Unfortunately, the hotel overall disappointed me. Here are some of the reasons why:
1. The noise was a major issue. On Friday and Saturday nights, I could hear loud bass music (it might have been from a disco) until 3 a.m., and the street was also very noisy even at night.
2. The pillow was very uncomfortable.
3. There are a lot of complaints about the smell in the hotel, and this was true for me as well. I experienced the smell on the top floor, but the hotel explains it as being due to winds from the Galata Bridge. While this might be the case (if you keep the windows closed, the smell gradually disappears), it was still unpleasant.
4. The check-in staff were friendly and helpful. However, the night shift staff (check-out) were not so friendly. For the first time in Istanbul, I had to wait for my room to be checked again, and they refused to help me call a taxi (which was not a big deal as I called one myself).
5. Breakfast was very basic and the coffee was tasteless.
Excellent location. The metro is right at the door of the hotel, the transfer from the airport is very convenient. The Galactic Tower is around the corner. Taksim, Istiklal, Galki Bridge are within walking distance. The hotel is clean, the breakfasts are quite decent. The staff is friendly. Both trips were staying at this hotel. I recommend.
A new hotel with an excellent location: the very center of the European part, 5 minutes to the Galata Tower, 5 minutes to the main pedestrian street. The entrance to the metro is two steps away, you can get directly to the historical part (2 stops). There is also a funicular and tram station nearby.
The room was of a superior category, very beautiful, with 3 panoramic windows. The mattress is comfortable, the plumbing is new. Safe, slippers, refrigerator, kettle. The garbage was taken out every day. The breakfasts are not bad: omelette/eggs, vegetables, many types of olives, pastries, yogurt, traditional snacks, cereals, coffee/tea. The reception speaks English and is always friendly. The air conditioner can be turned on for both heating and cooling. Of the cons: there was a slight smell of stagnant water