"It was not our first time visiting the Four Seasons, and we chose to celebrate a birthday there because we believed it would be the perfect place for a special occasion. Unfortunately, the experience was very disappointing. The birthday cake was brought to the table without any music, acknowledgment, or cheerful moment to make the celebration feel special. For a birthday celebration at a hotel of this standard, we expected a much more thoughtful and memorable experience. Sadly, what should have been a special occasion was completely ruined by the lack of attention and service. We were very, very disappointed and did not expect this level of service."

"My third stay here. A top tier hotel in the Four Seasons group. Stately building inside and out. Personnel are gracious, attentive and unobtrusive. Food is amazing laced with Turkish treats. The location I'm the hotel which gives all three restaurants and waterfront view is unparalleled."

"This is an exceptional hotel. The location is amazing - right on the bosphorus with a gorgeous pool and rooms that were part of the original palace. Our rooms have 20' ceilings. The service is outstanding - they could not be nicer to myself, husband and two teen boys. The breakfast and brunch buffets are the best we have ever seen. I would stay here again in a heart beat. Istanbul is a fascinating place but you would also be happy just hanging out at the hotel!"

"I was only here two nights but I think that was enough to demonstrate that this is not worth the time or money. I was told that the hotel was far from the best in Istanbul but it was very near my meetings so I ignored that advice. The room - on the top floor - was quite large although it had a slightly weird ceiling due to the sloping roof. It was quite dark with one small dormer window that I could just see teh Bosphorus out of if I peered hard and had a very nice tub (for one!). The service was where this hotel fell down - the bar and restaurant appear to be run entirely separately from the hotel itself so as a resident you get no special privileges and have to fight s-=for the very limited space with walk ins. Not only that but by splitting the bar area and restaurant area that further erstits seating if you want - and everyone should want - to have sundowners by teh Bosphorus. Having been lied to by the bar staff about table availability by the Strait ("all booked by residents Sir") I demanded to see teh General Manager but he refused to see me and I had to contend with the F&B manager who was very nice but by tenth damage had been done. I had my sunder (table was not of course booked by residents - but why lie to me so obviously?) Not the best example of Four Seasons to say the least - but since they have another facility in Istanbul maybe I will try that next time - or maybe the Mandarin Oriental or the Penisula instead the next time I am in town. There is no shortage of excellent competition in Istanbul - try them instead."