We absolutely loved the entire Recital Hotel’s staff! They did countless things that made our stay even more memorable and comfortable than it would have otherwise been. First of all, the beautiful, delicious breakfasts each morning were beyond expectation. Breakfasts (included in the price of our stay) came with an attentive & kind staff — especially Buse & Engin. I had cappuccinos every morning, Turkish salads, vegetables, olives, cheeses, and hot foods. At the front desk Mariam, Fatma, and a wonderful man made suggestions, taxi reservations, a Hamam (Turkish Bath) inquiry, cistern recommendations (Mariam TOOK US to one destination), restaurant recommendations, a laudermat run for laundry, & mini language lessons. One staff member even lent us HIS umbrella on a particularly rainy day when the hotel ran out of umbrellas to lend!! Our room was clean, there were many smiles, and we always had everything we needed. I was astounded by this hospitality. It was a joy to stay at the Recital Hotel.
The location was central to the sights first-trip visitors to Istanbul want to see. There is a great coffee shop on the corner. It’s 3 blocks to the Blue Mosque. It’s 2 blocks from the tram. It’s 4 blocks from the Grand Bazaar. We thought it was perfect. And it’s comfortable & pretty. We had a mini fridge in our room for fresh Turkish strawberries & Ayran.
And the staff cares for the cats in their neighborhood with outside shelter spaces and meat leftovers. They are the best!