Our stay at Novel Hotel was excellent! My mother and I stayed for 11 nights, and the room, bathroom, and facilities matched the photos perfectly. The shower was great, with hot water available within seconds, and the hair dryer was powerful. We also appreciated the two complimentary bottles of water and the small tea/coffee setup.
What really stood out were the wonderful staff members, especially the ladies at the breakfast buffet. They were incredibly friendly and welcoming, making our mornings extra pleasant. It’s some of the best customer service I’ve experienced in Istanbul during my visits. The housekeeping staff was also kind and attentive. Even though they didn’t speak English, their warm smiles and genuine care spoke for itself.
The reception staff was polite, but there’s room for improvement. Smiling more and being less bothered by requests would enhance the experience. It seems that customer service in Istanbul, especially in tourist areas, could improve overall, as well as a better understanding of English.
The hotel’s location was ideal—right in the heart of everything. We walked to the Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Bazaar, and Eminönü without needing to use the tram. Public transportation (tram, bus, and metro) was just a 3-5 minute walk away, and there were plenty of stores, restaurants, and money exchange offices nearby.
The room was a bit small, which is typical for hotels in the old city area. Overall, it was a great stay, and my mom was very satisfied!