Balat Suites

We arrived before the 2pm check-in time and had to wait on the street for 20 mins - lucky it wasn't raining. This facility charges European prices for 3rd world accommodation. We were "upgraded". For the price we paid it was not an upgrade. Even after a discount of almost 50 euro for our 4 night stay, anything less than what we got would have been totally unacceptable. The suite had a double bed with no room to get in or out on one side, a very uncomfortable mattress, the toilet flushed once every two hours ( as the cistern filled very slowly), the railing for the shower head fell off when I tried to put the shower head up to wash my hair, the room had a strong cigarette smell, no light switch or lamp near the bed. The cheap plastic chairs were better than the filthy lounge suite to sit on. Overall cleanliness is not a strong point at this place. Ali did his best to " fix" things in a place that has been renovated on a shoestring budget. He was doing the work of 3 people. Breakfast turned up with no tea or coffee but Ali brought some coffee after we asked, he helped to get the TV going. As for the wifi it was totally inadequate. It did not work for the first two days, and finally on our 3rd night it was up and running. VERY annoying. The price we paid via booking. com was way over the price on the Balat website. Feel ripped off by Booking.com and Balat Suites. A cheap and nasty hotel asking excessive rates. Given it is an old heritage building, I would have accepted many of its shortcomings if it did not purport to be more upmarket and charged accordingly. Carrying our suit cases down the 3 flights of spiral staircase was worth the effort to get out of this dump. WOULD NOT RECOMMEND TO ANYBODY.

The rooms are clean and beds are good, however there is no air conditioning. The accommodation is close to either bus or taxi. Staff is friendly and always prepared to help out. Don't expect an hotel but a place where you can live among real Turkish locals. Bakery on the corner of the street is very good

We did not pay too much, but definitely it was not a nice stay. Room was just ok (small and curtains let the light in) but the bathroom was very little and definitely too dirty (they never cleaned the room). The location, if you like to visit Fatih in Istanbul can be ok. Although I suggest to stay in other areas and visit this neighborhood on a day visit! The stuff is nice enough although they try to be smart in their own ways, suggesting restaurants of their friends (way too expensive) and really ugly cafes (in Istanbul that is almost impossible).