The Neorion Hotel, Orhaniye Street No 14, Sirkeci, Istanbul 34120 Turkey
I had some trouble communicating with the hotel prior to arrival, but they went out of their way to clarify things. Staff goes out of its way on everything, and was exceptionally helpful. When we were checked in by the manager, she told us that if we wanted a taxi, we should ask the front desk to call one because many Istanbul taxi's cheated in their charges, but they only used a reliable, honest company. I checked on that. We stayed at the Neorion before boarding a cruise ship. We took the hotel's taxi buddy to the dock. As the ship was in dock for two nights, there was taxi stand just outside the entrance to the port, so I asked one of theirs taxis for the fare to the Neorion-- $20 more than from the Neorion to the dock, and that trip was a little less than $20... High points: Our top floor balcony room had a great view of old Istanbul from our terrace. Choice of 5 types of pillows for the bed, making it only the second of two hotel in Europe where I've managed to get a pillow I like. With exception of the obnoxious amplified early morning broadcast of the Iman's call to worship from the nearby mosque, there was little outside noise, and no interior noise. Most remarkable, there was no plumbing noises when the neighbors were using the pipes. Tour room was smallish but attractive with hardwood floors with two Turkish throw rugs.
Location: The Neorion 's a short 10 minute walk uphill to stand in the square between the Blue Mosque and Ayjah Sofia, well worth seeing at night. Go out the front door of the Neorion Hotel, turn right, and the tram is half a block away. Located in the oldest section of Istanbul, the local streets are an impenetrable maze, but as the staff points out, just follow the tram tracks & you won't get lost. Good breakfast. Also small buffet from 4:00-7:00 PM.
High points: Our top floor balcony room had a great view of old Istanbul from our terrace. Choice of 5 types of pillows for the bed, making it only the second of two hotels in Europe where I've managed to get a pillow I like. there was little outside noise, and no interior noise. Most remarkable, there was no plumbing noises when the neighbors were using the pipes. Good breakfast (included... Also an included was a small Meze buffet from 4:00-7:00 PM.
Low points: The obnoxious amplified early morning broadcast of the Iman's call to worship from the nearby mosque. Problems: none of great import, but to really darken the room at night required carefully. positioning both sets of curtains that tried to cover the all glass balcony door.
