Feedback from previous guests about their experience.
80%
enjoyed the hotel and would happily stay again
8.0/10
Great
Rooms
6.8
Location
7.6
Service
8.0
Dining
7.2
Guest reviews
8.0/10
based on 5 reviews
7.6
7.6/10 based on 126 reviews
Jack
United Kingdom,
March
2025
6.6/10
I had a lovely stay at the Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel Symbola with its clean and beautifully furnished rooms. The friendly staff made me feel at home and the breakfast was good. However, the hotel's proximity to a busy motorway made the terrace experience feel a bit like picnicking on a highway. If noise isn't an issue for you, it's definitely a worthwhile place to stay.
Rooms
7.0
My room was cozy and decorated in an appealing Ottoman style, though it did lack a window, which helped minimize the noise from outside. Some might find this a drawback.
Service
9.0
The staff, especially Furkan and Halil, were incredibly friendly and responsive. They truly enhanced my experience with their personalized attention.
Location
8.0
The hotel is situated in Ortakoy, a charming area just a short walk from many restaurants, shops, and the stunning Ortakoy Mosque. It’s convenient for exploring Istanbul's European side.
Dining
7.0
Breakfast each morning was customized and delicious, featuring fresh local ingredients. However, I did have an odd experience with staff not knowing the breakfast pricing, which was confusing.
Facilities
6.0
The hotel had lovely outdoor spaces for relaxing, although some basic amenities in the room, like a tissue box, were missing.
Nicholas
United Kingdom,
March
2025
6.6/10
I had a good stay at the Symbola, even though it was cut short. The staff were incredibly helpful from the moment I arrived, allowing an early check-in after my long journey. While the breakfast was delicious and offered beautiful views, it lacked variety over the days. Overall, it was a charming experience, but there were minor issues with room amenities.
Rooms
7.0
The room was beautifully decorated with Ottoman-style decor, providing a cozy ambiance. However, I found some fittings to be a bit rusty and the shower a bit challenging to use.
Service
9.0
Service was excellent, with staff showing great friendliness and understanding. They assisted me with transportation and were quick to respond to requests, which enhanced my overall experience.
Location
8.0
The hotel's location was perfect for exploring Ortaköy and its vibrant surroundings. While close to the Bosphorus, I did find the noise from the nearby bridge a little distracting.
Dining
7.0
Breakfast was a highlight, featuring fresh and local options, though I wished for more variety after a few days. The views from the dining area were also a treat.
Facilities
6.0
The hotel offered a relaxing garden area and complimentary Wi-Fi. Still, I felt that housekeeping could have been more thorough during my stay.
Amelia
United Kingdom,
February
2025
5.6/10
My stay at Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel Symbola was pleasant overall. the location, close to Ortakoy, was fantastic for exploring local dining options. The room decoration felt charmingly homey, but I did notice that some amenities were lacking. the bathroom fittings could use an update.
Rooms
7.0
The rooms were nicely decorated, contributing to a cozy atmosphere. However, I found the toilet fittings a bit rusty, which detracted from an otherwise pleasant stay.
Service
9.0
The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, making me feel welcomed throughout my visit. They even provided customized breakfast each morning, which was a nice touch.
Location
7.0
The hotel is situated just a short walk downhill from the bustling Ortakoy area, filled with shops and restaurants. but be prepared for some steep climbs on your way back! It’s quite a trek to major tourist attractions, which could add transportation costs.
Dining
8.0
Breakfast was healthy and tasty, with options like Belgian waffles, though it remained the same each day. a bit more variety would have been appreciated.
Facilities
6.0
Room service was decent, but I missed some basic amenities like a tissue box and found the housekeeping could be improved. The outdoor garden was a relaxing spot to unwind.
Reese
United Kingdom,
February
2025
7.2/10
I had a pleasant stay at Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel Symbola, particularly enjoying the unique Ottoman-style room decoration and the fantastic garden area for relaxation. The staff were incredibly friendly, which made my experience feel warm and welcoming. However, I did encounter an unfortunate incident involving my belongings, which left me feeling a bit uneasy about security during my visit.
Rooms
7.0
The room was beautifully decorated in an Ottoman style, contributing to a nice atmosphere. Although the ground-floor location was not ideal, it still felt charming.
Service
6.0
The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, providing personalized attention throughout my stay. However, I had a troubling incident with housekeeping that affected my overall impression of their service.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location in Ortakoy was perfect for exploring local culture, being close to the Bosphorus and major tourist attractions. It allowed me to immerse myself in the vibrant atmosphere.
Dining
8.0
Breakfast offered a good selection of natural foods, creating a wonderful culinary experience. it truly felt authentic and Turkish.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel had a lovely garden area and facilities that provided a comfortable and relaxing environment, although I didn't use all the amenities available.
J.
United Kingdom,
November
2024
5.2/10
I had a mixed experience at Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel Symbola. The rooms were beautifully decorated in Ottoman style, but some amenities, like toilet fittings and the shower, could use some improvement. The location is convenient for exploring Istanbul, but I found it quite noisy at times due to its proximity to the Bosphorus Bridge. The breakfast was tasty yet repetitive each day, and while I appreciated the friendly staff, the overall cleanliness could have been better.
Rooms
6.0
The rooms are nicely decorated, spacious, and comfortable, but I encountered some issues with the bathroom fittings and cleanliness.
Service
7.0
The staff members were friendly and helpful, providing a personal touch during my stay.
Location
6.0
The hotel is situated near the Bosphorus, which is great for exploring, but it's a bit noisy and distant from major tourist attractions.
Dining
6.0
Breakfast was healthy and good, but it lacked variety, as the same items were served every day.
Facilities
5.0
Facilities were basic; some services like Wi-Fi were available, but my room lacked certain amenities like a proper TV and hairdryer.
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