Our second visit to Istanbul and there was no discussion as to where we would stay. We were going back to the Pera Palace. In truth the location is great and that is always tricky in a huge city to find the perfect location to visit different locations. But the hotel is fantastic. L
We love the heritage of the hotel. The history is well displayed around the hotel. If you choose to stay elsewhere call to the Patisserie , or have afternoon tea, or a pre dinner cocktail in their lounge. But you should stay
We find the hotel comfortable, there is also a spa but the staff are terrific, personable and attentive. Staff all across the hotel have a welcoming hello
Breakfast is superb and I hate when you go to breakfast morning after morning to the same thing. We ordered “menemen” Turkish scrambled eggs one morning delicious. The buffet is extensive and a little different each morning lots of local flavours. The buffet like the afternoon tea is perfectly displayed
I had lunch on the terrace one day a good club sandwich. I also ate dinner one evening my appetiser of octopus was excellent. My only criticism. My main course was delivered too soon after my appetiser.
We like bars. We like to sit up at a bar and chat. It is a great joy to watch excellent staff at work in the Pera Palace. The bar staff are particularly good there was live music on one of my nights and the band singing Big Band hits were excellent. One recommendation -the Turkish sparkling wine is very good- better, drier than Prosecco ask for that and toast your good fortune to be in the Pera Palace
