Hotel Review: Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection
The Autograph Collection is among my preferred brands within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, celebrated for its emphasis on independent hotels that highlight unique identities. While not every hotel within the Autograph Collection consistently delivers a distinctive and memorable narrative to its visitors, those that do manage to create an indelible mark. That was my experience at the Cotton House Hotel in Barcelona and the RYSE Hotel in Seoul. Aiming to showcase the hotel's uniqueness, I chose the Burdock Hotel in Istanbul for my honeymoon stay. Thanks to its engaging service, my lodging experience at the Burdock Hotel remains memorable to this day, and here is my review of Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection:
Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection, is located at Hacımimi, Kemeraltı Cd. No.33, 34425 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
I earn tons of Marriott Bonvoy points by using my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $6,000 within your first 6 months of card membership. The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on dining and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on all other purchases. Paired with Marriott’s promotions and AMEX offers, it opens doors to endless points-earning opportunities.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card has great benefits that can substantially offset its annual fee.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card does come with a hefty $650 annual fee but offers tons of perks to significantly offset its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
$25 monthly dining credit—$300 total in a year
$100 property credit when booked directly with Marriott and staying a minimum of two nights at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
An 85,000-point Free Night Award
Access to Priority Pass lounges
25 Elite Night Credits for chasing Marriott Bonvoy status
Even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often, this card is still a must-have, in my opinion. It’s a true example of a keeper card that offers benefits that outweigh the annual fee.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
If you are looking for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card with a low annual fee, consider the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of five Free Night Certificates after spending $5,000 in the first three months from account opening. Each certificate is worth up to 50,000 points, totaling a potential bonus worth up to 250,000 points. I personally value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, making the 250,000 points offer worth $2,000. The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card earns 6X points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases every year on dining, grocery stores, and gas stations, and 2X points on all other purchases.
Be aware that 15 elite night credits from the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card can’t be combined with 15 elite night credits from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card.
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card’s annual fee is $95, and it offers useful perks to offset the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits that will help you achieve a higher Marriott Bonvoy status
Please note that you can’t combine Elite Night Credits from two Marriott Bonvoy personal credit cards, but you can stack Elite Night Credits from one personal and one Marriott Bonvoy business card. Thus, if you own both AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, you would only earn 25 elite night credits.
If you’d like to apply for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you!
The last Marriott Bonvoy credit card you could use would be the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of five Free Night Certificates after spending $8,000 in the first six months from account opening. Each certificate is worth up to 50,000 points, totaling a potential bonus worth up to 250,000 points. Considering that the annual membership costs $125, you get paid to have the card! The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 4X points on dining, U.S. shipping purchases, U.S. wireless telephone services, and at U.S. gas stations. All other purchases earn 2X points.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card is the only Marriott business card on the market.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card’s annual fee is $125, and it offers valuable benefits to justify the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits, which can be combined with 15 Elite Night Credits from other personal Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
As you can see, the card’s benefits are less substantial than the ones from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, but it is a great long-term keeper card due to its annual Free Night Award perk. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary if you want to chase a higher Marriott Bonvoy status because it is the only Marriott business card that is on the market and will grant you an additional 15 Elite Night Credits. Lastly, even though it is a business credit card, it is very likely that you could get it approved. Check out my article on how to apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
The Burdock Hotel is located in the Beyoglu District, a vibrant area in Istanbul known for its diverse cultural scene, historic landmarks, and lively atmosphere. For nearby points of interest, Istiklal Avenue, situated in the heart of Beyoglu, is a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, restaurants, theaters, and art galleries. It's an ideal place for shopping, dining, and immersing yourself in the local atmosphere. Guests will also discover the Galata Tower, offering panoramic views of the city, and the Galata Bridge, which spans the Golden Horn and connects Beyoglu to the historic district of Sultanahmet. The bridge is a popular spot for fishing, strolling, and enjoying views of the waterfront. Taksim Square, a central hub of Istanbul, is also nearby and is surrounded by hotels, shops, and restaurants. It serves as a meeting point and marks the starting point of Istiklal Avenue. Another notable nearby attraction is the Istanbul Modern Art Museum, featuring a collection of Turkish and international modern and contemporary art.
Lobby & Check-In Review
Upon entering the hotel's lobby, I was immediately struck by its distinctive decor and design. The hotel masterfully blended traditional Turkish motifs with the elegance of upscale boutique accommodations, crafting a sophisticated yet unparalleled ambiance.
The hotel expertly combined traditional Turkish motifs with upscale boutique elegance, creating a uniquely sophisticated ambiance.
The lobby featured a cozy and expansive seating area, adorned with handmade jewelry and select artifacts available for purchase. They were reasonably priced, and it could be an ideal spot for securing a last-minute souvenir.
These handmade jewelry pieces are affordably priced, making them excellent souvenirs.
Located at the rear of the lobby was the Arctium Restaurant, while the Astera Lounge & Bar, situated at the lobby level, offered a selection of simple tapas and beverages.
I loved how the hotel seamlessly incorporated traditional Turkish design into the lobby whenever possible.
The front desk at the Burdock Hotel was a large front desk capable of servicing two groups simultaneously.
The check-in experience was engaging, enhanced by thoughtful personal touches.
Upon being seated, we were courteously offered beverages; we welcomed the offer of Turkish tea and water. Additionally, traditional Turkish sweets were provided, and before using our hands to eat them, the receptionist dispensed floral-scented hand sanitizer from a crystal chamber. The dispenser was a unique touch and the mildly citrusy fragrance of the hand sanitizer was refreshing.
The receptionist dispensed floral-scented hand sanitizer from an elegant crystal chamber; the mildly citrusy fragrance of the sanitizer was refreshing.
The front desk representative thoroughly introduced us to the hotel's amenities and confirmed my Suite Night Award, ensuring an upgrade to a suite. She also shared the rich history of the hotel and its distinction as part of the Autograph Collection. Concluding the check-in, she presented us with a choice of beautifully handmade bracelets, from which we could select one as a complimentary gift—a thoughtful token to commemorate our stay.
My wife particularly loved selecting a handmade bracelet as a welcome gift.
The check-in experience was exceptionally memorable, standing out as one of the finest I've encountered within the Autograph Collection. It not only underscored the hotel's uniqueness but also fostered a meaningful connection between us as guests and the hotel itself. After we checked in, we headed up to the third floor, where our suite was located.
Living Room & Bedroom Review
The suite was divided into a living area and a separate bedroom. The living area was furnished with a spacious microfiber sofa with deep seating, complemented by an oval coffee table with a chic gray marble surface.
The living area featured a spacious, deep-seated microfiber sofa and a chic gray marble oval coffee table.
The floors were finished with beautiful walnut-hued wood, bringing out the room's warmth and elegance. Across from the sofa, a lengthy media console matched the coffee table's gray marble finish, creating a harmonious aesthetic.
The floors were finished in a beautiful walnut-hued wood, enhancing the living space’s warmth and elegance.
A standard TV was mounted on the wall above, and generous welcome amenities were arranged on the media stand. The welcome amenities included a selection of fresh fruits, Turkish delights, nuts, and dried fruits, marking our lovely first encounter with Turkish delights.
The welcome amenities were exceptionally generous, brimming with delicious treats.
The bedroom expanded into a more generous space, with the continuity of the elegant wooden flooring from the living area. Anchored against a decoratively molded wall, a king-sized bed promised comfort with its bouncy mattress, topped with a fabric headboard that cleverly incorporated bamboo accents.
The bedroom opened up into a larger space, seamlessly continuing the elegant wooden flooring from the living area.
The headboard housed integrated reading lights, master light switches, and charging ports for convenience. While each side of the bed was equipped with a nightstand, their compact size led us to use the work desk across the bed for charging our electronics.
Due to the small nightstands, we used the desk across from the bed to charge our electronics.
The work desk also served as a media stand with another standard TV mounted on it. Intriguingly, the bedroom TV was set against a dark, mirror-like wall, camouflaging the device when not in use and doubling as a mirror.
The dark, mirror-like wall effortlessly concealed the TV when it wasn't in use.
The work desk was primarily occupied by an espresso machine and complimentary tea bags, alongside two bottles of water replenished daily.
The espresso machine setup and daily replenished water bottles occupied a good amount of the work desk space.
Beneath the desk, a mini fridge was subtly placed, stocked with beer and soda at prices notably fair compared to those in domestic hotels.
It was refreshing to see reasonably priced beverages and snacks available in the room.
The bedroom also featured a light-sensitive closet and lounge chairs, the latter of which I found particularly appealing for their traditional Turkish carpet pattern designs.
The colorful patterns of the lounge chairs added character and charm to the bedroom.
Lastly, although the floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedroom only delivered a view of the building's rear, opening them for fresh air revealed an unexpected delight—stray cats lounging in the area.
As a cat lover, I loved that Türkiye is full of stray cats, which I could easily spot from my room.
As a cat lover, I'd happily exchange a less-than-ideal view for the chance to watch cats throughout the day. All in all, I enjoyed the living room and bedroom's premium design, enriched with modern technological conveniences and natural materials, which brought coziness into the space. The bold patterns on the walls and lounge chairs injected creativity into the space, reflecting the Autograph Collection brand's essence of distinctive elegance and spirit.
Bathroom Review
The bathroom, seamlessly connected to the bedroom, featured an open layout with a single sink vanity.
Although the suite had only one sink, it was beautifully designed, and the bathroom was well-lit.
I was particularly charmed by the uniqueness of the sink and the Nerolinn-branded toiletries—a Turkish company renowned for its commitment to natural ingredients. The diffuser radiated a delightful fragrance, while the olive oil soap exuded naturalness that I could feel from the moment I held it.
The soap was made with Turkish olive oil and naturally hydrated my hands.
The bathroom was equipped with a water closet that included an integrated bidet, operated simply by turning a knob on the wall.
I always appreciate having a water closet in the bathroom as it greatly enhances privacy.
A highlight was the walk-in shower, which contained a generously sized whirlpool tub large enough to comfortably accommodate two adults. Thoughtfully, the hotel provided waterproof neck pillows at each end of the tub, enhancing the comfort of our bathing experience.
The whirlpool tub was incredibly soothing after a long day of walking around Istanbul, and the neck pillows added to the comfort.
To further elevate the bathing experience, the hotel supplied mandarin body scrub and Yuzu bath salts, with the Yuzu bath salts' refreshing citrus scent being particularly impressive.
The inviting citrus-forward scents of the bath salts and body scrub were refreshing, and the small bottles lasted for at least two days.
The shower came with both a waterfall showerhead and a handheld variant, with communal toiletries once again supplied by Nerolinn.
The walk-in shower was beautifully finished with premium materials, and the rainfall shower was invigorating.
The toiletry products were made with high-quality, natural ingredients, and I particularly enjoyed the subtle mandarin fragrance. However, there was a minor issue as the hotel mistakenly provided a bottle of lotion instead of hair conditioner, which needed to be corrected later.
The hotel mistakenly provided body lotion instead of hair conditioner, but promptly corrected the error once it was pointed out.
While a double sink vanity would have been a welcome addition, I greatly appreciated thoughtful touches provided by the hotel, such as the bath salts and body scrub, neck pillows for the tub, and a diffuser to maintain an inviting atmosphere.
Gym Review
Located on the -3 level, the gym was accessible 24/7, catering to guests at all hours. Although the gym was compact relative to the hotel's overall size, it had an array of brand-new TechnoGym machines, making up for its limited space with modern equipment.
The gym was sleek and contemporary, equipped with the latest state-of-the-art equipment.
The industrial decor within the gym set a motivating backdrop for my workout sessions. Despite the small space, the fitness center effectively utilized its floor plan, delivering a diverse range of cardio machines.
The gym's dynamic industrial interior design perfectly complemented its setting.
Tucked in a corner was a versatile strength training machine designed for a comprehensive muscle workout. At the gym's far end, a dedicated area with dumbbells was set up, complete with a single bench for shared use.
Although there was only one adjustable bench, the area provided ample space for performing other exercises with the weights.
In instances where the bench was in use, the gym provided an assortment of gym balls and medicine balls, perfect for core-strengthening exercises.
I liked the hotel's choice of a sleek matte black color scheme for all the gym accessories.
Though the gym was modest in size and its equipment range was limited, the gym’s atmosphere was thoughtfully crafted with an effective design that enhanced the workout experience. After a fulfilling workout session, I proceeded up a level to explore the spa.
Pool & Sauna Review
The spa was nestled on the -2 level, welcoming guests from 8 AM to 10 PM. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a receptionist who provided a brief tour of the premises.
The spa featured an extensive array of treatments, including facials, body scrubs, and massages.
Although we didn't schedule any specific spa treatments, the facility's highlight was its exquisite hammam, providing guests with opportunities to indulge in traditional Turkish baths.
Experiencing a Turkish hammam is undoubtedly one of the top activities everyone should try in Türkiye.
The availability of separate locker rooms for each gender made changing in one's room unnecessary, and everything was impeccably tidy.
The men's locker room was impeccably clean and had individual showers for use before and after spa treatments.
Venturing beyond a corridor lined with hammams and quiet rooms, the pool area unveiled itself, featuring a main swimming pool and two hydrotherapy pools. The pool deck was furnished with several lounge chairs, and guests could order food and drinks via a QR code.
The pool chairs were available on a first-come, first-served basis, and guests could conveniently order food and drinks using a QR code.
The infinity pool evoked a sensation akin to ocean swimming, with its captivating turquoise-blue flooring. The area was further enhanced by ambient lighting and elegant wooden ceiling accents.
The flooring of the infinity pool reminded me of swimming in the Aegean Sea.
However, I found the pool water slightly too cool for my preference, though it was adequately deep and long for lap swimming. Of the two hydrotherapy pools, the one nearer to the saunas was smaller and cooler.
The hydrotherapy pool near the sauna was slightly cooler than the other pool, but both pools featured powerful jets.
The other one on the uppermost platform offered the warmest water, but it was still only tepid to my touch.
This pool was the warmest of the three, but it was still too cool for me to relax and lounge comfortably.
On a brighter note, the spa had both a dry sauna and a steam room. While a steam sauna tends to be less intense than its dry counterpart, the steam sauna at the Burdock Hotel packed a punch. The dry sauna was particularly notable for its Himalayan salt wall situated beneath the steamer. The water for steaming was infused with mint essential oils, and every time I poured it to generate steam, the sauna was filled with refreshing minty steam coupled with the therapeutic benefits of Himalayan salt.
The water used for heat generation was infused with essential mint oils, producing a refreshing minty steam.
Ambient lighting along the salt wall and behind the wooden benches created a welcoming atmosphere, making the dry sauna an everyday destination during our stay. Post-detox, a cold shower provided a bracing cooldown. An oak bucket shower was brimming with ice-cold water that instantly chilled our bodies.
The cold shower bucket was very satisfying to use after a steamy sauna session.
We gladly repeated the process to maximize the sauna's rejuvenating benefits. While the pools were ideal for a day of relaxation within the hotel, the saunas—especially with the inventive use of mint essential oil and the Himalayan salt wall—truly enhanced our spa experience.
Breakfast Review—Arctium Restaurant
Located on the lobby level, breakfast at the Arctium Restaurant was a delightful affair, and it was served from 7 AM to 10:30 AM on weekdays and extended to 11 AM on weekends. The restaurant was spacious and was adorned with minimalist Turkish tile art, presenting a variety of seating options to accommodate diverse groups.
Arctium Restaurant masterfully blended contemporary design with traditional Turkish elements.
Upon our arrival and after a quick check-in with the receptionist, we settled at a table, eager to embark on our Turkish breakfast adventure. It's widely acknowledged that Türkiye produces some of the finest bread globally, and the breakfast buffet at the Burdock Hotel lived up to this reputation.
Türkiye is renowned for its exceptional bread, and the breakfast buffet at the Burdock Hotel upheld this reputation.
I began with a Simit—a sesame-encrusted bread reminiscent of a bagel—complemented by Kaymak and honeycomb.
It was reassuring to see that the restaurant took food allergies seriously.
For those who don’t like the honeycomb's texture, the restaurant provided a thoughtful and waste-reducing alternative: wafer cups for honey, mirroring a practice I had appreciated at Le Meridien Nice.
Honeycomb paired with kaymak was a heavenly combination, and it was hands down my favorite item from the buffet.
The hot food offerings varied slightly each day, presenting a rotation that included veal sausage, baked potatoes, grilled halloumi cheese, lo mein noodles, and falafel.
The food was perfectly warm and inviting on the first day, but on the second day, some items were not adequately heated early in the service.
While the food was perfectly warm and inviting on the first day, the second day revealed some challenges with items not being adequately heated early in the service.
The breakfast buffet featured cereals and granola with a variety of dairy options to choose from.
Fortunately, the option to order a la carte, such as a vegetable and cheese omelet, was available and promptly served, adding a delightfully fresh touch to the meal.
The veggie cheese omelet was loaded with fresh vegetables and topped with a melty layer of cheese.
Progressing to the salads and cold cuts, I discovered an impressive and extensive selection of olives, cheeses, meats, and more, introducing me to varieties I had never tasted before.
The charcuterie section of the buffet was brimming with local delicacies, including olives, smoked fish, and artisanal cheeses.
The high-quality olives, benefiting from Türkiye's Aegean Sea proximity, and the fresh, distinctive cheeses, including smoked Circassian and knitted cheese, were standout experiences.
The vegetables were incredibly fresh and bursting with flavor, making salad dressing entirely unnecessary.
However, I soon reached my limit and took a moment to enjoy some fresh fruits and a cup of kefir before delving into the buffet's remarkable array of Turkish delights (Lokum).
The Turkish delights at the Burdock Hotel were among the most remarkable selections I've ever encountered in a boutique Turkish hotel.
Each piece, particularly those with pistachios and hazelnuts, was a testament to the country's confectionery prowess.
Alternatively, the buffet offered relatively healthier options such as fresh fruits.
Reflecting on my experiences across various hotels, I can confidently say that the Burdock Hotel's breakfast buffet showcased the most extensive and authentic selection of Turkish delights. For anyone keen on exploring the rich tapestry of Turkish culinary traditions, especially the sweets, the buffet here presents an unparalleled opportunity to sample a wide array before making any personal purchases.
Positives &Negatives
Positives
The hospitality experienced at the Burdock Hotel left a lasting impression. Beyond the generous welcome amenities and the meticulous attention to service provided by the staff, the bracelet gift was not just an engaging gesture. It was a tangible keepsake we could cherish and bring back home, embedding our memories with a physical symbol of our stay.
Despite minor setbacks with the breakfast service, including issues with some dishes not being served warm, the buffet's expansive selection was spectacular. The exceptional range of desserts and dairy products on offer was particularly noteworthy.
The indoor swimming pool and saunas provided pristine and revitalizing facilities that were a daily delight. My favorite feature was the dry sauna, enhanced by the hotel's ingenious inclusion of a Himalayan salt wall. The provision of mint-infused water for the steam made each visit uniquely refreshing.
Negatives
While it's possible to walk to Istanbul's major attractions from the hotel, taking a quick taxi ride can save time. However, a road divider outside the hotel often causes taxi drivers to decline trips to the northern part of the city to avoid a detour for a U-turn.
Summary
Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection, was a testament to the unique allure typical of Autograph Collection properties. From the moment of check-in, receiving a handmade bracelet representing Turkish carpet patterns was a memorable and engaging introduction to the hotel's identity, delivering a tangible piece of the experience right off the bat. While the hotel might not have been flawless in every aspect, my upgraded suite provided a spacious retreat complemented by superior bathroom amenities that significantly elevated my overall lodging experience. The hotel excelled with its cutting-edge spa facilities and a sumptuous breakfast buffet that showcased an impressive array of Turkish specialties. For those in search of a distinctive boutique hotel experience in Istanbul, one that envelops you in its unique character, I wholeheartedly suggest a stay at the Burdock Hotel.
