This lovely hotel combines great history and decor with excellent attention for customer service by the hotel staff. The room was excellent and very contemporary and clean. The bar area is a really luxurious space and perfect to unwind. The breakfast was arguably he best breakfast I've ever had at a hotel. Stayed 4 nights and would thoroughly recommend!

Pera Palace embraces us since the first minute we enter the astonishing hall. But the best is yet to come. Riding on the most ancient elevator in Europe still in use in surely an unforgetable experience. Charming premises with very cosy rooms and suites with an excellent combination between the charm of the antique and the confort of the modern. And all of this leveraged by historical presence from famous people like Hemingway, Agatha Christie and many others.

With three days of intense business in and around Istanbul, i returned to the Pera Palace for the second time in a year. I used to stay at the Hyatt near Taksim Square, but realized that the Pera is better for many reasons. The basics of the hotel speak for itself. Beautifully restored turn of the century spaces, elegant and very functional rooms, are the starting points. But the service is what makes it stand out as a great hotel not just a great space. From check in to the doorman straightening my jacket collar as I walked out the door, it was really a treat. When i was up at 5 in the morning and wanted the gym opened before the offical time, it was opened with a smile. (yes i tip well but i've been to plenty of hotels where the smiles are not there and there service is with a shrug). Then there is the added plus plus of being located in a great walking neighborhood. Tons of great restaurants, cafes and stores are a short walk away. This is not touristy Istanbul, but the real city and its lively citizens with a most enoyable and diverse nightlife. Accross the street from the hotel (perfect for those late arrival nights) is a restuarant called Mezze which is outstanding and not priced as a tourist location. I can't wait to return and it's worth the $$$.

If I go with the usual, great room, great building, history, I would guess I would repeat many reviewers, what made the difference on top of all is the staff, I felt so special, every one, porter, reception, concierge, lobby,they made us feel very special, I felt pampered.

I strayed at the hotel for 8 days, enjoyed, every moment, breakfast, afternoon tea, the concierge helped us in booking many special events, and guided us to some inspiring places, Istanbul, is a magical city, this hotel is a magical hotel for a magical city like Istanbul.

I would absolutely return if I can soon.