8/10 Very good
14 October 2019
This place is an Istanbul institution. Formerly the old British yacht club, it's is now an expensive beach club with a hotel open to non-members. It has spectacular views, a massive pool, and in the summer months is jumping. In the off season, it's blissfully quiet, only disturbed by the ferries announcing their arrival at the port below.
The accommodation is split into a new block, which you should avoid, and the historic main building. The rooms are no frills, and are in desperate need of a revamp. But for me, this adds to the charm. This is very old school Istanbul, and I love it.
The downside is that the food and the waiters are institutional, too. Eat off-site. The breakfast is good though – classic Turkish buffet with real coffee and lashings of tea.
It's also cheaper than the legendary Splendid Palas just across the road, but offers a similar crumbling glory and equally rotten dining. And the pool is way bigger.
If you want luxury, forget it. If you want a slice of Princes' Islands nostalgia, stay here.
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