The hype
Friendly staff and a great location near the metro, but the property feels dated and noisy.
Doubletree By Hilton Istanbul Esentepe
$100-150/ night
Book this if You want a centrally located business hotel near the Gayrettepe Metro with an on-site hammam and easy access to Istanbul's major shopping malls.
Why People Love It
- Proximity to Gayrettepe Metro and Zorlu Center
- On-site Turkish hammam and indoor pool
- Warm DoubleTree chocolate chip cookie at check-in
Quick Take: It's a convenient base for business travelers, but thin walls, street noise, and dated rooms mean light sleepers should look elsewhere.
Reviewed by @kenzoandben: My stay at this DoubleTree in Istanbul was incredibly cozy. I loved the massive breakfast spread and how the staff went out of their way to help—even handing me an umbrella for the rainy streets. It felt like a true, comforting home base in the busy city.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The soundproofing is virtually non-existent—you will hear traffic, street dogs, and your neighbors.
- You're in Istanbul for business in the Şişli/Esentepe district
- You want to be walking distance to major malls like Astoria and Zorlu Center
- You appreciate a traditional Turkish breakfast buffet
Cleanliness & Maintenance
5
- Housekeeping: Inconsistent. While some guests praise the clean rooms, others complain about worn towels, missed spots, and a general need for renovation.
- Bathroom hygiene: Hit or miss. Some bathrooms are spacious and clean, but there are reports of insufficient hot water and dated fixtures.
- Maintenance: Showing its age. Guests note peeling wallpaper, dated decor, and occasional issues with the air conditioning.
- Linens & towels: Beds are comfortable with premium bedding, but multiple reviews mention that the bath towels are worn out and need replacing.
- Odors & scents: Generally fine, though the heavy street traffic outside means you can't really open a window for fresh air without letting in exhaust fumes.
Sleepability™
4.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Heavy traffic on the main street (even on high floors)
- Barking street dogs at night
- Noise from adjacent rooms due to poor soundproofing
Before you book
Good to know
- The hotel recently changed its name from DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul Esentepe to DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul Gayrettepe.
- Breakfast is not always included and costs €15 per person.
- Valet parking is available for €10 per day, but self-parking is not offered.
What to pack
- Earplugs or a white noise machine to combat the street traffic.
- A swim cap—it is strictly required if you want to use the indoor pool.
Room Genie
Best picks
- Rooms facing the back of the hotel (away from the main street) to minimize the relentless traffic noise.
Rooms to avoid
- Room 610 (has a large, awkward pillar right in the middle of the bedroom next to the bed)
- Any street-facing room on lower floors due to extreme traffic noise.
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hello, I am a light sleeper. Could you please assign me a quiet room on a high floor, facing the back of the hotel and away from the main street? Also, please ensure the room does not have structural pillars obstructing the bed area.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there an airport shuttle?
Yes, but it costs €60 per vehicle each way. You're better off taking a taxi or the Metro.
Is the hotel pet-friendly?
Yes, pets up to 25kg are allowed for a €60 non-refundable fee, and a pet passport is required.
How much is parking?
Valet parking is €10 per day. There is no self-parking available.
How close is the nearest metro?
Gayrettepe Station is just a 9-minute walk (about 250 meters) away.
Is breakfast included?
Usually no, unless booked in a specific rate. Otherwise, the buffet costs €15 for adults.
Does the hotel have a pool?
Yes, there is a heated indoor pool, but be warned: a swim cap is strictly required to enter.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the expensive hotel breakfast and walk 1-2 minutes to nearby local spots like Kartal Közde Döner or Balbadem for authentic Turkish bites.
- ✨
If you want to use the pool, buy a cheap swim cap before you arrive to avoid being turned away or forced to buy one there.
- ✨
The hotel is right next to the Dialogue in the Dark Istanbul Exhibition—a highly recommended, unique sensory experience.
5 things to know before you go
💡The hotel underwent a quiet name change from 'Esentepe' to 'Gayrettepe', which can cause confusion with taxi drivers.
💡Some rooms have bizarre structural layouts, including massive concrete pillars right next to the bed (avoid room 610).
💡Despite being a 5-star hotel, Kayak user reviews rate the cleanliness a dismal 4.0 out of 10.
💡The spa facilities occasionally suffer from insufficient hot water, leaving the hammam and pool colder than expected.
💡The 'ocean view' or 'Bosphorus view' rooms are quite distant from the water; you're mostly looking at the city skyline and highway.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Doubletree By Hilton Istanbul Esentepe is located and what's nearby.