I had the opportunity to stay at Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus twice within the past four months, and I thoroughly enjoyed both experiences. The first visit was to accompany two of my friends from Germany and show them around Istanbul, while the second time was a personal trip with close friends to explore the city. I found the hotel to be exceptional on both occasions and would like to share my reasons why.
The Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus is Hilton’s flagship property in Istanbul. Considering its location and luxury level the hotel offers good value for money. In this comprehensive article, I will explain why I believe this hotel deserves serious consideration for anyone visiting Istanbul, along with highlighting a few aspects that didn’t quite meet my preferences.
So let’s start.
Booking the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel
I made my hotel reservation through the Hilton website, although it is also possible to book through other online travel websites such as booking.com. It’s worth noting that Hilton offers a Price Match Guarantee for its guests.
If you find a lower price for the same room on another website, and your claim meets the specified criteria, Hilton will match the lower price and provide an additional discount of 25% off the room rate for each night of your stay.
As a Hilton Honors Gold member, I received an upgrade to an Executive Room, access to the Executive Lounge, a late check-out, as well as a small welcome gift consisting of fruit and water. I also received a daily complimentary breakfast for two people. The upgrade to the Executive Lounge was particularly enjoyable, as it provided a convenient space to work on my laptop, along with unlimited complimentary food and drinks.
Location of Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus is located in the district of Beşiktaş. It is situated on the European side of the city, on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait. The hotel’s location provides easy access to some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Dolmabahçe Palace and Taksim Square. Additionally, the hotel is within close proximity to public transportation, making it easy to explore the city further.
One slight drawback of Conrad Istanbul is its location uphill, which may be a bit of an inconvenience if you are walking back to the hotel after a long and tiring day. Specifically, the 5-10 minute walk from Besiktas pier to the hotel can be a bit of a buzzkill.
Rooms at Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
My room in this luxury hotel in Istanbul was relatively small. I would estimate around 25 square meters (270 sq feet), which is rather small for a Conrad hotel in my opinion. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my room at Conrad Istanbul.
Upon entering, there is a wardrobe and access to the bathroom in the entrance area. The room itself features a large bed with two bedside tables (with outlets), a comfortable armchair with a side table, a spacious desk with an excellent office chair, and the usual flat-screen TV. It’s worth noting that they provide a water boiler and a Nespresso coffee machine as well.
The room is decorated with high-quality materials and has a pleasant design that creates a cozy atmosphere. Additionally, the room is bright thanks to the large windows. The bathroom, which is decorated with white marble, is pretty nice and the white marble makes the compact bathroom appear more spacious. Alongside the sink and toilet in the first part of the bathroom, there is a separate wet room with a shower featuring two shower heads with good water pressure and a pleasantly large bathtub.
It’s worth noting that not all rooms at Conrad Istanbul offer a Bosphorus view and the ones that do tend to be a little more expensive. Additionally, there are suites available that offer significantly more space.
If you’re able to afford it, I highly recommend booking the Bosphorus Suite. The suite boasts an incredible view, and upon reviewing the prices, I found it to be quite reasonable compared to suites of similar caliber in other top-tier hotels. I plan to book it during the low season next time, and I’m optimistic that I’ll be able to share my thoughts on the experience.
The Breakfast at Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
I want to highlight that, given my role as a consultant, I frequently find myself at Hilton Hotels, a choice I extend to my personal trips as well. Without a doubt, the breakfast experience at Conrad Bosphorus Istanbul was the pinnacle of all my Hilton Hotel breakfast encounters.
Now, I’m not a breakfast enthusiast (yes, I’m from Turkey and don’t indulge in lavish breakfasts daily – sue me), but Hilton consistently delivers good breakfast quality across the board. Last year, a surprising standout was the Double Tree by Hilton at Berlin Ku’damm (short for Kurfürstendamm in Berlin), exceeding my expectations by a considerable margin.
On the flip side, my visit to Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace in Paris last year was the worst Hilton experience I’ve ever had (a story for another time), and the breakfast, especially for a hotel in Paris and within the top-tier Hilton Chain alongside Conrad, was disappointingly subpar. In light of these experiences, Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus truly deserves the credit for its exceptional breakfast and the delightful staff who consistently went above and beyond to assist.
The breakfast at Conrad Istanbul is amazing, featuring an extensive open buffet with a wide variety of options, including Turkish Delight, baklava, and other traditional Turkish desserts and snacks. If you plan to stay at this hotel, I highly recommend booking a room with breakfast.
Dining at Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus presents three enticing dining options: Manzara Restaurant, Monet Lounge, and Summit Bar & Terrace.
At Manzara Restaurant, where “Manzara” translates to “view” in Turkish, patrons are treated to breathtaking vistas of the Bosphorus and Historical Peninsula. The culinary experience is enhanced by the chefs showcasing their expertise in an open kitchen. This restaurant specializes in authentic Turkish cuisine and complements the dining experience with a selection of fine wines, creating the perfect setting for an intimate and memorable meal.
Situated on the lobby level of Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, the Monet Lounge boasts a delightful array of baked sweets reminiscent of a Patisserie. Additionally, they serve authentic Turkish coffee and traditional Turkish tea. While the venue offers tempting options such as cakes, cookies, and a luxurious assortment of chocolates, for those seeking the finest Turkish coffee experience, there are certainly more exceptional spots to explore within the city.
I haven’t tried the Monet Lounge, so I can’t vouch for the quality of their products. However, I found the coffee and sweets to be unnecessarily expensive.
Summit Bar & Terrace
Among these three options, I find Summit Bar to be the most interesting. located on the 14th floor, Summit Bar & Terrace offers a stunning panorama of the Istanbul skyline and the Bosphorus, creating the perfect backdrop for enjoying cocktails and a delectable sushi selection. Summit goes beyond the ordinary, providing impeccable aperitifs, a diverse range of drinks from around the world, and a menu featuring both modern and classic cocktails, along with appetizing food options.
While Summit Bar isn’t technically labeled as a “Rooftop Bar,” I didn’t include it in my list of the best Rooftop Bars in Istanbul. Nevertheless, the Bosphorus view it offers is undeniably one of the finest in the city. Remarkably, the cocktail prices at Summit Bar are quite reasonable when compared to other rooftop and cocktail bars of similar caliber. I highly recommend dedicating an evening to savoring a cocktail at Summit Bar.
For Manzara Restaurant and Summit Bar, it’s advisable to make reservations in advance to secure a table with a spectacular view. Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in the extraordinary ambiance these venues provide.
Executive Lounge at Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
As I was fortunate enough to be upgraded to an executive room (Thanks to my Hilton Honors Gold Membership), I also gained access to the Executive Lounge at Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, enhancing my overall experience. In the following sections, I’ll provide an overview of the Executive Lounge concept at Hilton before delving into my specific encounters at the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus Executive Lounge.
What is Executive Lounge Access at Hilton Hotels?
Some Hilton properties have Executive Lounges, which mean free food and drinks, a place to spread out and work outside your room, and sometimes an amazing view. It provides additional amenities such as complimentary breakfast, snacks throughout the day, evening hors d’oeuvres, and a dedicated concierge service. Access to the Executive Lounge is not always free and may depend on factors such as the room booked, loyalty status, or additional fees.
It’s important to highlight that the quality of executive lounges can vary, contingent upon the hotel. For instance, one might reasonably anticipate that executive lounges at Waldorf Astoria and Conrad would surpass those at typical Hilton properties.
How can one access the Executive Lounge at Hilton hotels?
Access to Executive lounges is generally granted to Hilton Honors members with Diamond status. Additionally, some guests may enjoy Lounge access by booking or upgrading to specific rooms.
In my case, as a Hilton Honors Gold member, I reserved a “King Deluxe Room,” and I was upgraded to a “King Executive Room,” granting me access to the Executive Lounge. Having a Gold membership significantly increases the likelihood of receiving an upgrade. In my past 10 stays, I’ve enjoyed an upgrade nine times. While they were not major shifts to suites, the upgrades typically come with valuable perks like access to the Executive Lounge, larger rooms, or enhanced views.
With Hilton Honors Diamond Membership, experiencing upgrades to suites becomes quite common. Getting a Hilton Honors Diamond is not as straightforward when you’re not traveling for business.
You also have the option to directly book Executive hotel rooms if you desire or require Executive Lounge access. Typically, these rooms are priced around €35-40 more than regular rooms. Notably, at Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus, reserving an executive room not only grants you access to the executive lounge but also includes extra benefits such as a late check-out and a complimentary ironing service for up to three pieces, among others.
What does the Executive Lounge at Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus get you?
The Executive Lounge at Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus exceeded my expectations. It consistently offered a selection of complimentary drinks and snacks, including a variety of alcoholic beverages. My usual choice was a cappuccino or tea paired with some fruits or nuts.
On one occasion, during a 6-hour work stint, the staff surprised me with a “Light Dinner Buffet” While I anticipated something like French fries, they had an open buffet with a spread of hot dishes like rice, meatballs, salmon, potatoes, and vegetables – a delightful surprise. I opted for the salmon and potatoes.
The lounge’s operating hours until 23:00 allowed for an extended stay, providing enough time to indulge in their offerings. The internet speed was pleasant, and seating availability was comfortable. It truly creates an environment where you can spend an entire day, enjoying unlimited food and beverages.
Unfortunately, the Lounge is located on the first floor and doesn’t offer many views. However, the decor is pleasant and the size is appropriate. My personal favorite feature is the spacious terrace, although it can be a bit noisy at times due to the Road below. In the evening, the lounge offers the usual selection of alcoholic beverages.
The comprehensive advantages of having an executive room at Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus are outlined as follows:
- Private check-in/check-out at R floor
- Exclusive concierge service
- Late check-out and complimentary two hours’ meeting room usage for five people (Subject to availability).
- Complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day in the executive lounge
- Complimentary ironing service for up to 3 pieces
- Complimentary computer and high-speed internet access in the executive lounge
- Selection of magazines and newspapers in the executive lounge
Pool and SPA at Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
I was impressed with the SPA facilities at the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus. It offers a great range of options for a city hotel. Inside, there is a medium-sized pool with some loungers.
Additionally, there is a Jacuzzi, a Turkish Hammam, a steam room, and a sauna. Outside, there is also a significantly larger pool that is perfect for swimming laps. There are also plenty of sun loungers and a Jacuzzi. I did not opt for any massages or special treatments, which are available at an additional cost.
It’s worth noting that while the hammams at hotels offer a pleasant full-service experience, they may not provide the authentic Ottoman-era hammam ambiance. For those seeking the real deal, exploring the best hammams in Istanbul is recommended. Learn more about them here.
It’s worth mentioning that you can order food and drinks directly from the pool area. There is also a SPA with treatments and a large fitness center with plenty of equipment. Here you will find all the necessary equipment for a comprehensive workout, both for strength and endurance training. The only downside is the lack of natural light.
Overall, the SPA, pools, and gym met my high expectations.
Conclusion
The value for money at the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus is excellent in every respect. Although the rooms are comparatively small and the room service did not always convince me, I was impressed in all other areas.
The furnishings are of high quality, the rooms are cozy, the Executive Lounge offers attractive seating and at least a good buffet in the morning and evening, the breakfast options in the restaurant are great, and the recreational facilities are great for a city hotel.
Last Thoughts about Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
In terms of value for money, I think this hotel stands out as one of the finest in Istanbul. If your budget allows, I highly recommend opting for a Bosphorus view room, and if feasible, consider indulging in the Bosphorus suite.
While you may not spend the entire day in your room, returning home in the evening and enjoying a drink while gazing at the Bosphorus is truly a delightful experience—one of life’s simple pleasures.
If you have any specific inquiries or need further information, feel free to reach out to me. You can find my contact details here.
FAQs about Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus is a five star hotel.
Yes, the hotel provides secure and convenient parking facilities for guests, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
Yes, as a Pet-Friendly Hilton Hotel, Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus welcomes your furry friends.
Booking a Bosphorus-view room is pretty straight forward. Simply visit the an online Platform like TripAdvisor. Check the Availability and Prices and select a room with a captivating Bosphorus view.
Yes, Manzara Restaurant caters to diverse culinary preferences, offering a delectable array of vegetarian options for our guests.
Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus is in Besiktas and conveniently located near iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
Navigating through public transport might pose a slight challenge. You have the option to walk to Kabatas Tram Station, which is approximately 2.2 km (1.4 miles) from the hotel, or opt for a taxi to reach the station. Alternatively, a taxi directly to Sultanahmet is feasible, but it’s recommended to start your journey early, as the commute tends to be more time-consuming during peak hours.
