I stayed at the Barcelo Saray last week for 3 nights, we booked a triple room direct with the company as they had a free tansfer offer on if booked direct. I requested a room with a view of the mosque - which we pleasantly got! I was extremely impressed with the staff at the hotel reception desk - we where greeted warmly even though we were late for our transfer by nearly an hour! The hotel staff helped us the following day with directions and booked any trips that we wanted to do - we had leaflets already and the hotel called and booked it for us - Bosphorus cruise and open bus tour.

Excellent location - 7-10 min walk into Sultanahmet and the area felt very safe, I was a little anxious as we were 3 ladies traveling alone but we did not have any problems at all - even walking back to the hotel at night after 11pm after a meal out.

We managed to get a pretty good rate on the room as we booked at least 2 months in advance - 3 nights cost 349euros for a triple plus the free transfer. Although a taxi from the airport should cost you no more that 30 lira.

I would def stay here again and have & will recommend it to any of my family or friends planning to travel to Istanbul.

My friend and I stayed in the Barcelo Saray Hotel for 8 nights. The room was very comfortable but lacked coffee making facilities. The bathroom was clean, spacious and well equipped.
The breakfast each morning was buffet style and was sumptuous. The breakfast room overlooked a beautiful mosque and the food and coffee was plentiful, fresh and delicious. An eclectic range of soft music was played during breakfast. This ranged from classical music to gentle rock and roll.

The staff were efficient and always helpful in relation to any need eg ironing, laundry, ordering transport and any minor maintenance. Our safe was fixed soon after reporting that it was faulty.

Internet was available and free of charge. This hotel provided excellent access to all the wonders of Istanbul ie walking distance to major tourist sites.

In the evening, for an hour each night, lovely piano music wafted through the hotel via a pianist, playing a grand piano on the first floor, where one could also have a pleasant drink.
The food in the Bistro was also excellent, along with the service from the waiters and barmen.

We wished that we could have taken the Barcelo Saray around Turkey with us, as we truly missed the comfort , the breakfast and staff of this hotel.

I really liked the Barcelo Saray. It's in the Beyazit district near the Grand Bazaar and across the street from a huge mosque. The tram stop is a couple of blocks away, and the main street is busy with shops and restaurants. And it only takes 14 minutes to walk to the Sultanhemet. We timed it for this review!

The hotel is modern and owned by a Spanish chain. I must compliment the Barcelo for its reservation system, free pick-up from the airport if you stay four nights or more, and the great service from a staff who are fun, engaging and friendly. English is spoken by a few of them.

We stayed at the Saray five nights, four when we arrived in Istanbul and one before we left. Both rooms were small, but comfortable and clean. In both rooms were two single beds pushed together, a big closet, safe, mini-bar and TV with BBC and CNN. The bathroom had a walk-in shower, small sink, shelf, hairdryer and some soaps, etc. There was a big window that opens, A/C and room service.

The Saray has a cafe and bar by the lobby. I had a burger, which was made of veal, and was pretty good. Plus beer. The most popular beer is Efes and it's pretty good beer!

There is a restaurant on the top floor with a view of one of the many mosques in Istanbul. Breakfast was served here, and it was the biggest buffet spread we had in Turkey. Cheeses, cold meats, various types of olives, cereal, apricots, cherrie,s yogurt, breads and some hot items lik scrambled eggs and wedge potatoes. Plus, REAL coffee with hot milk, not Nescafe.

We ate at the restaurant for dinner our last night. My lamb chops were excellent, my husband's beef filet not so much. There's a lesson to be learned here.

We paid $190 USD per night including breakfast, and I think it was worth it.

TIP: Smile. The Turkish people are friendly and hospitable. Sour pusses are boring!

The Barcelo Saray is part of a Spanish chain catering mainly to Spanish and Italian tourists visiting Istanbul. The rooms are en-suite and are comfortable (I'd recommend carrying your own stock of toileteries). Our rate included breakfast and was decent fare. The hotel overlooks one of the many mosques that dot the Istanbul skyline and is right opposite the Grand Bazaar and next to a tram station that is two stops from the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Sarayi and Haghia Sofia. The location therefore is ideal. Service is average. If you book directly via the hotel website you will get a free pick up from the airport. Do not bank on a great view as this is reserved for those who are paying rack rate and not going through a travel website. Service is average (not rude but friendly either). Do not book any tours through the hotel as these tend to be slightly expensive compared to what the tour operator in the market will give you.