FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Park Hyatt Istanbul

Jul 1, 2010
2010 / July 2010

Arrival/Check-in: By the time my cab pulled up to the hotel entrance at 11 a.m., I had been traveling for 24 hours. The bellman offered a warm greeting and whisked away my bag to sites unknown. I tend to travel light and I prefer to cart my own luggage, so I was a bit apprehensive when my bag disappeared. I was looking forward to catching a few hours of sleep and didn’t want to wait for my bag to arrive in my room. As I walked to the reception desk at the far end of the lobby, I noticed the adjacent restaurant and the bar were quiet for midday; nary a patron in sight. The front desk clerk was friendly and efficient. She called the guest service manager, who escorted me to my room, where my bags were waiting. (29/30)

Guest Quarters: My sanctuary — it was so much more than a guestroom — was in the hotel’s spa suite category. I entered through a hallway lined with translucent glass on one side. The two-sided minibar at the end of the hall defined the space — hallway, work area, bedroom and bathroom — while maintaining an open floor plan. The well-equipped L-shaped desk had pop-up outlets for electric and Internet connections and plenty of space to work and stow equipment. The expansive bath featured a vanity with two sinks, one of which was designated to provide only filtered drinking water. Ingenious! The bath spa featured a walk-in shower, a steam room, a free-standing soaking tub and subtle lighting designed to enhance relaxation. (30/30)

Services/Amenities: The lobby bar and restaurant were quiet throughout my stay. This is a relatively new property in a neighborhood filled with stylish cafés and restaurants. Hopefully, locals will soon discover the Park Hyatt’s appealing social venues. The hotel’s signature restaurant PRIME was, however, packed on the night I dined there. It’s a traditional Western-style steakhouse that lives up to its name. In warm weather, PRIME opens onto an outdoor deck and heated swimming pool beyond. The hotel also features a small spa, and its location in the upscale Ni¸stani neighborhood can’t be beat. (39/40)

The Experience: My first visit to Istanbul left me eager to return. Wonderful memories of my stay at the Park Hyatt only reinforce that desire.

Total Score: 98/100

Park Hyatt Istanbul
Tesvikiye, Bronz Sokak No. 4 Sisli
Istanbul 34367
Turkey
tel 90 212 315 1234

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

Explore Excursions

#globility

Insta Feed
October 2023
Oct 3, 2023

Love Potions: United’s Business-Class Beverage Service Tempts Your Palate

This is a love story involving a frequent traveler, a swanky business-class lounge, Polaris seat 7A and palate-tempting libations.

The Ultimate Itinerary in The Islands of Tahiti

The Islands of Tahiti are among the most beautiful and sought-after vacation destinations in the world. The endless images of overwater bungalows with Bora Bora’s majestic peak towering over waters of every shade of blue have an intrinsic pull. But with 118 islands and atolls to explore, there is so much more to this spectacular region of the Pacific.

Daily
Oct 3, 2023

This Napa Valley Festival Lets You Crush Wine Grapes

This month head west — at least as far as California, where the second annual Crush It Harvest Festival will be held on the West Pavilion Lawn at The Estate Yountville. The festival is held on Oct. 7, beginning that morning and ending when the sun dips below the valley’s horizon.

Daily
Oct 3, 2023

Hyatt to Launch New Home Rental Service: Homes & Hideaways

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts recently revealed plans to launch a new short-term home rental platform called Homes & Hideaways by World of Hyatt. This new platform will offer World of Hyatt members direct booking access to a curated selection of short-term private homes across the United States.

Treasure Every Moment in The Islands of Tahiti

The Islands of Tahiti offer a range of captivating activities for travelers with diverse interests, from hiking to breathtaking waterfalls, riding horses on secluded beaches; swimming with sharks; or immersing in Polynesian culture through traditional dance, music and art. For watersports enthusiasts, the crystal-clear lagoons offer exhilarating experiences like surfing, kiteboarding and paddleboarding. And if you’re looking to relax, the pristine beaches, overwater bungalows and tropical sun offer the perfect setting. With 118 islands and atolls to explore, island hopping is an excellent way to experience the full diversity of The Islands of Tahiti. With its blend of adventure, culture and relaxation, The Islands of Tahiti offer a truly unique travel experience.

October 2023
Oct 3, 2023

On the Wing

For people like me (and you) — aviation junkies — this is the most anticipated issue of the year! Looking through fantastic images of business and first class cabins is like a trip to the candy store.

Daily
Sep 29, 2023

Spies, Lies and Nukes Weekend at La Fonda on the Plaza Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico

Did the new film Oppenheimer rouse your interest in the nefarious world of international espionage? You can go straight to the real-life setting for covert actions this November (Nov. 10–12), when La Fonda on the Plaza in Santa Fe hosts a specially themed “Spies, Lies and Nukes” weekend. The hotel actually served as the retreat location for Manhattan Project scientists, who stayed at La Fonda on the Plaza to take a break from the stress of their work. During the weekend, the property’s La Fiesta Lounge will make a tasty nod to those days by serving up a special Atomic Martini.

IHG® Business Edge: A Better Way to Travel

Many small- and medium-sized businesses face time and budget constraints when organizing corporate hotel travel for employees. To address this problem, IHG® Business Edge emerged as a cost-free business travel solution for small- to medium-sized enterprises, offering travel managers exclusive access to enticing perks, handpicked educational resources and comprehensive company travel metrics. IHG Business Edge connects our loyal customers to our portfolio of 5,800 hotels and resorts across 18 brands in more than 100 countries.

Daily
Sep 29, 2023

A Shucking Good Time: The Read House Introduces New Lavish Martini & Pearls In-Room Service

Ever want handcrafted martinis and freshly shucked oysters delivered straight to your room? The Read House’s New Martinis & Pearls service has you covered. Shining in 1920s-themed decor, the historic hotel in the heart of Chattanooga offers a true Gatsby-esque experience, now further elevated with this upscale amenity. Guests can now indulge in their perfectly chilled martini, made to order, and “pearls” (oysters) in the comfort of their room.