I arrived very late and I had a 'helpful' (but not really after he tried to jump in a taxi with me) person call the hotel before I got there and the staff gave him the short shirk so I think they can read people over the phone. Frankly speaking, if the room was recently wall papered (there was some peeling behind the radiator but I saw no mould) and given a polished finish on the ceiling plaster and some carpet I could not tell the difference between it and a 5 star I have stayed in out of Istanbul, with the bonus that the room I had, had a balcony. The bathroom, however, is older and it is obvious yet it was not dirty or disgusting and everything functioned. I thought the breakfast adequate and I have been previously spoiled by some very good Turkish breakfasts so that is probably not going to make a difference if it is your first Turkish breakfast or wish to save your appetite for other restaurants later in the day. The staff made me feel welcome and gave me a concierge service which was nice.