Istanbul's Hidden Gem: The Print House Hotel - Unforgettable Luxury!
Istanbul's Print House Hotel: More Than Just Pretty Pictures (And Seriously, It's Pretty) - My Actually Honest Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. I'm back from Istanbul, and my brain is still swimming in Turkish Delight, the call to prayer, and, of course, the sheer, unapologetic splendor of the Print House Hotel. Forget those glossy travel brochures – this is the real deal, warts and all (and let me tell you, finding warts in this place was a challenge!).
TL;DR (Because I know you’re impatient): Run, don’t walk, to book this hotel. It's a splurge, sure, but it's a worth it splurge. This isn’t just a place to sleep; it's an experience. Expect to be pampered, surprised, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit heartbroken when it’s time to leave.
(Metadata Stuff, Don’t Worry, It’s Important. I'll try to make it fun, at least for me.)
SEO Keywords: Istanbul Hotel, Luxury Hotel Istanbul, Print House Hotel, Istanbul Accommodation, Sultanahmet Hotel, Wheelchair Accessible Hotel Istanbul, Spa Hotel Istanbul, Outdoor Pool Istanbul, Best Istanbul Hotels, Istanbul Room with a View, Romantic Istanbul Hotel, Family-Friendly Istanbul, Hotel with Gym Istanbul, Free Wi-Fi Istanbul.
Metadata (A Little More Detail): Location: Sultanahmet, Istanbul. Features: Spa, Rooftop Pool, Restaurant, Bar, Accessible Rooms, Wi-Fi, High-End Amenities, Excellent Service. Target Audience: Couples, Families, Luxury Travelers, Spa Enthusiasts, Anyone wanting an Unforgettable Experience.
Accessibility: The Good Stuff, the Almost-Good Stuff, and the "Hmm…"
Right, let’s get the practical stuff out of the way. Accessibility is KEY, people, especially if you, or someone you're traveling with, has some mobility challenges. The Print House mostly delivers. They have facilities for disabled guests for sure, which is a HUGE plus. They also have an elevator, a necessity in a city built on hills! I didn't personally need a wheelchair-accessible room, but I did see some. They appeared well-appointed, spacious, and thoughtfully designed.
Now, the "hmm…" part. Istanbul is a city of cobblestones. Picture those gorgeous, Instagram-worthy streets? They can be a nightmare for wheelchairs. While the hotel itself is generally accessible, getting around outside the Print House might require a bit of planning. I'd recommend contacting them before you book to discuss your specific needs. They seem genuinely eager to help, so they can guide you.
On-Site Eating, Drinking, and General Delights (My Stomach is Rumbling Just Thinking About It)
This hotel is not messing around when it comes to food and drink. Seriously, bring your stretchy pants.
- Restaurants: They have several! A la carte, buffet, international, and a vegetarian restaurant -- something for every taste and mood. One night, I had a grilled octopus that literally changed my life. I am not exaggerating. The views from the restaurant are… well, let’s just say you'll be reaching for your phone to take pictures.
- Bars: Cocktails? Yes, please! A poolside bar? Absolutely. I spent one glorious afternoon nursing a Turkish coffee martini while gazing at the pool with a view (more on that later). The staff at the bar were incredibly friendly and made my friend and I laugh all the afternoon. Happy hour is happy, indeed. I do recommend the cocktails, they are a must-try.
- Breakfast (oh, glorious breakfast!): Forget that sad continental breakfast you get at some hotels. This is a full-blown feast. Breakfast [buffet],” and “Asian breakfast were available and I was excited. You can also get Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service which is handy for early tours. Seriously, prepare to overeat. They had everything from fresh pastries to exotic fruits, and of course, the obligatory Turkish breakfast staples. I may or may not have eaten enough cheese to single-handedly bankrupt the hotel. Don't judge me.
- Room Service: 24-hour! Genius. Need a midnight snack? Done. Feeling lazy? Done. Let’s just say I may or may not have ordered a late-night pizza and a bottle of wine. No regrets!
Cleanliness and Safety: Did They Actually Eat Germs?
Okay, let's be real. Travel in the post-pandemic world is a bit different. The Print House understands. They've got it all. This is the part where I'm supposed to list all the sensible things – Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer, individually-wrapped food options, staff trained in safety protocol, sanitized kitchen and tableware items, etc. But, the reason I mention is what stood out to me: my room. It was spotless. Not just "clean," but genuinely, gleamingly spotless. It’s the kind of clean that makes you feel like you're in a lab. They actually sterilizing equipment and, get this, room sanitization opt-out available! I was so impressed.
Things To Do, Ways To Relax, and the Pursuit of Bliss…
This hotel is practically a mini-vacation within a vacation.
- The Spa: Yes. Just yes. I booked a Body scrub and massage, and I floated out of there. The spa itself is beautiful, serene, and smells AMAZING. The Sauna is pure bliss after a long day of exploring. They offer a Steamroom, too!
- The Pool (with a View): This is the Instagram star of the show. The Swimming pool [outdoor] is on the roof, and the views are unbelievable. It's the perfect place to unwind. Picture yourself: sunshine on your skin, a cocktail in hand, the Blue Mosque in the distance… Seriously, it's picture-perfect. The poolside bar is great!
- Fitness Center: Okay, I'll admit, I didn't actually use the gym. But I peeked in, and it looked well-equipped.
The Rooms: A Fortress of Comfort and Style
Let's talk about the actual rooms. They're a haven. They're not just "rooms," they're mini-suites of luxury.
- The Basics: Air conditioning (essential in the Istanbul heat), free Wi-Fi, a desk (useful for pretending to work while secretly planning your next adventure), and a mini bar (stocked with all sorts of tempting things…). Plus, a Safe box is always a godsend.
- The Perks: Bathtrobes and slippers, a coffee/tea maker (morning bliss!), and free bottled water (hydration is key!). The bed was like sleeping on a cloud. I'm not sure I've ever slept so well in my life. I'm a light sleeper, so the soundproofing was a blessing. Also, the blackout curtains saved me from being awake and wanting to get out of bed super early.
- The Extras: They also had those little touches that make a difference: reading lights, a mirror, and hair dryer. Plus, who doesn't love a bottle of water, some toiletries, and a wake-up service? The rooms were gorgeous and the view from my room was absolutely stunning.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything
This hotel is all about making your life easier. Concierge, laundry service, daily housekeeping -- all the usual suspects, but done with a genuine smile. They even have more specific stuff like **Car park *on-site*, *Currency exchange*, and *luggage storage*. The *doorman* was always helpful, and the 24-hour front desk gave me peace of mind.
Getting Around, and Other Bits and Bobs
- Airport transfer: Super convenient (and a lifesaver after a long flight).
- Car park: Luckily for you, it's free of charge.
- Taxi service: available.
For the Kids (and the Kid in You!)
While I wasn't traveling with any children, I did see families enjoying the hotel. They have babysitting service and family/child-friendly amenities to make your experience as pleasant as possible. There were also kids facilities.
The Imperfections (Because No Place is Perfect!)
Okay, here's the honest bit. No place is perfect, not even the Print House.
- Location, Location: While the hotel is in a great part of town for exploring, the streets, as I mentioned before, can be a bit of a challenge.
- It's a Splurge: Let's be honest, this isn't a budget hotel. The luxury comes at a price.
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]: Might be a little impersonal for some people. I wish I could have stayed there forever!
**The Verdict
Luxury Redefined: Uncover the Opulence of Imperial Suites Doha
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. You're about to get the real Print House Hotel Istanbul experience, courtesy of yours truly. Forget the perfectly curated Instagram feeds – this is the messy, beautiful, slightly chaotic truth. Here we go…
Print House Hotel Istanbul: The Slightly Unhinged Itinerary (aka, My Brain Dump)
Day 1: Arrival & The Big, Glorious Mess
- 10:00 AM (ish) – Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Landed. Yay! Except… where's my luggage? Seriously? Already? Okay, deep breaths. This is a sign of things to come. I'm pretty sure it's lost forever. Embrace the chaos, they say. I'll probably just look like a homeless person the whole time.
- 11:00 AM – Haggling 101 (Taxi Edition). Found a taxi. Found a taxi driver who definitely saw a tourist with wide eyes and dollar signs. Attempted to haggle. Failed miserably. Payed 500 Turkish liras, (about 16.75 usd) which still seems like highway robbery. Welcome to Istanbul, sucker!
- 12:30 PM – The Print House Hotel! (Finally!) Check-in was… well, they were expecting me. And my (non-existent) luggage, it turned out, was also not at the hotel. The lobby is beautiful, full of books. I'm already in love. The staff is incredibly patient, considering my current state of mild panic. They offered Turkish coffee, which I attempted to drink elegantly. Let's just say I'm wearing more of it than the cup.
- 1:00 PM – Room Reconnaissance & Initial Panic. My room is… well, it's a room. Not exactly a palatial suite (as the photos online suggested). But, you know what? It's got character. And a window! And a bed! I'm calling it a win. Until I realize I have no clean clothes. Deep breaths, deep breaths…
- 2:00 PM – Lunch (and the Holy Grail of Finding My Suitcase). Found a little cafe near the hotel. Ordered some borek because apparently my brain and stomach need calories. Food was incredible. The best thing that happened to me that day. On the way back, I had to ask everyone in a 100-meter radius if they have seen the luggage.
- 3:00 PM – (Optional) Blue Mosque Whine. Let's be honest, I was too stressed. I got lost. Wandered in circles. Swore under my breath a lot. Maybe tomorrow.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner & The Emotional Rollercoaster of Turkish Food. Went back to the same cafe – why mess with perfection? I'm overwhelmed by the sheer deliciousness of everything. Seriously, this country is a culinary masterpiece. Ordered anything and everything, devouring it like a starving animal. Feeling slightly nauseous, but happily so.
- 9:00 PM – Bedtime & The Luggage Dream. Crawled into bed, exhausted and slightly delirious. Praying to the luggage gods for its safe return. Maybe it's on a beach in Bali. I wouldn't blame it. Dreaming of fresh socks and clean underwear.
- 9:05 PM – Oops, I lost my phone. It's okay. I am going to find it.
Day 2: Culture Shock & The Embrace of Beautiful Mess
- 8:00 AM – Attempted Turkish Breakfast. The hotel breakfast. A mountain of food. Olives, cheeses, jams, bread, eggs… I'm overwhelmed! My stomach feels full even before I start eating. I'll take the bread, please.
- 9:30 AM – The Grand Bazaar: Sensory Overload! Oh. My. God. The noise, the smells, the colours, the people… it's an assault on the senses in the best possible way. I got gloriously lost within minutes (again), bought a scarf I definitely don't need, and almost got scammed by a charming rug salesman. Close call, though. I think.
- 12:00 PM – Hagia Sophia: Breathtaking (Literally). The Hagia Sophia? The sheer scale of it is staggering. I stood there for ages, mouth agape, trying to absorb the history, the artistry, the sheer magnificence. It had me crying a single tear. It was beautiful.
- 1:30 PM – Lunch (because, food). Found a tiny kebab shop. Best kebab I've ever had, no contest.
- 3:00 PM – Spice Market: More Sensory Overload! Spent hours sniffing spices and buying things I also don't need. The air is thick with the scent of cumin, cinnamon, saffron… It's intoxicating.
- 5:00 PM – Seriously, where's my luggage?! Called the airport. No luck. Had a minor meltdown. Decided to buy some new underwear.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner: A Quest for the Perfect Baklava. Tried every baklava shop I could find. I'm on a mission. Still searching…
- 9:00 PM – Bedtime (again) & the Reality. This entire trip is a series of beautiful mishaps. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Except, well… Maybe I'd still like my damn suitcase back.
Day 3: Doubling Down on Sensory Overload! (and a Tiny Bit of Sanity)
- 9:00 AM – The Galata Bridge & the Water. Walked across the Galata Bridge. Watched The fishermen. The water. The city. I have never been so in love.
- 11:00 AM – Hamam (Turkish Bath): The Ultimate Indulgence. Went to a Hamam. The steam, the scrubbing, the oil… I emerged a new person. Pruney, but new. It was an experience. I think I even briefly achieved a sense of zen. The masseuse, bless her heart, could barely understand my English, but she somehow managed.
- 1:00 PM – Lunch: Revisit, the Cafe. I am a creature of habit.
- 2:00 PM – The Cistern… A Different Kind of Worship. The Cistern is like something from a movie, a dark and mysterious place. The fish were a little creepy, but overall a must-see.
- 5:00 PM – Luggage? Still MIA. Filed a formal complaint… I think.
- 7:00 PM – Dinner: Back to that glorious little cafe again! They know my name now. They're slightly wary of my food demands. I'm okay with that.
- 9:00 PM – Bedtime. And the final thought: I love Istanbul. And it loves me back, flaws and all. Ready to crash. This time, I dream of clean clothes, which is more important than the luggage.
Final Thoughts:
This itinerary is a suggestion, a gentle nudge. Don't be afraid to go off-script, get lost, embrace the chaos, eat all the food, and experience Istanbul on your own terms. It’s a city that will challenge you, delight you, and leave you forever changed. And who knows, maybe, just maybe, your luggage will show up. Maybe. Good luck, and happy travels!
Escape to Paradise: Relaxed City Living in Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Okay, spill the tea. Is The Print House Hotel *really* as amazing as everyone says? (Because Instagram lies, you know!)
Alright, alright, let's be honest, Instagram is a polished lie-factory. But... the Print House? Okay, it IS pretty damn good. Seriously. It's not some manufactured 'luxury' vibe, all cold marble and snooty staff. It's got this... *soul*. Think: Imagine stumbling into a cozy, ridiculously stylish library that happens to also be a hotel. And the staff? For real, they felt like friends. Minus the whole "borrowing your last twenty bucks" thing, thankfully. They were genuinely helpful, always smiling, and knew the city inside and out. I swear, one concierge, Ahmet, could have single-handedly saved the Ottoman Empire. (Okay, maybe not, but he knew the best baklava *place*.) So, yeah. It’s pretty amazing. But don’t expect perfection. More on that… later…
What’s the deal with the "Print House" part? Is it actually about printing? Or is it just a trendy name?
Okay, so this is where things get cool. The story is, and I might be getting details wrong because my brain is currently fueled by Turkish coffee… but! Apparently, the building *actually* used to house a printing press. Hence the name! And they’ve embraced it. The decor is ALL about that history. Think: antique printing blocks used as art, vintage posters, and bookshelves overflowing with, you guessed it, books! It’s not just a name slapped on for marketing. It’s infused into every single corner of the place. It’s actually *immersive*. I spent a solid hour just wandering around, touching things, and probably annoying the cleaning staff. Worth it.
The location. Is it convenient? Or am I going to be stuck in a bus and tram hellhole all day?
Right, location. This is crucial. And The Print House? Nailed it. It's in a fantastic spot, basically right in the heart of Sultanahmet – the old city. So you’re talking walking distance to the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar… all the Big Kahunas. Easy access to public transport too, which is a massive plus. (Trust me, navigating Istanbul traffic is no joke. I saw a guy try to parallel park a donkey cart. Seriously). You’ll be able to wander around, soaking up the atmosphere without the constant stress of trying to get from A to B. Just... be prepared for the crowds. Especially if you're going during peak season. I had a panic attack once when trying to buy a Turkish Delight. Literally had to be dragged away.
Room quality! Are the rooms actually *luxurious*? Or just… nice?
Okay, the rooms. THE ROOMS. This is where Print House really shines. Forget "nice." We're talking *indulgent*. My room... oh, my room. It was a dream. Think: high ceilings, giant windows with views of the city (seriously, I could have sworn I saw a cat sunbathing on a rooftop!), plush beds that you’d happily marry, and bathrooms that made me rethink my entire showering routine. (The rainfall showerhead was an experience. A religious experience!) The whole place felt so carefully designed; it felt like they thought about EVERYTHING. Even the tiny details, like the gorgeous soap and the quality towels. Now, a slight confession, I *might* stole a mini-bottle of the shampoo. It just smelled so good. Okay, I totally did.
Food! Is the breakfast actually worth waking up for? Or is it the sad continental breakfast special?
Breakfast at The Print House is a *game changer*. Forget those sad hotel buffets with the rubbery eggs. This is a proper Turkish spread! Freshly baked bread, amazing cheeses, delicious olives, fruits you've never even heard of, and the BEST coffee I had in Istanbul. And the staff kept the coffee flowing! (A life saver, especially after a late night of exploring!) I’d seriously go back just for the breakfast. I’m not even kidding. Okay… maybe I am kidding a little… but it really was good. I remember one morning, I ate *way* too much, like, to the point where I could barely walk. But the view was great, the food was fantastic, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. Well, maybe for a longer nap after it.
Okay, real talk. Are there any downsides? Get the ugly stuff out in the open!
Alright, time for the truth bomb. Yes, as much as I loved it, The Print House isn't perfect. No hotel is. The elevators… they can be… slow. Like, *glacial* slow. Especially during breakfast rush. I spent one morning contemplating taking the stairs, but the thought of climbing all those floors after the breakfast behemoth I’d just consumed… Nope. Also, the bar is a little pricey, even for Istanbul. And, this is petty but true. My room, though gorgeous, was *slightly* noisy at night. You're in a city, so expect street noise, but I'm a light sleeper. (Earplugs saved me!). And the air conditioning? Could occasionally act up and go from "Arctic blast" to "barely there". Which, in the Istanbul heat, is not ideal. Even if they are minor issues, worth mentioning. But honestly? They were all pretty minor. I'd still go back in a heartbeat. I’ve stayed in far worse hotels!
I see it has a rooftop terrace. Worth it?
The rooftop terrace is a *must*. Especially at sunset. The views... oh, the views! You get this incredible panorama of the city – the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Bosphorus shimmering in the fading light… It's truly breathtaking. They even do a great breakfast up there, sometimes. And that’s a big recommendation. I spent hours up there. Just chilling, watching the city come alive. It’s the perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink (or three), or just to decompress after a day of dodging selfie sticks. The terrace is amazing. Do not skip the terrace. Do not be that person who misses the terrace. *Trust me*.
Is it kid-friendly? I'm traveling with a… well, a small tornado.
This is a tough one. I didn’t see many kids there, so it might not be the *most* kid-focused place. The vibe is more sophisticated, more relaxed. There's no playground, no dedicated kids’ club. However, the staff are generally very welcoming, and Istanbul itself has a lot to offer families. So it depends on your priorities. The rooms are spacious enough, so that they canHotels Blog Guide
