I checked in thinking this would be a convenient hotel near the airport for our early flight the following morning, but checked out having enjoyed one of the best Hyatt Regency I have ever stayed at.
Located about ten minutes from Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport, I chose this hotel because it was cheap (nightly rate is ~$120) and close to the airport. We arrived at 1pm and the hotel was happy to accommodate the early check-in. The check-in agent thanked me for my Diamond status on several occasions during the check-in process.
Note from the picture above that all vehicles entering the property are carefully screened.
The hotel was oblong in design, with elegant stonework and a center atrium that circled the hallways.
Hyatt Regency Istanbul Ataköy Rooms
Our room had two single-beds and though the room was not huge, it had nice muted colors and an open floor plan to make it seem bigger.
The bathroom featured a rain shower and separate bathtub.
Looking out from the window, we saw what looked to be an old fort below along the shoreline.
Hyatt Regency Istanbul Ataköy Regency Club
This is where the hotel knocked my socks off. Denny and I wanted a drink, so shortly after checking-in we headed up to the club lounge. A lounge agent named Kübra greeted us and could not have been nicer. She welcomed us as if it was her home, made sure we were comfortable, and insisted on bringing us our beverages.
She made a great cappuccino, btw.
Kübra also asked us what we would do while in Istanbul. We admitted we were just on a long layover, but expressed interest in going into Sultanahmet later that afternoon. She agreed and advised us to go as soon as possible because traffic would be horrendous on the way back.
That turned out to be great advice — it was a short drive into central Istanbul but the drive home took three times as long…even with some wrong-way acrobatics by our cab driver…
On the way out, Kübra asked if there was anything she could send down to our room. We both smiled and said no thanks, but she was insistent. I mentioned how much I love berries and a troubled look spread across her face…perhaps those are hard to get in Istanbul in April? But a smile quickly appeared and she said she would do her best.
That evening when we returned from Istanbul the following was waiting in our room–
What a nice touch. I just cannot get over or probably even properly express here how kind she was. But if you do stay at that hotel, look for her in the Regency Club.
We had a bite to eat in the Grand Bazaar, but relaxed for about 90 minutes in the lounge that evening. The spread was very nice. All appetizers, but that’s the point.
Hyatt Regency Istanbul Ataköy Breakfast
We had a 9am breakfast flight plus access to the incredible Turkish Lounge, but I still wanted to try out breakfast in Brizo, the hotel’s main restaurant. Thus, we had a 6:30am breakfast.
The buffet was huge, with several stations positioned around the restaurant. I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves, but the variety of Turkish, Continental, Asian, and American breakfast items was superb. Delicious too.
We could have also had breakfast in the lounge — I did not even have time to check out the selection. Other food options include the VUE Lounge & Bar (cocktails and tapas) and the Pool Bar, which was closed during our visit.
Hyatt Regency Istanbul Ataköy Fitness and Pool
The hotel has an outdoor and indoor pool, both of which are beautiful.
Inside the locker room is a steam room and sauna.
The workout room is huge and features all brand-new equipment. What a shame I did not not have another day just to spend in the pool, gym, and spa.
CONCLUSION
This is an affordable, comfortable, modern hotel close to the airport and yet not terribly far from central Istanbul. Avoid going into Sultanahmet during the morning rush hour or leaving during the evening rush and you’ll cut your commute by 2/3. A hotel shuttle would have been nice, but a cab fare is only $10 to the airport. Next time I’m in Istanbul I’ll have to try the brand new Hyatt property, Hotel Levent, but I do look forward to returning to this hotel. Hopefully sooner rather than later.
That looked awesome!
Sadly, Istanbul hotels have so few guests now that I think it’s much easier for them to take care of the few that they have. I spent a night at the Doubletree Sirkeci last month, and also had staff almost tripping over themselves to help me.
these bloggers are turning into ego trips
Do you feel it’s appropriate to tip in the lounge? Also, it looked like there was no seating around the outdoor pool. Was it fairly chilly outside?
I don’t think tipping would have been appropriate in this case — I think it would have been offensive. I did tip the guys who brought up our bags.
Good catch — it was very cold outside. Surprised the pool was even open.
Just to note, Sultanahmet is not, in any way, central Istanbul. It’s a tourist backwater virtually devoid of good restaurants that locals never set foot in. This hotel is in Ataköy which is like staying in a fancy waterfront version of Jamaica, Queens near JFK airport. The prices it charges are quite steep. You would have to take a cab into the city which is expensive and, as you noted, temporally treacherous during rush hour. Alternatively, the Havataş Bus leaves every 30 from in front of Atatürk Airport International Terminal and costs 13 lira (~$3.50 buy on the bus). It takes you directly to the hotel zone near Taksim Square, about 100 yards from the Grand Hyatt, and a short cab distance from the luxury hotels in Nişantaşı. With no traffic the Havataş is a reasonably scenic 30-40 min trip. From hotels there you can easily explore the city via the M2 metroline or by taking the Funicular down to the Tramline. Anyone visiting Istanbul these days should really skip the ISIS free fire zone at Sultanahmet and take the ferry from Karaköy to Kadıköy. The old greek Moda neighborhood is the most alive part of the city and full of cafes, excellent restaurants, good cheap snacks and bars.
Excellent insight! Thank you for commenting.