This crucial detail was not disclosed when booking through Hotels.com. The classic Hilton experience is replaced by a stay that unfortunately feels below a 5-star standard.
The issues began at check-in. My prepaid garden-view room was confirmed, but when my credit card wasn’t compatible with the payment system, the receptionist—rather shockingly and quite rudely—replied that the minibar then had to be emptied. I was then assigned a wrong room, a smoke-smelling one on a high floor where someone was actually emptying the minibar, instead of the garden room I had paid for. While renovations are understandable, impeccable service should not be compromised. Fortunately, after this unpleasant welcome, the service for the rest of my stay was great on all levels.
Breakfast, while featuring a good selection, lacked the classic Bosphorus views due to renovations. Instead, the setting felt more like any ordinary hotel rather than the Hilton Bosphorus. Walls throughout the hotel are now covered with old photos of celebrities and past glamour, making the contrast with its current state even more glaring.
The garden room itself was excellent—spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed. However, getting there was another challenge, requiring the use of three different elevators due to the construction work. So be warned: Until renovations are complete, this is not the Hilton experience you expect or pay for.