Hotel Review: The St. Regis Istanbul
First-time visitors to Istanbul tend to prefer staying in the Sultanahmet area due to its close proximity to iconic sites like the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, and The Blue Mosque. The Galata district, adjacent to Taksim and Beyoğlu, is also favored for its authentic Turkish ambiance. For those seeking luxury and don't mind a distance from these major attractions, Nişantaşı stands out. It's an upscale neighborhood brimming with top-notch hotels, dining, and entertainment. Naturally, The St. Regis Istanbul established itself as a timeless and modern Marriott property in the area. My honeymoon stay at The St. Regis Istanbul was a delightful experience of relaxation and luxury, making it a memorable part of our Istanbul visit. Here is my review of The St. Regis Istanbul:
The St. Regis Istanbul is located at Mim Kemal Oke Cad 35 Nisantasi, 34367 Şişli/İstanbul, Türkiye.
Location
Near the St. Regis Istanbul Hotel, tourists can explore the fashionable Nişantaşı district, known for its luxury shopping and chic dining options. The area is also home to attractions like Harbiye Military Museum and Cultural Site Command and the City’s Nişantasi Shopping Center. Additionally, the neighborhood offers a variety of museums, mosques, trendy coffee shops, and boutiques, providing a blend of cultural and modern experiences in Istanbul. Notably, Dolmabahçe Palace is situated five minutes away by car, and the adjacent Maçka Park provides peaceful greenery for guests.
Lobby & Check-In Review
As our taxi approached The St. Regis Istanbul, a bellman swiftly assisted us with our luggage. Stepping inside, we were greeted by a grand lobby adorned with glossy wooden shelves that reached the high ceiling.
The carefully designed lighting highlighted the displays, creating a sophisticated and elegant ambiance in the lobby.
The shelves displayed decorative objects highlighted by individual lighting. The hotel showcases prestigious pieces from the celebrated Demsa Collection, making it a joy to explore the art at leisure.
The hotel came alive with an abundance of artwork, adorning the lobby and hallways.
A detailed piece depicting a panoramic view of Istanbul, featuring landmarks like the Galata Tower and Hagia Sophia, immediately caught our eye.
I loved how the hotel beautifully represented the city's essence through the intricately detailed wall mural of Istanbul.
Comfortable seating arrangements were thoughtfully placed throughout the lobby, exuding the luxurious and sophisticated ambiance characteristic of the St. Regis brand.
The lobby became a delightful gathering spot, especially during the complimentary champagne hour.
We began our check-in process at one of the personal front desks, where we were promptly offered a welcome beverage; I chose Turkish tea.
Guests can browse and purchase high-end jewelry and watches at Gilan, located behind personal check-in desks.
Utilizing my Suite Night Awards, I was delighted to learn that the hotel had secured an upgrade for us.
Upon check-in, we were welcomed with a glass of Turkish tea, warming us up instantly and adding a touch of local hospitality.
While the suite was being prepared, our butler introduced himself and congratulated us on our recent marriage with complimentary champagne.
The hotel staff made our honeymoon unforgettable by going above and beyond, surprising us with complimentary champagne to celebrate our special occasion.
As with many St. Regis properties worldwide, The St. Regis Istanbul offers champagne sabering in the evenings, a tradition I highly recommend experiencing during your stay.
Living Room Review
Stepping into the living room, I was completely taken aback by the thoughtful surprise prepared by the hotel.
The living room was decorated with festive balloons, creating a beautifully celebratory atmosphere for our honeymoon.
The room was festively adorned with balloons, and the center table boasted an array of delightful welcome amenities, including fresh fruits, Turkish delights, and a raspberry cake.
The hotel replenished the cutlery every night, ensuring we could savor delicious Turkish delights again the next day.
This warm reception was one of the best I've experienced in all my travels. It was especially memorable as the stay at St. Regis Istanbul marked the beginning of our honeymoon.
The raspberry cake was decadently delicious, making for a delightful and unexpected surprise.
Once I moved the balloons aside, I could better appreciate the room’s layout. A curved sofa and two lounge chairs surrounded the central round table.
The upgraded suite boasted a separate living area complete with a smart TV.
A flat-screen TV was elegantly embedded in a mirrored wall, though it lacked smart TV capabilities. Besides the complimentary welcome treats, the suite was generously stocked with snacks and beverages.
The living room was stocked with a tempting array of beverages and snacks available for purchase.
The mini-fridge offered a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options, and being non-sensor-activated, it allowed me to store my own drinks.
The mini-fridge was fully stocked with a variety of treats, but for a more budget-friendly option, I suggest checking out the premium grocery store just around the corner.
A small cart held additional snacks and premium liquors. For those looking to explore more, an upscale grocery store nearby provided a wide selection of Turkish snacks and wines. For coffee enthusiasts, a Nespresso machine was stationed on a stylish counter resembling Himalayan salt.
Seeing the generous supply of complimentary large water bottles was a welcome sight, and we stayed hydrated throughout our stay.
Alternatively, you could always request coffee or tea from the butler service. In fact, upon returning to our room one afternoon, I found tea bags and an electric kettle thoughtfully placed on the table with a note from the butler.
If you're staying at a St. Regis property, don't miss out on the butler service and indulge in their delightful afternoon tea or coffee experience.
The suite also featured a dedicated work desk with a bookshelf, adorned with beautiful turquoise vases handcrafted by Hiref—a luxury artisan company in Türkiye.
While the desk was a bit cluttered with welcome amenities, having a dedicated workspace was a pleasant convenience.
Interested guests could inquire about purchasing these vases at the concierge desk.
The handcrafted vases and bowls by Hiref were truly stunning, and guests had the opportunity to purchase these beautiful pieces right at the front desk.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a nice view of the adjacent Maçka Park. While the separate living space was appreciated, the central table and seating arrangements were less ideal. The table was too high for comfortable dining; a lower table would have been perfect.
The coffee table's height was inconvenient, as it was too tall to comfortably pair with the sofa and lounge chairs.
Given that the room was an actual suite and not a junior suite, I could not help but feel that the living room was slightly cramped. Nevertheless, it was well-furnished with numerous amenities, maximizing the use of space.
Bedroom Review
A sturdy sliding door opened to the bedroom, revealing a king-sized bed complemented by ambient lighting. As expected, the mattress was exceptionally comfortable, though it was surprising how clearly we could hear outside noises.
True to the St. Regis brand, the mattress was exceptionally comfortable. However, the noise cancellation from outside was disappointingly poor.
The floor was carpeted, and floor-to-ceiling windows, similar to the living room, allowed plenty of natural light to flood the space. Floor-length blackout curtains effectively blocked outside light at night and could be operated with a master switch conveniently located by the bedside.
The master light switch featured clearly labeled buttons, a thoughtful detail often overlooked even by luxury hotels.
Each side of the bed had a nightstand, with the one further from the windows being notably larger and featuring a table lamp. Opposite the bed was another TV set against a dark green wall with gold accents.
The hotel cleverly incorporated artwork wherever possible, transforming simple spaces into elevated and artistic environments.
The hotel thoughtfully incorporated art wherever possible, enhancing the room's aesthetic appeal. The bedroom was also connected to a walk-in closet with ample drawer space and a make-up vanity with a mirror.
The spacious walk-in closet included a makeup vanity, which was especially convenient given the single bathroom setup.
The overall atmosphere in the bedroom was luxurious and sophisticated, with a peacefulness emanating from the minimalist decor.
Bathroom Review
The suite featured a single bathroom at its end, connected to the walk-in closet. The entire bathroom was elegantly clad in polished marble with a monochrome palette, creating a dynamic and contemporary contrast to the calm design of the bedroom.
The master bathroom's polished marble surfaces added a touch of contemporary elegance to its design.
The bathroom boasted a double-sink vanity with an extra-wide mirror that incorporated a small TV. The luxurious toiletry products were by Sachajuan—a Swedish brand known for using cold water algae to provide natural elasticity and moisture to hair.
Toiletries were offered in communal bottles from Sachajuan—the signature brand partner of St. Regis.
A large bathtub, accompanied by bath salts, offered a soothing way to unwind after exploring Istanbul.
The hotel thoughtfully provided bath salts, making the bathing experience more relaxing.
The spacious walk-in shower in the corner was equipped with a rainfall showerhead and a handheld option. Unfortunately, the water pressure was not as strong as expected.
Unfortunately, the walk-in shower had low water pressure, leading to a less-than-ideal shower experience.
A separate water closet continued the polished marble theme, adding to the overall aesthetic.
The bathroom's modern design extended seamlessly into the water closet, ensuring a cohesive and stylish look throughout.
Overall, I appreciated the refreshing interior design of the bathroom and how it stood out from the rest of the suite.
Gym Review
The gym was open 24/7 and was located on the basement level. Although not the largest considering the hotel's size, the hotel strategically placed mirrors on the walls to create an illusion of increased spaciousness.
The fitness center, though compact, was packed with a great variety of equipment.
The fitness center featured the latest TechnoGym equipment, with cardio machines neatly spaced apart. A stylish chrome finish on some of the TechnoGym equipment complemented the glossy floor beautifully.
I appreciated that the hotel thoughtfully spaced out the equipment, allowing guests to comfortably maintain social distancing.
For strength training, the gym included a bench with an Olympic-grade barbell and proper weight plates, along with safety bars for squats.
The fitness center offered a well-rounded selection of exercise machines, including a bench/squat rack.
However, there were limited adjustable benches for dumbbell workouts, which could be an issue if the gym was crowded. Fortunately, I had the gym to myself during my visit.
The limited number of adjustable benches for dumbbell workouts could pose a problem during peak times if the gym becomes crowded.
The space also included a well-organized set of gym balls, medicine balls, and a pilates machine—highlighting the hotel’s effort to cater to various fitness preferences.
The hotel catered to diverse fitness preferences with an entire wall dedicated to medicine balls and gym balls, ensuring a well-rounded workout experience for every guest.
In addition to free weights, there were strength exercise machines that would target different muscle groups and a punching bag for a dynamic workout.
Although the gym felt a bit cramped due to the abundance of equipment, I appreciated the hotel's effort to provide a wide variety of nearly new exercise machines.
An all-in-one machine with various attachments maximized the space. Despite the gym feeling slightly cramped due to the abundance of equipment, I appreciated the hotel's effort to provide a wide variety of practically new exercise machines.
Spa & Pool Review—Iridium Spa
The Iridium Spa at St. Regis Istanbul was located on the basement level opposite the fitness center and operated daily from 9 AM to 9 PM.
I highly recommend booking your spa experiences in advance to guarantee you secure your preferred timeslot.
It presented a wide range of spa experiences, from simple facials to full hammam treatments, and guests could enjoy complimentary access to steam and dry saunas. The men's locker room was spotless, featuring individual showers with large rainfall showerheads for use before and after spa sessions.
The massive showerhead in the locker room shower booths provided a refreshing shower experience both before and after the spa.
The steam room was adorned with mosaic tiles and ambient lighting under the seats and provided an intense steam experience.
Steam saunas are often mild, but the one at The St. Regis Istanbul delivered an exceptionally intense yet rejuvenating experience.
For those seeking higher temperatures, the three-level dry sauna was an excellent alternative, complete with an hourglass on the wall for a self-imposed challenge.
The intense dry sauna provided the perfect way to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring Istanbul.
One of the spa’s standout features was its three private pools. Reservations are highly recommended as these pools are completely private. Two of the pools could accommodate up to two people, while the third one was a larger pool that could host up to four guests.
The spa featured three entirely private pools, with this one being the smallest of the trio.
Each pool area included a small table and comfortable lounge beds or couches, with smooth marble walls and mosaic-tiled floors enhanced by soft candlelight, creating a truly special atmosphere.
Each pool was surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs or sofas, and guests could even order tea or beverages to enjoy by the poolside.
My wife and I were fortunate to reserve the largest pool—a complimentary perk of our stay.
With no other bookings during our visit, we had the luxury of enjoying the largest pool all to ourselves.
Although the water temperature wasn't as warm as expected, the private indoor pool experience was delightful.
The only downside of the swimming pools was that the water wasn't adequately heated.
We returned to Iridium Spa the following afternoon for a traditional Turkish hammam experience, priced at around 100 USD per person (3,000 Lira) for a 45-minute treatment. Although it was a couples massage, we were in adjacent connecting rooms, close enough to see each other.
The hammam experience at the spa was incredibly thorough, and I highly recommend it.
The hammam experience was absolutely fantastic, and it was so relaxing that we almost fell asleep. After the exfoliation and foam massage, we were guided to a communal lounge area, surrounded by soft candlelight and comfortable couches.
The communal lounge area, with its soothing music and serene ambiance, deeply relaxed both my mind and body.
A receptionist offered us a tea menu, and I selected a traditional Chinese green tea. The refreshment was served with a chilled bottle of water, dried apricots, and walnuts.
The massage experience was elevated with high-quality tea, and the spa carried a diverse tea selection to suit everyone's taste.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the hammam spa experience at Iridium Spa. From start to finish, I was pampered, and the staff took great care of me before and after the treatment. If you want to completely rejuvenate and relax, I highly recommend trying the hammam treatment.
Breakfast Review—St. Regis Brasserie
Breakfast was served at the St. Regis Brasserie on the top floor of the hotel. Although the space typically functions as Spago Istanbul—the first international restaurant of Wolfgang Puck’s two-Michelin star Spago in California—the breakfast menu was crafted by St. Regis Brasserie. With an early flight to catch, we arrived at 6:30 AM when the restaurant opened.
With Wolfgang's renowned name behind the restaurant, outstanding food quality was expected.
The main dining area was closed, so guests were seated in the sunroom, offering lovely views of Maçka Park and the Bosphorus.
The sunroom, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, showcased an open view of the adjacent Maçka Park.
The sunrise towards the end of our meal made it clear that this spot would be ideal for lunch or dinner, providing an unobstructed view of the surrounding neighborhoods.
The stunning sunrise over the surrounding neighborhoods was a breathtaking start to my morning.
Though the primary indoor space was closed during breakfast hours, it was tastefully curated with pop art pieces and featured an extensive wine list.
I highly recommend making a reservation for dinner, as this popular restaurant tends to fill up quickly at night.
Breakfast was a prix fixe menu priced at 850 Turkish Lira per person (about 30 USD), but thanks to my Marriott Bonvoy Titanium Elite status, it was complimentary for my wife and me.
The breakfast spread was both affordable and impressive, featuring traditional Turkish dishes with a creative American twist.
The breakfast included various fixings such as Aegean olives, Turkish bread with Trabzon butter, Kaymak with honeycomb, an assortment of local cheeses and pastries, and more.
Our morning sprang to life with a steaming glass of Turkish tea and a cozy cup of cappuccino.
Each guest could also choose an entrée and beverages. We began with freshly squeezed orange juice, Turkish tea, and cappuccino, with all the fixings promptly served. The selection was impressive, and I particularly enjoyed the Kaymak.
The small fixings were fresh and flavorful, with the added bonus of unlimited refills if you craved more.
The slightly warm bread paired perfectly with the delicious Trabzon butter and fresh vegetables or olives.
I absolutely loved the kaymak with fresh honey, while my wife couldn't get enough of the local Trabzon butter paired with freshly baked breads.
While the pre-cut fruits were just okay, the persimmon stood out. After taking a bite, I immediately had to request more since only one small slice was initially provided.
The vegetables were incredibly fresh and bursting with natural flavor.
For our entrées, I chose Menemen—Turkish scrambled eggs with tomato and pepper—while my wife opted for an omelet with vegetable toppings. The Menemen was delicious, and less creamy than the one I had at Ariana Sustainable Luxury Lodge in Cappadocia, showcasing a different style. Served in a pan, it remained warm throughout the meal.
The Menemen was wonderfully chunky and stayed perfectly hot from the first bite to the last.
Overall, the breakfast experience was delightful. While the $30 price tag might seem steep to some, the abundant fixings and beverages provided more than enough food, and the service was exceptional.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The hospitality at The St. Regis Istanbul was truly exceptional. Upon check-in, we were warmly welcomed with Turkish tea, and our upgraded suite was thoughtfully decorated with welcome amenities and balloons to celebrate our honeymoon. Every staff member we encountered was kind and helpful, making our stay a lovely experience. Upon checking out, we were gifted a bag of treats and a charming Turkish evil eye souvenir, believed to protect against bad luck and bring good fortune.
The hammam treatment at Iridium Spa was a relaxing and memorable highlight of our stay, providing a much-needed break. The treatment was thorough and enjoyable, complementing my premium tea choice in a beautiful, relaxing lounge.
Compared to other neighborhoods we stayed in, the Nişantaşı area was quiet and free from tourist crowds. This upscale neighborhood offered a peaceful escape from the bustling streets of Istanbul.
Negatives
Overall, I had no major complaints about my stay. However, the bedroom did allow some outside noise to filter in, which was surprising given the generally quiet nature of the Nişantaşı neighborhood. Hopefully, this was just a rare incident.
As we checked out, the hotel gifted us with a Turkish evil eye, an iconic souvenir from Türkiye.
Summary
The St. Regis Istanbul is a modern luxury retreat nestled in the serene Nişantaşı neighborhood, perfectly embodying the opulence of the St. Regis brand. Alongside signature offerings like champagne sabering and butler service, we were welcomed with delectable amenities that truly elevated our stay. The staff's dedication to exceptional service ensured our every need was met throughout our visit. The à la carte breakfast at St. Regis Brasserie provided more than enough fresh, delicious food for both me and my wife. Additionally, the hammam experience at Iridium Spa is a must-try for anyone seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. For those seeking a sumptuous lodging experience in Istanbul, I highly recommend booking a stay at The St. Regis Istanbul.
