Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus

Amazing spa. Good service. Zinar was very kind and helpful. Totally recommend it.

Staying at the Mandarin Oriental Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel was an experience my wife and I will cherish forever, especially as we celebrated our wedding anniversary there. The highlight of our celebration was the exceptional service provided by the concierge team, who went above and beyond to organize our special day. They expertly arranged a romantic journey for us from Kadıköy to the hotel’s own dock via a private water taxi, adding a touch of glamour and exclusivity to our celebration.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with a beautifully prepared room by the butler service, complete with flowers scattered on the floor, sweet gifts from the hotel, and a stunning bouquet of flowers that we had ordered separately. The attention to detail was remarkable and set the tone for our entire stay.

Our accommodation was upgraded to the Mandarin Suite from the Deluxe King room, a generous gesture that took us by surprise. The suite was expansive, with windows overlooking the serene inner garden and the road, yet remarkably quiet, offering us a peaceful sanctuary.

The staff throughout the hotel were exceptionally helpful and polite, all fluent in English, which made communication seamless. Contrary to some reviews I had read beforehand, we encountered no issues with the staff; in fact, their professionalism and eagerness to assist surpassed my high expectations.

The spa facilities at the hotel are second to none. I indulged in the Sultan Hammam treatment while my wife enjoyed the Oriental Essence, both of which were incredibly rejuvenating and added a luxurious touch to our stay.

Dining at the hotel was a culinary delight, particularly at Novikov restaurant. The quality of food served during the Sunday brunch was exceptional, with a wide variety of seafood, meze, and pastries, all of which were of the highest quality. Our dinner at Novikov was equally impressive, as was the breakfast, with the freshness of the lokoum being a standout.

However, our experience was not without its minor critiques. The temperature on the Novikov terrace could have been a bit more comfortable, as it felt too warm. Additionally, the shower area could benefit from more meticulous attention to cleanliness and a broader selection of shower gels and fragrances, perhaps including some samples from the spa. Lastly, while the restaurant terraces along the embankment were lovely, having a promenade for guests to enjoy would have been a welcome addition.

In summary, our stay at the Mandarin Oriental Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel was nothing short of spectacular, marked by unparalleled service, luxurious amenities, and exquisite dining. Despite the few areas for improvement, our anniversary celebration was made incredibly special thanks to the hotel’s dedicated staff and the memorable experiences we shared there.