Stay Lab Residence

Position, staff, all

I went to Istanbul for a family wedding at the very nearby Pera Palace. So the location was perfect. I was staying with my adult son, so having two bedrooms was important and both were doubles and equally comfortable, and as one was ensuite we didn't need to share a bathroom. As others have mentioned, the view from the good sized living room is spectacular in the daytime and more so at night. Definitely a room with a view, including of the Pera Palace, Golden Horn river and across the other side with mosques. The air con worked well. Has a good size fridge, kettle and toasted sandwich maker as well as microwave. The hob, which we didn't use has two electric rings. There is a switch by the door to put on green, if you want your room cleaned / laundry changed etc. The apartment was quite moden with real wood floors. It was clean and my bed was comfortable. It was also very quiet. The price was very reasonable, compared to many of the local hotels, so a lot more for less. The communication with owner via booking.com was very good. I've included some photos of the view.

Very little English is spoken, although when we arrived at 10pm the coffee shop knew we were arriving so gave us the swipes. If you come back late at night when the coffee shop is shut, then you ring a bell and you're let in, so this wasn't a problem (and this was used successfully several times including one night about 3am). The windows could have been cleaner on the outside.

The location of the hotel, the coffee shop downstairs, cleanliness

Location was fantastic, very central and a street away from Istikhaal street. Coffee shop downstairs is odd for an entrance but the coffee was great. The freshness of the food can be questioned and seen a lady cleaning the cake fridge with hair hanging loose and touching all the products. Late checkout was provided and appreciated. Views were also pretty of the Bosphorus. Vera, the contact person was responsive most times, except when I complained there was loud music coming from the coffee shop downstairs (which was closed) and 2 workers just chilling and the noise could be heard in the bedroom 3 floors up. I messaged her and no response, my husband had to go down at that time 1:00 am and ask them to lower the volume.

The apartment lacks in cleanliness. I had to ask for a clean when we arrived, found the bathroom walls, couches, kitchen, door, etc all dirty and not cleaned. we also found hair and lots of dust in the cupboard draws, in addition to a soaking wet towel. During the stay cleaning was also lacking, make the bed and empty the bin. There is also alot of noise from the coffee shop and surrounding areas. We also had a blocked drain in the second bathroom, which we were told would be resolved and it never was. Every-time the kids had a shower it flooded alot. The rooms are also divided by glass and curtains so not much privacy. the rooms and bathroom are also smaller than what is shown on pictures.