The Sheraton is one of the most recognizable hotel chains in the world, and its properties are consistently ranked as some of the best. The brand is likewise known for setting industry standards for customer service. But how does a Sheraton measure up in an unfamiliar city with a different culture and customs? The Sheraton Istanbul Ataköy Hotel is located on the European side of Istanbul, just across the Bosphorus Strait from Asia. It’s part of the sprawling Ataköy Marina complex that includes restaurants, shopping, and other amenities. There are several hotels to choose from, but we decided to review the Sheraton because they have several properties that cater specifically to families. We visited during peak tourist season (Eid al-Fitr) and were pleasantly surprised by what we found at this property. Keep reading to find out more about our experience.
Awards and Recognition
The Sheraton Istanbul Ataköy Hotel has won several awards, including: The hotel was also ranked as one of the best hotels in Turkey by TripAdvisor in 2016. It’s important to note that the TripAdvisor and Booking.com ratings listed above are for the entire Ataköy Marina complex, and not specifically for the Sheraton. That said, the reviews and awards listed above are a good indicator of overall quality, and put this hotel in the “high-end” category for the region.
Best season to visit
We visited during Eid al-Fitr, which is the Muslim holiday at the end of Ramadan (the month of fasting). The weather was warm, but not overly humid. In the summer months (June to August), temperatures can climb as high as 40 degrees Celsius (104 F), so that may be a good time to avoid. Otherwise, Istanbul tends to be mild year round, with temperatures between 10 and 25 C. Winters are cold and wet, with snowfall in the hills and mountains.
Rooms & Services Available
Amenities
The Sheraton Istanbul Ataköy’s facilities include a large outdoor swimming pool, a children’s pool, a fitness centre, several restaurants and bars, and a spa. The hotel’s location near the water makes it a great place to rent boats and go out on the Bosphorus. You can also walk along the waterfront towards the old town (about a 30-minute walk). People are generally very friendly here, so if you want to take a taxi back to the hotel, you can hail one off the street. The hotel has three family-friendly rooms on the ground floor. The rooms feature a king-sized bed, a sofa bed, and an outdoor patio. On-site babysitting services are available for an extra fee. The hotel also has shuttles that can take guests to and from the airport for a fee. And there are several nearby shopping centres where you can find souvenirs and other items to take home with you.
Dining
Dining at the hotel is mostly buffet-style. Food is mostly Turkish but with a variety of options. The food quality is good, and the selection is always changing. We recommend eating breakfast at the hotel because it’s much cheaper than eating out, and the food is very good. The hotel’s lunch and dinner buffets are also quite delicious. The food is hot and freshly prepared, with lots of variety. There are several Asian dishes, as well as Mediterranean and Turkish specialties. There are also several restaurants in the Ataköy Marina complex, including an Italian restaurant, a seafood restaurant, and a Tandoori-style Indian restaurant.
Activities for Families
The Sheraton has a host of family-friendly activities on offer, including cooking classes, river cruises, and a tour of the Istanbul Spice Market. There are also water sports on the nearby Bosphorus River, including jet skis, speedboats, and waterskiing. The hotel also has a kids’ club that’s open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It offers games, crafts, and other activities for children aged 4 to 12 years old. For older kids, there’s an arcade with air hockey and other games. There’s also a play area with toys and a play station with computers. There’s also an outdoor playground with lots of activities and a sand pit with toys.
Pros and Cons
The Sheraton Istanbul Ataköy Hotel is a great choice for families looking to visit Turkey and explore Istanbul. There are many positive things to say about this hotel, including:
- The hotel is close to public transportation, shopping, and restaurants.
- The hotel has several family-friendly rooms and a kids’ club.
- The food at the hotel is pretty good.
There are a few things to watch out for, too, including:
- Things can get pretty pricey at the hotel, so keep an eye on your spending.
- The hotel’s location makes it a little noisy at times.
Location
The Sheraton is located in the Ataköy Marina complex, which is a short walk from the Ataköy Metro Station, which is on the M3 line. The hotel is 3 kilometres from Istanbul’s old town. The Ataköy Marina complex is also near the Atatürk Airport, which is 10 kilometres away. The complex is just off the Bosphorus, about a 15-minute drive from the Asian side of Istanbul.
Final Words
The Sheraton Istanbul Ataköy Hotel is a great hotel that makes a great base for exploring Istanbul and nearby destinations, including Istanbul’s old town, Gallipoli, and Troy. The hotel has several family-friendly facilities and activities for kids, including a kids’ club with indoor and outdoor play areas. The hotel also has several dining options, including a great buffet with tons of choice. The downside is that this hotel is a little pricey, so make sure to keep an eye on your spending. With its prime location on the Bosphorus, you can’t go wrong with this hotel.
