Hotel Perula

The hotel offers an exceptional stay, primarily distinguished by its unbeatable central location in the historic Sultanahmet district, placing guests within mere minutes' walk of iconic landmarks. Its signature feature is the stunning rooftop restaurant and terrace, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Bosphorus, making every meal a memorable experience. This prime position makes the hotel an ideal choice for sightseers and first-time visitors eager to explore Istanbul's rich history on foot, as well as families looking for convenient access to attractions. While the hotel is consistently praised for its cleanliness and the attentive, friendly staff who go above and beyond to assist guests, many reviews highlight the compact size of the rooms. To enhance your stay, be sure to take full advantage of the rooftop terrace for its unparalleled views, and be aware that room sizes are generally smaller than expected.

Facilities & Amenities
Guests generally find the hotel's facilities to be adequate for their needs, though some areas receive mixed feedback. The Wi-Fi connectivity is consistently reported as very good, providing reliable internet access throughout the stay. However, the in-room air conditioning can be inconsistent, with some guests experiencing issues with temperature regulation or units not working effectively. Similarly, the televisions in rooms sometimes have volume problems or are not properly tuned, limiting entertainment options. The mini-fridges are frequently noted as not cooling sufficiently or not being refilled with complimentary water. While the hotel has an elevator, guests should be aware that there may be a short flight of stairs to reach the rooftop restaurant from the top floor. Some guests also mentioned that the provided towels can be worn or stained, and that tea bags are not consistently replaced after initial use.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The hotel generally maintains a good standard of cleanliness, with many guests praising the daily housekeeping service for keeping rooms spotless and well-maintained. However, some reviews indicate occasional issues such as dust accumulation, or rooms not being perfectly clean upon initial arrival, though these were often rectified promptly. Room comfort receives mixed reviews, with beds generally described as comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep, though some found the box springs or twin beds to be less stable. A recurring theme is the small size of the rooms, which can feel cramped, especially for families or those with significant luggage, and many rooms offer limited or no external views, often facing neighboring walls. Noise levels are a notable concern for some guests, particularly those on lower floors who report being disturbed by street noise or sounds from the restaurant above, including staff activity and moving furniture early in the morning.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's breakfast service, served on the rooftop terrace, is a highlight for many guests, offering a good variety of options and a delicious spread, often described as a traditional Turkish breakfast. The stunning views of the Blue Mosque and the sea from the breakfast area significantly enhance the dining experience. However, some guests expressed disappointment with the breakfast variety, noting that the menu remained largely the same each day, which became repetitive for longer stays. Issues with items not being refilled promptly and the quality of coffee and juices were also mentioned. The rooftop restaurant also operates for lunch and dinner, receiving praise for its yummy food, great service, and delicious local specialties, though some found the prices to be on the higher side, and a few reported that the restaurant was not operational for full service during their stay, limiting options for in-room dining or evening meals.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset, placing guests within easy walking distance of Istanbul's most iconic historical sites, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace. This makes it exceptionally convenient for exploring the old city on foot. The hotel is also well-situated for public transportation, with tram stops just a few minutes' walk away, providing easy access to other parts of the city. The surrounding area is bustling with numerous restaurants, souvenir shops, and supermarkets, offering plenty of dining and shopping options. While the location is highly convenient, some guests noted that the immediate vicinity can be very crowded and that parking is not available directly at the hotel. The hotel also assists with organizing airport transfers, which many guests found to be a helpful and convenient service.

Staff & Service
The hotel's staff consistently receives overwhelmingly positive feedback, with guests frequently praising their friendliness, helpfulness, and attentiveness. Many reviewers highlight the staff's willingness to go above and beyond, providing valuable advice on travel routes, local attractions, and good dining spots, and assisting with luggage and tour arrangements. The check-in process is often described as quick and efficient, with some guests even receiving early check-in or thoughtful gestures like a small gift upon departure. Housekeeping staff are commended for their daily cleaning and provision of fresh towels. While the vast majority of interactions are positive, a few guests reported isolated instances of unfriendliness or unprofessionalism from some breakfast staff. Additionally, some guests experienced issues with the hotel's policy regarding payment for organized transportation, noting that only cash in Euros was accepted, which caused inconvenience.

Additional Information
The hotel frequently extends its service beyond the premises by assisting guests with organizing tours and transportation, including convenient airport transfers. Many guests highly appreciate this proactive support, noting that staff are very helpful in arranging various excursions, from guided city tours to longer trips to other regions, and providing information on local attractions. This service is particularly valued for its convenience and the staff's willingness to coordinate arrangements even before arrival. However, it is important for guests to be aware that while generally helpful, there was at least one notable instance where a hotel-organized tour resulted in significant delays and a change in the planned itinerary, causing frustration and leading to a request for a refund. This suggests that while the hotel aims to provide comprehensive assistance, guests should exercise caution and perhaps confirm details for external arrangements.