W Istanbul

[jhm]

As far as location goes and out of the three (PH, GH and W), the W is certainly the most convenient for the nearby 10/15-minute ferry ride to the Asian side of Istanbul, e.g. Kadıköy.

It was just my feeling but Kadıköy seemed interesting and less touristy than Taksim; and somewhere I want to explore further. It also has the restaurants opened by Musa Dağdeviren - two selling kebabs etc and the other (which I tried) being the famous and unassuming Çiya Sofrasi (a foodie destination) which serves cheap, unusual but very tasty food, e.g. stuffed intestines and candied fruits for dessert. I wouldn't mind eating there again.

e.g.

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/a8a0da30-6...44feab49a.html

[jhm]

Checked-in this morning.

Maybe I haven't noticed it before but is it W SOP to call me by my first name ? It feels too familiar.

I got a room like KeithMEL's - a studio suite in the roof space. No apples in the room - I was only told at check-in that the Internet and a bottle of water each day are complimentary for plats.

Rather than risk being taken for a ride by an IST cab driver, I booked the Bangkok AOT equivalent option - from a recommendation on TOF:

http://www.backpackerstravel.net/index.php?pid=20&id=43

EUR 50 for a roundtrip compared to around EUR 40-45 in a taxi. Met at arrivals by a girl who took me outside to a large aircon minivan (just me). Offered some drinks on the way to town. Paid cash to the driver when I arrived. Totally hassle free. I will definitely use them again!

This time, I arrived on TK - my first time with them and I thought they were very good. Warm friendly service even in Y. Check-in in ATH and as a *G I was given a priority immigration card for IST (I didn't get that before when taking LX or BA in J).

Edit: the apple (plus some pastries and water) just turned up.

[jhm]

Just checked into the GH and one big difference I notice - unlike the W, this place has YouTube!

[KeithMEL]

I didn't get free in-room internet (only in the Living Room, where internet is free for everyone anyway), nor was I referred to by first name... Much rather have my mojito than pastries though.

[jhm]

I didn't get free in-room internet (only in the Living Room, where internet is free for everyone anyway)

I think you stayed there before free Internet became a plat benefit ?

Spice Market by Jean Georges is gone! There's only the somewhat bland and boring Kitchen (where I had dinner - I try to spend something at a hotel if I'm using a free night award).

[KeithMEL]

I think you stayed there before free Internet became a plat benefit ?

Oh, of course! D'oh...