ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: I arrived in İstanbul after a non-stop Turkish Airlines flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City. This was my first time in Türkiye, but I had no issues navigating Istanbul Airport to collect my luggage and find my driver.

The Stay Boulevard Nisantasi is one of five The Stay properties located in a prime spot of town preferable for shopping and dining. I was immediately impressed by the bell staff who assisted me in unloading my luggage and walked me to the second-floor lobby for check- in, passing an in-house patisserie and jewelry shop on the way. The staff assured me my bags would meet me at my room afterward, which they did. All of the guest-facing staff spoke fluent English, which made for a swift check-in process and pleasant stay throughout the week.

GUEST QUARTERS: I made my guestroom my home for my four days in İstanbul to visit clients and friends. My fourth-floor Superior King room was modern and quite large. The entryway included a closet and full-length mirror and led to a dresser containing a minibar and Nespresso coffee machine. Just beyond the dresser stood a small couch and table I used for working or eating my room service meals. The king-sized bed was comfortable, although the pillows were a little stiff for my liking.

The spacious bathroom included a separate area for the toilet. An abundance of towels and shower amenities, restocked throughout the week, made my room feel fresh and clean each time I arrived back from a meeting or exploration of the city. In addition to the restocked soaps and linens, a Turkish Delight sat on the pillow welcoming me back each night.

PHOTO: © THE STAY

SERVICES/AMENITIES: I enjoyed a great experience with the service at The Stay. For example, I was quickly booked for a massage at the date and time I requested, no questions asked. I was also provided with an outlet adaptor (after leaving mine on the plane) … one I could keep, might I add! Ana, the guest service manager, even greeted me at the daily breakfast buffet to introduce herself and ensure I was enjoying my stay. I looked forward to that breakfast buffet daily, with fresh fruits and vegetables and a complimentary hot meal menu.

The Stay spa, located on the basement level of the property, was only a couple of months old at the time of my stay. It is complete with a pool, steam room and sauna, as well as an array of services including a Turkish hammam. I also enjoyed Marcello, the in- house Italian restaurant famous for its focaccia bread, which I can confirm is one-of-a-kind.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Each The Stay property features an art gallery boasting more than 500 pieces from local artists. This property’s gallery room also hosts concerts, comedy shows and a New Year’s Eve festival.
• The Stay is Türkiye’s first carbon neutral hotel group.
• The Stay Nisantasi actually has a clothing brand called The Stay Line, displayed on the ground floor. The Stay partnered with a Japanese streetwear company to create a couple of pieces guests can purchase.

THE STAY BOULEVARD NISANTASI
Harbiye, Abdi Ipekci Caddesi No: 30
34367 Şişli
İstanbul, Türkiye
tel902129707832
thestay.com.tr