Located in the vibrant Levent neighborhood of Istanbul, Hyatt’s newest property in Turkey is worth a visit, though I iid encounter a couple issues during my stay.
I arrived from Rome at around 2pm and took the Metro from Ataturk airport to the hotel. It was an easy trip (one change at Yenikapı station) and took about the same time a taxi would have required. As you exit the Metro at the Levent – Bogazici University station, simply proceed up the stairs to your left and you will find the hotel directly in front of you.
Just days before my arrival the hotel had re-branded itself from a Hyatt property to a part of the Hyatt Centric portfolio. Signage had already been updated on the exterior of the building.
Inside the deserted lobby, a very kind agent checked me in and offered me a welcome drink. I requested a cappuccino and a beautifully prepared one arrived a few minutes later–
Review: Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul Guest Room
She escorted me up to my room on the sixth floor and showed me the features of the room. Apparently I was upgraded to a suite, though everything was still in one large room. I loved the dark wood tones juxtaposed to the light accents. The room was indeed large with a spacious couch and coffee table along with a work area and king size bed.
The parition between the bathroom and rest of the room was only glass, but adjustable curtains (operated electronically via buttons adjacent to the bed) provided privacy. Inside the bathroom was a water closet with bidet and separate rain shower.
Toiletries were unbranded, but had a very pleasant scent.
Sitting on the table was fresh berries, something that welcomes me to many Hyatt properties. The agent who escorted me up to my room said, “We know you like berries Mr. Klint and hope you enjoy these.” I receive berries so often now that I have to think it is a notation on my profile rather than an acknowledgement that I am blogger.
Looking out the tinted window was the Levent neighborhood below, a sprawling business district though a cemetery and mall rests directly across the street from the hotel.
A mini-bar and three closets/storage areas were also present in the room.
Handy spotlights made reading in bed easy and everything was controlled by a master panel adjacent to each side of the bed.
Beside my nightstand was a nice iPhone speaker system, but like so many hotels around the world, was fitted for the last generation iPhone plug.
Perhaps because this is such a new hotel in the Hyatt portfolio or perhaps because so many are irrationally unprepared to visit Istanbul, the hotel seemed empty. I never ran into anyone in the halls or elevator and at breakfast the first morning there was only one other table occupied.
Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul Internet
Sadly, internet dragged big time in the room. I chose the “premium”option but it made no difference. Pages took far too long to load and you can forget about YouTube or FaceTime.
Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul Fitness Center + Spa + Pool
I spent a lot of time on floor -5 (yes, the hotel has several underground levels). That’s where ESPA spa is and where I exercised, swam, and sat in the sauna and stream room.
The pool area is beautiful and even has heated chairs for lounging–
The fitness center is divided into two wings and includes enough equipment for two dozen people to be working out simultaneously.
The spa/wellness area was a little perplexing. It was co-ed, even the shower area, but there was no changing area. I didn’t know whether the spa area was clothing optional or not, but it didn’t matter — I had it all to myself each of the three times I used it.
Interestingly ,there was a “snow cabin”: quite a shock to the body in between the sauna and steam room! I don’t recommend making snow angels wearing just a pestemal.
Locker rooms were downstairs–
One level above the pool and fitness center is a massive spa complex with what looked like three dozen treatment rooms. In my room I received a 10% off discount card, but did not use it.
Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul Breakfast
Breakfast was actually a huge disappointment. Not so much because there was not a buffet, but because the breakfast just wasn’t all that great. The a la carte menu contains all the right things (well almost, the berries I enjoyed in my room were not on it…) but something just tasted off. Perhaps it was the oil the eggs were cooked in, but I did not enjoy my omelet nor did my brother much care for his scrambled eggs.
The coffee was also a letdown — nothing like the beautiful cappuccino I enjoyed during check-in.
In fact, I skipped breakfast the morning we checked out and had a far nicer meal in the Turkish Airlines Lounge at IST.
Here’s a look at the dining room and breakfast menu:
Review: Hyatt Centric Levent Neighborhood
The neighborhood is full of restaurants, mostly Turkish. The first night I had an incredible döner (schwarama) filled with lamb with French fries and yogurt sauce for about $4.
As I mentioned, my brother arrived late the second night and we had a large dinner what appeared to be very popular neighborhood restaurant. While the food was good (we ordered a mixed grill), it was more expensive than what I pay in Los Angeles…
Around the corner from the hotel is a great coffee shop, called Kahve Dünyası. Cappuccinos were less than $2 and the warm brownie was absolutely exquisite.
Review: Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul Bar
We did enjoy a cocktail at hotel bar after our expensive dinner. You can see the entire menu below followed by our drinks. While very tasty, the prices are very difficult to justify when in Istanbul.
Review: Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul Checkout Dispute
Check-out annoyed me greatly. The folio contained a charge for three nights instead of two, did not remove the premium speed internet charge, and did not remove the breakfast charge. The agent who checked me out struggled for over 10 minutes trying to remove the charges and never could, though ultimately charged my credit card the correct amount.
The associate who checked me in was sitting next to her and apologized profusely, stating that their new Hyatt billing system still had some kinks to work out. I’m willing to forgive the system issues, but there is no excuse for being presented a bill for an extra night (how does that even happen?) and for benefits that are complimentary due to my Globalist status. Read it first, then hand it to the guest!
CONCLUSION
This hotel debuted as a Category 7 when it joined the Hyatt family, but was quickly reduced to a Category 3. A Cat 3 hotel is 12,000 points per night or 6,000 points + $75. My room rate was 118EUR so I definitely do not recommend using points or cash + points at this property.
Those berries look really good haha. I’d take those as my fruit amenity any day.
“The first night I had an incredible diner (schwarama) filled with lamb with French fries and yogurt sauce for about $4.”
I assume you mean “doner”? Speaking of which, if you ever find yourself back in Dallas, Cafe Izmir makes a very good one, along with a terrific Turkish coffee.
Darn that auto-correct!
Thank you for keeping an eye on prices. So many of your fellow bloggers don’t seem to care, frustratingly.
It’s mostly empty because the location is neither here nor there for business or pleasure. Levent is an upscale residential neighborhood primarily. As a long time resident of Istanbul, I would not recommend to any visitors unless you must stay in that location.
I disagree. No, it is not in the tourist area, but it was a much-appreciated change of pace in Istanbul. It’s a cool neighborhood to explore if you wish to be the only tourist in restaurants full of locals.
You had a good view of the Le Meridien Etiler… thanks for posting this so quickly after your trip, I’ve been looking forward to hearing about this hotel.
I wish I had the courage to try the metro from the airport in cities I’m unfamiliar. I feel like I need to visit a place 3 or 4 times before I venture to public transportation. It’s something I don’t like about myself.