My wife and I are in the 4th night of a 5 night stay at this hotel and have enjoyed everything about it. The room is large,the air conditioning works well and the room and bathroom are cleaned spotless every day. The location is PERFECT for seeing all the historic sights. The hotel is 2 short blocks to the tram and to the Grand Bazaar. The Blue Mosque and many of the other sites are within a 20-30 minute walk or you can jump on the tram and be at the sites in less than 5 minutes for about a $1.25 in USD. I should also mention that I informed the Niles Hotel Manager Seda that it happened to be my birthday during our stay. We arrived back at the hotel warm and hungry after a full day of shopping and sightseeing. Waiting in the room upon our return was a grand birthday treat from Seda and her staff including wine, fresh fruits, sweet treats ,etc. The Hotel Niles should NOT be confused with the Four Seasons or Ritz Carlton for it offers travelers a home away from home, staff who quickly become your friends and TREMENDOUS value. The Hotel Niles will be our home when we return to Istanbul.

+great location -- near historical sites and the tram +lovely rooftop terrace with delicious breakfasts +gracious, attentive staff who are as knowledgeable and capable as they are warm and genuine

We have just returned (today) after spending 5 nights at the Niles Hotel in Istanbul. I was rather weary about booking the hotel as there were hardly any reviews on Trip and after spending several weeks searching for a moderately priced hotel (in S.A. Rands) i contacted some trip forum members and decided on the Niles (pronounced Neeless) not knowing where i was going and what i would find. We organised a shuttle to the hotel where we were welcomed by a cheerful young Seda - the front office manager. It was early evening when we got in and our room was ready - even the air conditioning had been turned on awaiting our arrival. Everyone at the hotel was extremely helpful from the little young lady who cleaned our room (no english) to the General Manager. The room was 15 sq. metres and had a double bed (or two twins), a fridge, little table and 2 chairs. Neat, clean and simple. The bathroom however was teeny. You could not bend down in the shower without hitting the back wall if you were to try and pick up a piece of soap. It consisted of a shower, basin and toilet - probably about 4 sq. metres.(the shower itself being less than a sq. metre) Cupboards in Istanbul from what i have been reading seems to be a problem and so it was at the hotel Niles too. Two shelves, a safety deposit box (very convenient) and about 4 hangers. If only they would turn the rod to hang up clothes the other way (horizontally) one could have space . The rod was placed across the depth as opposed to across the width. Fresh soaps, towels, shampoo every morning. Breakfast was included and served on the top terrace with a lovely view of the Bosphorus. Two cheeses, juice, 2-3 fruits, boiled eggs and scrambled eggs, oats, and 2 other cereals, cumber, tomato and olives. Some home made goodies and bread. Coffee, tea or apple tea. After 4 days it got a bit boring though. The fruit didnt always taste fresh and i think its something they could brush up upon. Again though excellent service and after the 3rd day without asking i was given hot milk for my coffee. There is a computer for hotel guests which didnt work some days but no problem - i was given either Seda's to check my mail or on one occassion the General Managers. Each day Seda or her colleague suggested what we should do. They were always smiling and willing to please. The hotel was spotless too. All in all it was an excellent choice. Oh it was near the Beyazit tram station and on a VERY quiet street which was also important to me in my choice. 5 minute walk to the Grand Bazaar and about a 20 min walk to Sultanahmet to the Blue Mosque area.

My family and I have just returned from a week in Istambul where we stayed at the Hotel Niles. There are many things to say in its favour, and little to say against. The first has to be the Front of House Manager, Seda Kucukbenli (the Turkish surname apparently means little freckle). This quaint piece of info was typical of Seda, she made us all feel at ease, solved all our problems (print out a piece of work I had to revise, no problem, straight away - internet in lobby down, no problem, sit in the boss's office and use his computer - thinking of a place to visit, to eat, to take a boat or a tram, no problem, this is how you do it!) The rooms were comfortable with good A/C (my son's A/C had a problem so Seda changed his room) and a great bathroom -constant hot water and great pressure. My only complaint was the rather bouncy foam pillows - I prefer a flat, feather pillow (wimp) but I managed. The breakfast was really excellent, went on for ever, with no pressure to leave. We ocasionally bought food at a deli (Namli's in the spice bazaar) and sat on the varandah to eat it - the hotel even provided plates and cutlery, twice at lunch and once at dinner. The varandah looks out over the Sea of Marmora, boats and cargo ships anchored in the distance - great place to pick up a late afternon tan and also have a delicious Efes (local beer) watching the bright moon and listening to the evening prayer from the nearby mosque before hitting the restaurants. The area around the hotel is fascinating - it's a commercial retail district - I've never seen so many clothes, shoes, handbags shops and restaurants in my whole life. Thank God life exists outside of shopping malls. The hotel is only 5 minutes walk from the main tram line, which takes you to almost everywhere of tourist interest, inluding ferry-stations for trips across to the islands or up the Bosphorus, straight past the Aya Sofia and Blue Mosque etc. The cost-benefit is excellent - there were 6 of us spread over 3 rooms for a full week, breakfast included, we had a big van to pick us up from the airport (Sabiha Gokcina airport is a long way away, an hour when there is no traffic), and we hammered the bar, for a total cost of ?2,000. We are considering going again, using it as a base to tour furher afield. I can thoroughly recommend it. Howard Johnson, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

We spend there our 2.honeymoon after 25 years married. First we found roses in our room. This is the perfect hotel for a trip - centrally located in a safe area of Istanbul. Miss Seda at the front desk is a very knowledgeable and helpful person who will give you an "orientation" to the city on your first day and follow-up with brilliant suggestions and answers to the many questions you will have. I walked all over the city and found it safe and enjoyed my vacation immensely. But the principle reason was the comfort and friendliness of using this hotel as a base. It's a great location close by the great bazaar and near the excellent trolley line. The roof garden has a great view, the staff is just the best, and the breakfast buffets are terrific with plentiful good food and many home made delicacies. We come again in about 2 months.