Thought at this price it would be something more modern... not phones in the bathroom and big old TVs/cupboards. Very traditional setup and old style rooms. Lounge is nice, but pool is also a bit worse for wear.

We didn't have breakfast because the extra cost is super high, and there is much better local food all over that neighborhood

The Istana is a reasonable hotel - but don't expect it to be the five star standard as it really is quite old and dated. The carpets are generally dirty as are the bathroom areas and the whole hotel is really in need of an upgrade and refurbishment. However, it is in a good location and is generally well priced. The swimming pool is reasonable. While we were there our room became filled with fumes - we all ended up with a headache. When we complained we were told the room next door was being repainted and we were moved to a different room. The way it was handled wasn't very good, no apologies made and it took two hours to sort out the change. In decor and condition, the room moved to was far worse and the carpets were threadbare.
So all in all, yes it is worth staying at as long as you are aware that the quality etc is not going to be terrific and problems are not handled well.
The breakfast is very very nice with a wide range of choices and the chefs will cook things freshly for you as well.

Let me just say the hotel lobby/lounge is beautiful and lounge staff very lovely and attentive, it is a grand space and every effort is made to make just a quiet coffee feel like a "grand" experience . . . . . however On our arrival the hotel had no record of our booking made 4months previous to our arrival so we waited after a tiring flight in quite a panic while they telephoned our travel company, where the hotel established they had made a mistake and had got our booking after all. When we got into the freezing cold room that smelt stongly of cigarettes with grubby carpet and chair whole room just felt uninviting, baron and worse than a lot of backpacker places i have stayed at in the past! Asked to move rooms which they promtly saw to, however the next room was identical bar the view which mildly improved. The rooms and corridors in this hotel are in desperate need of refurbishment and let the whole place down they also need to do something about the very strong smell of smoke all over the hotel, i realise smoking is not illegal indoors here but u dont expect your whole suitcase of fresh holiday clothes to stink of smoke when you head to your next destination! Overall poor and disapointing i'm affraid.

We loved being here, were royally welcomed by the most charming and wonderful girls and guys. Our room was splendid, not only with a grand bed, all the facilities, and great service, but with a fantastic bathroom with bath, high-tech shower, and all sorts of nice little bottles and packages.

Every time we had been out we were warmly welcomed by the charming staff in wonderful clothes, always with a little joke or a compliment.

All our questions could be answered and all our wishes in terms of tours could be acommodated.

Great food at breakfast etc. and, again, fantastic staff to tell us what was what, what we could do on this particular day, and also about themselves and their lives. Friendly, warm, competent.

In short - we absolutely loved it!!!