The Artisan Istanbul Mgallery

“Clean”

This hotel has nice and kind staffs. Clean and equipped room. The breakfast is good as a 4star hotel. It is near the dulmabagche and taksim square. The view of breakfast saloon is fantastic. I really enjoy here with my husband. The bed is comfortable too. And you can enjoy sleeping.

“Fine hotel except for two things”

I had a pleasant stay at the Artisan Istanbul MGallery. My room was basically fine; everything worked. Staff were friendly. Breakfasts (which came with quite a view) were excellent. The location was convenient. I do have two complaints. [1] When I was first in the room (405), there was a faint... more

I had a pleasant stay at the Artisan Istanbul MGallery. My room was basically fine; everything worked. Staff were friendly. Breakfasts (which came with quite a view) were excellent. The location was convenient. I do have two complaints. [1] When I was first in the room (405), there was a faint smell of stale tobacco smoke, something that makes me very uncomfortable. I don’t know whether the problem dated from the days before the hotel become all no-smoking, or from a recent guest. I was able to mitigate the problem by keeping the window open, but I really shouldn’t have had to do this. [2] I had chosen the hotel in part because of its accessibility by rail public transit. But I arrived on May 1 (Labor Day in Turkey), and the government had closed public transit (and blocked street entrances) to central Istanbul to forestall demonstrations. I had had no idea that this would happen. The train from the Airport only went as far as Kağıthane, and I managed—with the help of a Metro staff member who knew a few words of English—to make it (circuitously) by rail to Eminönü, but then had to walk to the hotel, around 4 km away including a steep uphill detour to the blocked southern end of İstiklal Caddesi. I didn’t mind the walk, even with baggage, except for the uncertainty of it all (I couldn’t call for help since my phone had no connectivity in Turkey). I’ve since learned that closures like that of May 1 are common and predictable, and I would have appreciated an e-mail from the hotel with advice on access.

less

“Perfect for a short getaway”

The location is indeed the best option if you want to explore both sides of the city: the touristic and the more local. The hotel is so clean and close to the bus station and tram. You can basically walk everywhere with lots of food options nearby. Do not take any food or attractions recommendati... more

The location is indeed the best option if you want to explore both sides of the city: the touristic and the more local. The hotel is so clean and close to the bus station and tram. You can basically walk everywhere with lots of food options nearby. Do not take any food or attractions recommendations from the staff as they take commissions from shops so it’s usually tourists trap.

less

“Room to improve”

This hotel had all the makings of something better than it delivered. Located in the newer area of the city there is a short uphill climb to Taksim Square it is close to the football stadium. Reception was friendly but somewhat ponderous at checkout. Rooms were clean but the complimentary water w... more

This hotel had all the makings of something better than it delivered. Located in the newer area of the city there is a short uphill climb to Taksim Square it is close to the football stadium. Reception was friendly but somewhat ponderous at checkout. Rooms were clean but the complimentary water was not resupplied every day. The main issue though was the air conditioning which seemed not to work, despite assurances of the staff. Breakfast was the highlight, though the need to order omelettes through waiting staff rather than direct to the chef seemed an unnecessary step.

less