Публикация 2024-12-16
Seaway Hotel Istanbul is situated a stone's throw from the waterfront and while it is likely you will not see the water from your room, you will be next to the great wall Constantine built to preserve his empire - a glorious location it is! As a solo female traveler, I’d awaken at about 5:30 am ready for a run though it was still dark out (December 2024). Having been given the green light by Seaway staff (great people by the way) I felt safe and free to roam the streets around the Hagia Sophia, as well as the waterfront where I was shocked to find no homeless people high on drugs - a very sad and dangerous effect so often found near US waterfronts in current times. I kept expecting to find some person rolled up in a sleeping bag around each corner, yet there were none. So, I ran and ran to my heart's content all through the streets, past monuments that spoke to my soul without the din of crowds to drown them out. I ran through neighborhoods, most with their lights still out as people remained nestled in their beds. There was one time when I even ran past hordes of worshippers heading toward their morning prayers at the Hagia Sophia. I felt the calm of this massive city in that darkness, alight only by their street lamps and I am grateful to the city of Istanbul for creating this safe environment for me, a solo female traveler, to run. After my run, I’d visit neighboring historical sites that were also a stone’s throw away from the Seaway Hotel Istanbul - only in the direction opposite to the water. While visiting these sites, I read reviews to find great places to eat, however, I found myself over and over back at the Balkan Restaurant which is not especially close to the hotel. Note: If you are going to this restaurant, it is listed as 'Balkan Restaurant' on Google maps, but the sign on their window says, Balkan Lokantasi. Pick the one listed as 'Balkan Restaurant' on Google maps and you'll find it. On the topic of food, it might also be helpful for you to know that the takeaway food recommended at Seaway (for which they will help you order) was delicious as well for those times when I did not feel like going out to eat. But back to the Seaway Hotel itself. Along with being ideally located, my stark white cotton sheets were newer than not and very cozy. I’m big on bedding! Another thing I’m big on is water pressure and hot showers - both of which were on point! Luckily I was not impacted by the water heater issue Engi (one of the hotel owners) had during my time there when I observed both he and his entire crew working tirelessly to fix the water heater issue. In the end poor Engi had to bite the bullet and buy a new water heater. It would have been 4 days before someone could come to do a proper repair and his concern for his guests was so high that he just went out and bought a new one! Very impressive indeed, all the more since the one he had replaced was also relatively new and would have fully been covered by the warranty had he waited those 4 days. It was that type of commitment to customer satisfaction that stands out in my mind as I reflect upon my time at the Seaway Hotel Istanbul. This commitment is clear with every person I came into contact with that works there at Seaway Hotel. I highly recommend this hotel and just hope there will be a space for me when I return to Istanbul in the future. PS~ If this sounds a bit too polished, like a false review, it is because I advise businesses on improving their processes. Initially I thought there might be some tiny bit of insight I’d have to share with Engi on his hotel, but, after staying there as a fully paid guest for 12 days, I only have to say, “Thank you very much. You made my trip as wonderful as it ever could have been. Job well done”.
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