We drove into Istanbul at peak hour.  It was a hair-raising experience that led us straight into the Grand Bazaar and definitely worth a read.  (In fact our story even ended up being published in a book).

We arrived in the dark and stopped outside the front door of the Sirkeci Mansion Boutique Hotel.  Like a scene from a movie, staff seemed to spring from nowhere and in one minute our luggage was in the lobby, and next thing a staff member (at my suggestion) was in the car with us, guiding us to the secure parking lot nearby.

I felt so safe having our car parked securely here, and it was right on the next corner, and as we walked back, I could feel the tension of the last 2 hours easing away.  The synchronicity go the staff was superb!

As soon as we entered we knew we immediately knew were going to enjoy our stay.

Presented with a refreshing welcome drink, the Guest Relations personnel sat down and gave us a briefing on the Sirkeci Mansion Hotel; the immediate Istanbul area (including World Heritage sites); and the opportunities we had to book extra activities both within the hotel and for theatres etc.

Once upstairs, my young son discovered the Turkish Delights that were left as a welcome gift, along with beautiful flowers in the room for me!

Gorgeous Pure Herbs toiletries donned the shelves of the bathroom, along with traditional Turkish cotton robes, and plush embossed towels. We were extremely delighted as the full-sized bathtub was going to be enjoyed by myself too.  If there is one thing I adore, and that is a bathtub in a hotel room in winter.

The next morning we were so impressed by the hot and cold variety that was served at the plentiful buffet breakfast.  We could choose where to sit, or even take to the room if need be.  Each morning the hot foods changed too, and eggs of our choice were always offered.

After a long and tiring day at the Grand Bazaar nearby, we headed for the Turk Hamam downstairs right within the premises of the Sirkeci Mansion.

(A Turkish hamam is a traditional bathhouse with spa combining steam, heat, and cleansing rituals which is deeply rooted in Ottoman culture. The experience involves relaxing in a hot domed marble room, which is followed by a vigorous exfoliation with a kese mitt and a foam massage, designed for purification and relaxation.)

We donned our robes and slippers and headed down in the lift. Oh my – I even look tired. I really needed to be pampered, and this was just perfect.  Even thinking of it now, I wish I was back there. They even offer a full body scrub or foam scrub too with a qualified masseuse.  It was fabulous!

We first stop at the heated pool first for a swim.  It was lovely as we had it all to ourselves. I didn’t last long and I sat on the nice loungers and watched my son have fun.  The room itself was very restful.

It was great as the sauna was right next door so I popped in there for a short while too.  I’ve had a chesty cough in what seems to be forever, so this was a help with the steam.

And then came the Turk Hammy or Turkish Bath.

There is a warm marble slab in the center of the room. Here you lie down for your very relaxing massage.

There are basins of hot water and these are used for rinsing yourself.  It is really quite lovely.

One thing that is really great about Sirkeci Mansion is that they offer some bonus FREE activities for their guests. One is a walking tour.  We booked this, but in the end my son was too tired, so, unfortunately, we had to cancel. The other is, two times a week they offer a Turkish Cooking Class. I am not the world’s best cook, so we decided this would be fun, and it was.

I learned how to create tomato skin roses, and we made a two-course dinner.  Actually it was a really fabulous experience!

We don our chef outfits and had a great time.  My son joined in when it was a safe activity like mixing the couscous ingredients.  It was a great activity and definitely a great world-schooling experience. We are considered world pioneers in world-schooling as a form of education

We prepared and chopped the ingredients and were quite ‘hands on’.

I even sautéed the meat and other ingredients.

And at the end — we enjoyed what we cooked.  This young son loved the Turkish Beef Stew that he helped create and ate it with delight.

We pranked our Facebook friends and posted that I had decided to stay and work in Turkey and I had a job as a Chef.  Dressed in that great outfit, I was surprised how many believed me.  My son thought it was hilarious as the emails and messages of concern and congratulations poured in.  And for those of you who don’t know me personally, cooking is not my strength.

Another great feature was the light food platters and soup that was available in the afternoons.  We found on a couple of days that this was a great way to come back the hotel after shopping or exploring, and have a light bite to eat and a rest, before heading out again.

What I really loved about Sirkeci Mansion Hotel too was the location.  As I looked out of our window each morning we were right opposite the stores and old city wall. The tram ran in the next street. The Palace was one block away, and the Grand Bazaar and Spice Markets both within walking distance.  The location was perfect.

Thanks so much for a great stay.  It really was just perfect in every way.

Bookings and Enquiries: Book this hotel here

Accommodation Name: Sirkeci Mansion

Location:  Hoca Paşa Mh., Taya Hatun Cd No:5, 34120 Istanbul

Date stayed: December 2014

Breakfast: Yes – full breakfast

Bar: Yes

Restaurant: Yes

Wi-fi:  Yes with many modem points so good signal always available

Child-friendly: Yes

Questions and Comments

• What fascinates you about Istanbul?
• Have you been to Sirkeci Mansion in Istanbul??
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