Hotel Novotel Istanbul Zeytinburnu (Istanbul, Turkey)

Many of the rooms offer an expansive view of the Marmara Sea, a high point for most guests. The rooms are often described as "exactly as you would expect" of the Novotel brand: very neutral, modern furnishings, comfortable beds, well-stocked minibar, lots of cable channels, free wi-fi. The outdoor pool is widely considered a great bonus in the summer.

The front desk and restaurant staff have received many positive reviews for their friendly, attentive service. Guests often comment that the hotel offers very good value for money, especially in comparison with hotels closer to the centre.

Given its location, the hotel is popular with business travellers arriving by air, but the hotel's free shuttle to tourist destinations such as the Blue Mosque and Taksim Square makes it a good choice for sightseers on a budget as well. When the shuttle is full, savvy travellers book a taxi to the nearby metro station, noting the commute is nearly as fast and still inexpensive.

The hotel's location on a busy motorway proves too daunting for guests who want to go out for a run or walk, and there are few restaurants or other such amenities within walking distance.

The Novotel Istanbul a mix of smoking and non-smoking rooms. Non-smokers who inadvertently assigned smoking rooms generally find the odour overpowering, and find that opening the window lets in too much noise from the highway.

Though many of the staff speak English, a few guests have experienced communication difficulties at the front desk or in the restaurant. Some have also been disappointed to receive an indifferent response to their inquiries or issues.