aura of goodness radiate from Dr. Sumengen. Greatly concerned with his guest's welfare, I have received from him needed advice; help concerning a legal contract; and aid in furnishing an apartment. Such a true friend is difficult to find. Each morning the two delightful cleaning women, Gulten and Hatice, greet the guests on the breakfast terrace with a hug and a cheerful "Good morning. How are you?" in Turkish. The enclosed breakfast terrace provides, I believe, the most spectacular view in all of Istanbul - a bird's-eye view of St. Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Bosphorus, and the Marmara Sea. Not only is the elaborate breakfast buffet delicious but the warm and cozy atmosphere allows one to easily engage in conversation with the other international guests at the hotel. Having travelled the world for some years it is with experience and my whole heart that I highly recommend Hotel Spectra and crown it as one of my favorite hotels along with Hotel Antigua in Antigua, Guatemala and The Plaza Hotel in New York City.
Comfort and Convenience at the Hotel Spectra
by TripAdvisor Member VirginiaPrincess2
The Hotel Spectra lived up to every review I read, exceeded them in fact. The breakfast buffet was the perfect way to start the day, sitting in the lovely enclosed roof terrace overlooking the Blue Mosque, Haigha Sophia, and the Sea of Marmara. The view is truly breathtaking. Turkish yogurt, eggs, plump dried apricots, green and black olives, a variety of cheese, teas, coffee, bread, more choices than I can list and all delicious.
Hatice, the general manager, is wonderful and can respond to questions about local restaruants and other matters. The hotel owner, Dr. Ziya Sumengen, was a professor of physics before he became a hotelier. He is a weath of information too. Every staff member was friendly and did everything possible to make our stay special. Turkish hospitality exceeded every expectation too.
The location of the hotel is perfect, so close to major sites and within easy reach of the tramway to visit sights like the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. Many of the major tourist destinations are a short walk from the Hotel.
Our room was small but cozy, with a double and a single which is perfect for a family traveling together. The beds were very comfortable, although we spent very little time in our room since there is so much to see and do in Istanbul.
We spent five days at the Spectra and would definitely return the next time we are in Istanbul.
very special hotel
by TripAdvisor Member luccidream
I had a wonderful stay at Spectra Hotel in Istanbul. First of all I would like to mention how wonderful and kind the owners and all the staff members were. They were very honest and always available for advice and anything you might need. Most of the staff members could speak good english. They would always offer free coffee or tea as well if you were downstairs. The free use of using their computer for the internet was an added bonus. At Hotel Spectra you felt as if you were family.
The hotel location is absolutely the best area to see many sites, and you always felt safe. You could take a walk in the area alone at night and feel safe. I am a married woman that traveled alone and never felt uncomfortable at Hotel Spectra.
The all you could eat buffet breakfast that comes with booking one of the rooms was excellant! And of course the roof top seating area had amazing views! Because I had booked so many nights Dr Sumengen offered to pay my way back to the airport. ( I was already picked up for free when I arrived).
Overall I just have to say my experience at the Spectra Hotel was perfect. I already miss being there and will definately return there again if I come back to Istanbul. Sincerely Nicole Stein from Victoria, Canada
A Canadian View
by TripAdvisor Member Androclesandme
We were sufficiently impressed with the Hotel Spectra that we extended our intial 4 night reservation to cover all 6 nights of our stay in Istanbul. Its outstanding features are the location and the staff.
The Spectra is just off Sultanamet Square, in sight of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, and within easy walking distance of the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, Galata Bridge and all the wonderful old city where these attractions are found.
The staff are very friendly and helpful. Ali, the desk clerk, went out of his way to be make sure we were comfortable and to help us set up travel arrangements for our few days in Anatolia. His alternate, Zoar, was also very accommodating. And the ladies who serve breakfast are not only unfailingly friendly and cheerful but great impromtu Turkish language coaches also.
The rooms are smallish but clean and comfortable. They serve a more than adequate breakfast and the enclosed rooftop dining room has a spectacular view encompassing the Blue Mosque, the Hafia Sophia with the Sea of Marmara and Asian Istanbul in the background.
We'd certainly stay at the Spectra again.
best choice
by TripAdvisor Member sophia65
Paula - Argentina
Best historical location with four star bedding, matress, pillow and sheets, much needed after hours of sightseeing of the never ending Istambul attractions. Copious buffet breakfast with breathtaking view, and charming staff.
Perfect location for main sights
by TripAdvisor Member katiehertfordshire
wriitten by mother (age 58) and teenage daughter (15) from London
Couldn't be in a better spot! Blue Mosque 3 mins walk, Hagia Sofia approx 5 mins, Topkapi just another couple of mins further. Shopping and restaurants approx 5 mins walk. Emoninu + ferries approx 20-25 mins walk. Variety of eating places to suit all budget ranges within easy walking distance. Hotel is clean and beds comfy. Rooms may be a bit on the small side, but have everything you need, including aircon and mini-fridge. Maybe we had quiet neighbours, but we didn't hear anything much from either side of our room. Our en-suite shower room looked recently refurbished. It also had - and I find this hard to believe girls - a hairdryer which actually has a blast that dries your hair (not the gentle breeze that generally floats out of hotel hairdryers)!
The Reception staff are extremely helpful - and they can arrange a reasonably priced airport shuttle service for you if you are flying in/out Sabiha Gokcen airport.
Breakfast room is on the top floor, and has all-round glass so the views of Blue Mosque, Bosphorous, etc. are wonderful. The Catering ladies are lovely, and their buffet breakfasts are great and replenished frequently - cheeses, tomatoes, cucumber, cake, olives, variety of breads, yoghurt, dried fruit, fresh fruit, cereals, honey in honeycomb!, jams - you name it, they got it! Excellent cuppa too - you know how we Brits love our cups of tea!
For a modestly priced hotel, I couldn't fault it.
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