Somerset Maslak: Istanbul's Most Luxurious Secret? (Unbelievable Views!)
Somerset Maslak: Istanbul's Most Luxurious Secret? (Unbelievable Views!) - A (Very Honest) Review
Okay, so let's cut the crap. "Luxurious Secret"? Sounds like marketing BS, right? I walked into Somerset Maslak, in Istanbul, ready to debunk the hype. I walked out… well, let's just say I'm still drooling over those views. And yeah, maybe, just maybe, it's earned the "secret" title. Because honestly, I almost didn't want to tell anyone about it. But hey, I'm a reviewer, not a cryptid. So here's the lowdown, the good, the slightly-less-good, and all the messy bits in between.
First Impressions & Accessibility (Or, the Great Elevator Adventure)
Finding the place wasn't a complete nightmare, which is a win in a city like Istanbul. The airport transfer was a dream – smooth, efficient, and thank god the driver spoke English. Otherwise, getting around is pretty standard Istanbul – chaotic but manageable.
Now, accessibility. This is where things got a little… interesting. The website boasts Facilities for disabled guests and an Elevator. Which is great! But navigating to the elevator itself… that was a mini-quest. There were a couple of tight corners and oddly placed furniture. It wasn’t impossible for someone using a wheelchair, but definitely needed a spotter. The elevator itself felt sturdy and reliable, though. Once inside the hotel, I did notice a couple of areas where wheelchair users might need some assistance, but generally, the hotel feels quite accessible. I didn't try out any Wheelchair accessible rooms myself, but based on the layout, I’d recommend calling the hotel directly to confirm specific needs are met.
Rooms: Sanctuary in the Sky (Plus, a Few Minor Gripes)
Okay, let’s talk about those rooms. I’m serious. They are gorgeous. My room, up on a High floor, had a view that made me want to spontaneously burst into song. The Blackout curtains were an absolute lifesaver after those late-night kebab adventures. I had a Sofa perfect for sinking into after a long day of sightseeing, and the Air conditioning worked like a charm.
The BEST part? Those enormous, floor-to-ceiling windows. They practically begged you to sit by them and just… be. See, I’m not a "view" person. I'm "practical". But here, I was transformed. One morning, I saw the sun rise over the city whilst sipping my Complimentary tea, and I actually teared up. (Don't judge me!)
Now, the downsides. While the Daily housekeeping was efficient and friendly, there were a couple of minor hiccups. My first Coffee/tea maker made a weird, wheezing sound and died on day two. Easily fixed, I know, it came complete with Free bottled water, and the Daily housekeeping was happy to replace it right away, but it did take a few calls. Also, the Internet access – wireless (and Wi-Fi [free] everywhere) was a little spotty in the corners sometimes. But the Internet [LAN] was there if I needed it.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (Mostly!)
The dining situation at Somerset Maslak is a mixed bag, but mostly delicious.
In-Room Breakfast: I caved. Ordering the Breakfast in room at least once is almost mandatory. It arrived promptly, beautifully presented, and the Breakfast takeaway service is available if you are in a hurry. The Asian breakfast looked enticing and Western Breakfast were both available. I went for the Turkish one. And it was heaven.
Restaurants: There's a smattering of restaurants – a Vegetarian restaurant, too which is a big plus. Asian cuisine in restaurant is available, which I loved. International cuisine in restaurant is also served here. The Poolside bar is worth it! The Happy hour deals were tempting.
The Snack Bar: The place to go for a quick bite.
Room Service?! 24 hours of room service! It’s the best thing!
A La Carte in Restaurant I was able to order an A la Carte meal in the restaurant. It was an amazing experience!
Café/Coffee Shop: I did not visit the Coffee Shop, but I wish I had.
Restaurants: The restaurant I tried was decent. The food was good. It was good. A perfectly average experience.
As far as safety goes, the Safe dining setup helped me to relax. I appreciated the Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, and all the staff were trained. The Hot water linen and laundry washing, plus Anti-viral cleaning products all make sense.
Relaxation & Recreation: Spa Day, Anyone?
This is where Somerset Maslak really shines. I'm not usually a spa person. I'm more of a "sit-in-the-room-and-stare-at-the-view" person. But, I’m also trying to be a more well-rounded person. So, I went for it. And. Wow.
The Spa area is a true sanctuary. The Massage was divine – seriously, the stress just melted away. I tried the Sauna and the Steamroom, both of which were lovely. If it wasn’t such a luxurious place I’d have probably fallen asleep straight away! I didn't get to use the Foot bath. But I did get to use the Swimming pool [outdoor] – and the Pool with view was everything. I'd happily trade my mortgage for a lifetime supply of pool days with that view.
Oh, and the Fitness center is excellent -- and modern.
For the Kids: A Family-Friendly Haven?
I didn't have kids with me (thank god, sometimes!), but the hotel definitely caters to families. There's a Babysitting service, Kids facilities, and Kids meal options. Family/child friendly is a definite yes.
Services & Conveniences: The Details That Matter
- The Concierge: Helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable. They organized everything from taxi rides to restaurant reservations. Contactless check-in/out was a nice touch, especially in these post-pandemic times.
- Cashless payment service: This was so easy!
- Laundry & Ironing: I appreciated the Ironing service. The Laundry service will save you time.
- Business Facilities: The Business facilities will facilitate you. They offer Meetings and Seminars. You can do Xerox/fax in business center, if you need it.
- The Terrace: The Terrace is great.
Cleanliness & Safety: Feeling Safe and Sound
Okay, let’s get real. In the current climate, safety is paramount. Somerset Maslak takes it seriously. There are CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. They offer Hand sanitizer everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol and the Rooms sanitized between stays. I felt genuinely safe and, more importantly, cared for. The Hygiene certification speaks volumes.
Overall: Is it Worth It?
Absolutely. Somerset Maslak isn't just a hotel; it's an experience. The views are legitimately breathtaking. The rooms are stunning. The spa is a slice of heaven. Despite the few minor hiccups, I’d recommend it in a heartbeat. It's not the cheapest option, but you're paying for the luxury, the view, and the overall feeling of being pampered.
Final Verdict: Go. Book it. Treat yourself. And for god's sake, go up to the roof and marvel. You won't regret it.
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- Panoramic Views: Wake up to sweeping vistas of Istanbul from your High floor room, with floor-to-ceiling windows bringing the city to life.
- Unwind & Rejuvenate: Indulge in a Spa experience like no other, from soothing Massages to relaxing time in the Sauna and Steamroom. Cool off in the Swimming pool [outdoor], overlooking the city skyline.
- Culinary Delights: Savor delectable cuisine in our exquisite Restaurants, sample international flavors or Turkish Specialities. 24hr Room Service is available.
- Impeccable Service: Experience the warmth of Turkish hospitality with our attentive Concierge and dedicated staff trained in the highest safety protocols.
- Ultimate Comfort: Relax in luxuriously appointed rooms featuring premium amenities, including Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, Blackout curtains, and more.
**Som
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Alright, buckle up Buttercup, because we're not just planning a trip to Somerset Maslak in Istanbul, we're living it, right here, right now, in a chaotic, glorious mess of a travelogue. Forget pristine itineraries; this is gonna be a sweaty, coffee-stained, opinionated love letter to Turkey, and maybe a tiny bit of contempt for my own organizational skills.
Somerset Maslak, Istanbul: A Hot Mess Express (and I'm the Engineer)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Istanbul Traffic
Morning (9:00 AM): Attempt at a smooth arrival. Istanbul Airport. Famous last words, right? Landed, bleary-eyed, after approximately 8 hours of contorted sleep on a plane. Checked baggage. All good. Or it was, until that moment when I looked around and realized… it was a sea, a tsunami, of other humans. Every one of them, apparently, also needing to navigate the customs line. Cue mild panic. I'd convinced myself I'd get through quickly. I hadn’t.
Morning (11:00 AM): Okay, finally out of the airport. The air hit me like a warm, spicy hug (or maybe it was just the exhaust fumes, I'm still not sure). Got an Uber to the Somerset Maslak. The drive? Oh sweet baby Jesus, the drive. Istanbul traffic is less a system and more a gladiatorial arena for cars. Honking, weaving, near-misses… it's exhilarating and terrifying all rolled into one. I clung to the door handle, convinced I was about to die. But, hey, still here…
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Check-in at the Somerset Maslak. Place is fancy. Too fancy maybe? My luggage looked a little…travel ravaged against the sleek modern lines. I think the bellhop gave me a look. Settled into the room. Gorgeous view. Instantly started contemplating life choices. Why am I here? What am I doing with my life? Should I have brought more comfortable shoes? These are the important questions, people.
Afternoon (2:00 PM-4:00 PM): The Real First Meal. Ok, so I'm starving. Found a little cafe nearby. Ordered menemen (eggs with tomatoes and peppers, a Turkish staple). It was heavenly. Seriously, I'd eat that every day for the rest of my life. The Turkish coffee was strong and black, just the way I like it. I sat there, watching the world go by, feeling that unique blend of jetlag, caffeine, and utter contentment. (Until, you know, I realized I'd forgotten my phone at the hotel. Sigh).
Evening (7:00 PM): Wandering around the Maslak area. Big, shiny buildings. Lots of commerce. A little… sterile, maybe? Felt the need to go somewhere "real."
Evening (8:00 PM): Found a little meyhane (traditional Turkish restaurant) a bit further out. Ordered meze (appetizers, the delicious little plates of heaven). Ate way too much. Drank a bit of rakı (anise-flavored spirit. Be warned. It hits you sideways). Laughed a lot with some locals, who found my attempts at Turkish hilarious. Beautiful, boisterous chaos. That's Istanbul.
Day 2: The Grand (And Really, REALLY Busy) Bazaar and a Turkish Bath Experience (with a little bit of nakedness…)
Morning (9:00 AM): UGH. That rakı. Woke up feeling vaguely like a bus had run me over. Coffee. Lots of coffee.
Morning (10:00 AM): Tackling the Grand Bazaar. Holy mother of carpets! It's overwhelming. The sheer volume of stuff! The vendors, all vying for your attention! I got lost immediately. Managed my sense of direction – totally. Found a cool leather shop and haggled for ages. (I think I might have gotten ripped off, but the bag is beautiful and I don't care.) Smells of spices, leather and, well, humanity. It’s a sensory overload, in the best way possible. I could spend a week in this place, even if I ended up owing more money than I have.
Lunch (1:00 PM): Found a little hole-in-the-wall place inside the Bazaar. Döner kebab. One of the best I've ever had. Seriously. This city knows its food.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Hammam time! The Turkish Bath. Booked a traditional experience. Okay, so I'm not gonna lie, the thought of being naked in front of a stranger made me a little… squeamish. I’m still a prude at heart, apparently. But it was amazing. The heat, the scrubbing, the steam. Felt my muscles melt. The attendant was a miracle worker. Afterwards, I felt like a newborn baby, all clean and shiny. And also a bit shell shocked. The sheer physicality of it was unexpected. Still totally worth it.
Evening (7:00 PM): The real evening. Decided to walk to Taksim Square. Big mistake. It's a long walk. Got lost. Wandered for a while. Ended up in a side street with some amazing street food. Ate a lahmacun (Turkish pizza, thin and delicious). Stumbled into a nargile (shisha) cafe, where I attempted to smoke a flavored tobacco thing. Failed miserably. Coughing. Spluttering. Pretty sure I looked ridiculous, but, hey, I was trying.
Evening (9:00 PM): Finally reached to Taksim Square, what a mess! Didn’t really vibe with the vibe. Too much going on. Found a nice bar in the backstreets instead. Watched the world go by. Felt like the perfect way to end the day.
Day 3: The Bosphorus Strait and a Very Long Ferry Ride and some seriously beautiful mosques!
Morning (9:00 AM): Woke up. Ugh. No, actually, this time the Istanbul fatigue hadn't hit. Probably because I took it easy on the rakı the night before. This time. Found a little cafe again. Ordered a simple Turkish breakfast, the one with all the little plates, feta, olives, tomatoes, cucumbers. Really, really good.
Morning (10:00 AM): The Bosphorus Strait! I was ready for this. Booked a ferry trip. Got on the ferry. The views! Astounding. The water gleamed, the sun shone, and the mansions along the shore were ridiculous. Truly, seriously, ridiculous. I secretly started planning my escape from boring old me and my boring old life.
Lunch (1:00 PM): Ate on the ferry. Fish sandwich. Not the worst way to spend an afternoon. Spent approximately 3 hours on the cruise. I'm not even sure where it took me. But let me tell you, the journey was the best part.
Afternoon (4:00 PM): Seriously, though. The mosques! I went to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Even if I can't tell the difference between a minaret and a muezzin, those two places had me speechless. I'm an atheist, but I cried. You can't help but be moved by the sheer human effort, the beauty, the history. Absolutely breathtaking. The sheer sense of awe and history in that place made me forget, for a moment, the existential dread.
Evening (7:00 PM): Found a fish restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus. Ordered fresh, grilled seabass. Watched the sunset, the water shimmering, the call to prayer echoing in the air. Thought about everything. And nothing. Felt grateful.
Evening (9:00 PM): Last night in Istanbul. Okay, maybe I'm getting verklempt. Found a rooftop bar for a final drink. Not a fancy one. Just a good, casual place. Thought about how I was going to get on with life after this. Istanbul, you beautiful, messy, chaotic, soul-stirring city. You've made me feel alive.
Day 4: Adios Amigos (or, the inevitable travel hangover)
Morning (9:00 AM): Packed. Realized I'd bought way too much stuff. More coffee. More existential dread.
Morning (11:00 AM): Check-out. Uber to the airport. Goodbye, Somerset Maslak. You were swanky. Maybe a little too swanky for me, but hey, I appreciate a nice bed.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Airport. Last menemen. Last Turkish coffee. Last little taste of heaven.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Flight home. Sleep. Dream. Maybe one day I'll bring all this into order.
Somerset Maslak: Istanbul's "Secret" – Or Just My Expensive Obsession? Let's Talk…
Okay, Okay, Spill. What's the Hype About Somerset Maslak?
Alright, buckle up. "Secret" might be stretching it a little. Let's face it, nothing in Istanbul is *truly* a secret. Especially not something this… swish. But yeah, Somerset Maslak. Think ridiculously luxurious serviced apartments smack-dab in the heart of Maslak, Istanbul’s business district. And the views? Forget about it. I'm talking cityscapes that'll make you weep (in a good way, usually). It's marketed as this sleek, modern haven, and… well, it mostly *is*. Think less "rustic Turkish charm," more "billionaire's bachelor pad on a permanent vacation." Which, you know, not a bad vibe to aim for.
Those Views You Mention… Are They *Really* That Good? Like, Instagram-Worthy Good?
Oh. My. God. Yes. Absolutely. Instagram-worthy doesn't even cut it. It's beyond. I spent, like, a whole afternoon, just… gawking. I felt like I’d stumbled into a movie set. The sunsets over the Bosphorus? Forget romantic comedies; you're living in a goddamn epic. I may or may not have worn sunglasses indoors just to fully *absorb* the glory. Okay, I definitely did. Don't judge me. You’d do the same. Trust me. Just... find a room on a high floor. Seriously, request it. Don’t even *think* about not asking for a high floor. Your happiness depends on it. And maybe bring a spare phone battery. You'll be taking pictures. A lot of pictures.
So, It Sounds Expensive. How Expensive? Should I Start Selling Organs?
Okay, okay, the money talk. Yeah, *expensive*. Let's be blunt. Not "backpacking on a shoestring" expensive. More like "celebrating a successful IPO" expensive. I'm talking... well, it depends on the apartment, the season, the phase of the moon… but prepare to shell out some serious lira (or dollars, or euros, or whatever floats your investment boat). I'm talking the kind of price tag that makes you squint and recalculate your budget while muttering under your breath. But look, think of it as an investment in your sanity, your Instagram feed, and your general fabulousness. Think of NOT having to worry about the cleaning lady after you spill your afternoon tea. The luxury of that might be worth the price of a kidney. (Don't quote me on that.)
What's the Vibe Like Inside? Are We Talking Super-Stuffy, or Actually Relaxed?
It's… a mix. It's definitely polished. Think modern, minimalist, with a touch of that sleek, hotel-y feel. It's not your grandma's cozy B&B, you know? But the staff? Generally lovely. Helpful, discreet. And the amenities… oh, the amenities. There's a gym that probably costs more than my car (if I *had* a car). A pool that sparkles under the Turkish sun (or, y'know, overcast skies, because, Istanbul). There’s usually a lot of families with young kids though. I’m not a parent but it gives a nice, if slightly cacophonous, vibe to the whole place. So, yeah, you can relax. Just… maybe don't wear your oldest, most-stained t-shirt to breakfast. Just a suggestion.
Let's Talk Amenities. Anything that Really Wowed You?
Okay, the gym. I mentioned it. I actually *used* it, which is a minor miracle. But honestly, the thing that stuck with me? The *service*. They anticipate your needs before you even know you *have* them. I once mentioned in passing that I was craving baklava. I came back to my apartment later, and there it was. A whole *tray* of the stuff. This is not a drill. This is the level of service that makes you feel like a movie star. I was *hooked*. Utterly and completely. My diet, however, was not.
But It Can't Be *Perfect*, Right? Any Downsides?
Alright, time for the harsh truth. Nothing's perfect, even when it's *almost* perfect. Alright, first, location. Maslak is... well, it's the business district. So, lots of office buildings, not necessarily the most charming area for strolling. However, you *are* close to public transport. Second... it's expensive. Did I mention that? And third... yeah, finding that perfect balance between "impeccable service" and "your own space" can be tricky sometimes. But really, nit-picking. The views alone make it worth it.
What's the Restaurant Situation Like? Is There Food On-Site? And Is It Any Good?
Yes! There's a restaurant, usually with Turkish and international cuisine. It is okay, so plan on at least one meal there. The breakfast buffet is pretty decent too. It's convenient, but maybe not a foodie destination. There are also plenty of restaurants a short taxi ride away. You’re Istanbul, after all. You won’t starve! But hey, if you're feeling lazy after a long day of, uh, sightseeing (or, you know, business meetings), ordering room service is always an option. And the baklava will be amazing. I guarantee it.
Okay, Sold. (Maybe). Any Tips for Booking?
Alright, smart cookies. Here's the insider info. 1) Book in advance, especially during peak season. 2) Demand a high floor. Seriously, I'm not kidding. 3) Check for deals and packages. You might find a hidden gem that makes the price sting a little less. 4) Consider the length of your stay. Longer stays sometimes mean better rates. 5) Read reviews, but take everything (including *this* rant) with a grain of salt. Everyone's experience is different. But seriously, if you can swing it, just go. You deserve to feel like you're living the high life, even if it's only for a weekend. And, tell them I sent you! (Okay, maybe don't. They probably don’t care.)
Is it Really Secret, Though?
No. Is it? No. Probably not. In a city like Istanbul, everything is constantly being discovered. But for the traveler looking to escape into a slightly more refined part of Istanbul, it can feel like a secret. Either way, it isThe Stay Journey
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