The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul

I stayed one night as a Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite member on a STARS rate, and unfortunately the experience fell well short of what a Ritz-Carlton should be. While the rooms have been partially renovated, the work feels half-done, the bathrooms remain old and dated, with mould, which is not what you expect at this price point or brand. The property overall feels tired rather than the luxury standard the name implies. The Bosphorus views and the Club Lounge access the team arranged were the genuine positives. On arrival, there was a long wait for luggage assistance, my room wasn't ready until after 4pm, and I wasn't told about my elite benefits or rate inclusions at check-in. The biggest issue was the $100 property credit. I asked, in writing through the hotel's own chat, where I could use it and was directed to specific venues. I used one and spent below the credit value. At check-out, I was charged extra for an exclusion (tobacco) that was never disclosed, not in the chat, not when I ordered, and not in writing. When I raised it, the duty manager insisted his team always informs guests and never makes mistakes, effectively telling me I was mistaken, and this played out as an argument in the lobby, which was humiliating. For a Ritz-Carlton, the service recovery was the most disappointing part. A charge that arose from the hotel's own failure to disclose information should have been reversed without debate. Instead, a loyal guest raising a fair concern was treated as the problem. Between the dated, poorly maintained bathrooms and the way the billing issue was handled, I left feeling the stay was a write-off. Check your credit inclusions in writing before spending, and manage your expectations on the condition of the rooms.

Well, it's like a 3-star hotel. Service is not good. The hotel is very tired. Check-in at 15 didn't happen - because they clean the room (really? In a hotel like this). In general there are hotels much better and significantly cheaper.

Room was on a high floor but had no sound proofing so was very loud. Room smelled like sewage. I was told there was a kid’s club but there is no one working there and no kids activities. Room service food is terrible and extremely overpriced. My daughter got sick from the room service order and was up all night. Not a 5 star experience!! One of the worst hotels we have stayed in. We previously stayed at The Park Hyatt and had an amazing experience with customer service, food, and cleanliness of hotel and rooms.