Novotel Bosporus is absolutely a nice stay, but definitely not a 5-star- neither compared to other 5-star hotels in Istanbul or elsewhere, but rather a clear 4-star. That impression strikes you already at arrival, at the unwelcoming, gloomy reception area that can be entered without the strict security controls and x-ray machines that are common in big Istanbul hotels, here with dreary, tiny desks with flatscreens on the wall listing the nightly prices. A welcoming receptionist gave us a room on the 1st floor, where a stainy corridor with a strong chemical smell was under refurbishment, even though we asked for a high floor, claiming there were no other free rooms at the hotel. The room and bathroom are spacious enough, clean and comfortable, even though the interiors and materials underscore the general low-budget, lower end look. The best part of this hotel is the homey rooftop restaurant where breakfast is served, with stunning views of and proximity to Istanbul's iconic skyline, great selection of food and good service. The price of 22 euro per person for breakfast however, is way over the top - but still worth it. Overall, we had a nice stay and enjoyed the proximity to Galataport and bustling Karaköy. But we will try another hotel the next time.

Comfortable room in good location was ultimately let down by terrible sleep due to noise outside the hotel until early in the morning

Supposed to be one of the best in IST- far from. The overview is that this hotel has some of the worst service (not just in Istanbul, but generally). The front counter staff are often always too busy (not really busy, just looking busy) to acknowledge you. The Staff in the restaurant for breakfast give little to no care about you (often looking like they would rather be ANYWHERE else). The Staff in the lobby actually 'huff' when you ask them for a dink/service. Then top all this off, the backside of the hotel is built on a bar/pub. If you stay on floor 1 or 2 (maybe 3) you will be above an actual club. Heavy base and noise until 2/3am (weekends). Insane. When I asked staff (at 1am) why they would book me in a room above a club, I was told there was nothing they could do, full hotel (clearly not). Its an hour to get to the airport (or from), so the honest view is don't hit this hotel at all. Sure its clean enough but the staff and noise make it a no-go. For the price point, there are MUCH better hotels in this city you can stay at. Especially if you are on an overnight layover or just there for a weekend.

Nice location and rooms were OK, but staff was not always helpful and I was charged for the room by them even though I already paid beforehand. Will be a mess to sort out. Also I later found out the rate they charge for the airport shuttle is about three times the rate of using alternatives.

We only stayed one day since we were coming back from another country…Great location but the hotels require better cleaning of rooms, hallways.…we like the location since we had stayed at the JW Marriot in Bosphorus but this Novotel hotel does not compare at all with the Marriot property

Excellent everything.

Very nice stay in a clean comfortable hotel. Breakfast is on a lovely rooftop. Options at breakfast were limited though in my opinion

Very clean staff is amazing