Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul: Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul: Unbelievable Luxury…or Just a Very Good Time? (My Unfiltered Review!)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (or perhaps, the çay, since we're in Istanbul!) on the Vogue Hotel Supreme. "Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!" the brochures gush. Right. "Unbelievable potential for a seriously good time awaits," is more like it. Honestly, after a week here, I'm not sure my credit card (or sanity) will ever be the same.
First Impressions: The Grand Entrance and the Quest for the Wi-Fi
Arrival was a spectacle. The vogue of the place, you know? Marble floors, polished to a mirror shine, and enough chandeliers to blind a small army. Accessibility seemed pretty good, thankfully. Elevators aplenty, and I spotted some ramps, which is always a win. But let's address the elephant in the room: Internet. Free Wi-Fi? Technically, yes. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms?! Well, that's what the brochure said. In reality, expect a constant battle of "weak signal" and the occasional existential crisis while you try to upload your Instagram stories. The Wi-Fi in public areas fared slightly better, but don't bank on streaming Netflix in the lobby unless you enjoy buffering more than actual content. Internet [LAN]? Forget it. This ain't 1998, folks.
The Room: My Personal Oasis (with a Few Quirks)
My room? Gorgeous. Air conditioning that actually works, and I mean, really works – a lifesaver in the Istanbul heat. Blackout curtains? Yes! Crucial for sleeping off those late-night kebabs and, let's be honest, a slight overindulgence in the Happy Hour at the bar (more on that later). Non-smoking rooms are a blessing, especially after the ashtrays in the lobby tried to tempt me. Soundproof rooms? Mostly. You will hear the call to prayer from the local mosques, but honestly, it's part of the charm, right? (Especially after you've had your second cup of coffee/tea in the morning!)
On the downside? The "extra long bed" wasn't. Okay, maybe it was slightly longer, but as a tall person, I was still battling the foot of the bed for space. And the mirror? Placed directly opposite the toilet. Talk about an unflattering self-assessment first thing in the morning! The complimentary tea selection was excellent. The slippers felt luxurious on my feet. The bathrobes were plush. But the towels? Not quite the fluffy, cloud-like experience I was hoping for, more like…slightly rough, almost like they'd been through a thousand washes. A minor detail, perhaps, but still…
The Spa: Where Luxury Meets the Slightly Bizarre
Now, the spa. This is where things get interesting. Spa/sauna? Check. Steamroom? Check. Massage? Oh, yes. I had the "Turkish Delight" massage, which involved a lot of oil, a lot of pressure, and a moment of sheer terror when the masseuse (bless her heart) thought my back deserved a body scrub. Holy Moses. I was a human Brillo pad for a good hour afterwards. My skin felt like I'd been through a cheese grater.
And then there was the Pool with a view. Absolutely stunning. But the experience was slightly marred by the sheer number of Speedos on display. A lot of Speedos. I'm not judging, but let's just say I spent most of my time pretending I was looking at the Bosphorus. The Fitness center seemed well-equipped. I considered using it, for about five seconds. Then I remembered the poolside bar. Priorities, people. Priorities.
Food, Glorious Food: The Restaurant Roulette
The food. This is where Vogue truly shines… mostly. Breakfast [buffet]? A symphony of choices. Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, Coffee/tea in restaurant – it's all there. The buffet in restaurant was an assault on the senses. I’d wake up hungry, and then I’d sit there for hours. I’d get an egg. Then I’d get an onion. Then I'd get lost in something else. But overall, the food quality was top-notch. The à la carte in the restaurant was a bit of a mixed bag. The Asian cuisine was surprisingly impressive. But the International cuisine… Let's just say the burger was a culinary crime against humanity. The Desserts in the restaurant? Divine. Pure, unadulterated bliss. The Poolside bar was a godsend. The Snack bar kept me going between meals (and after the aforementioned "Happy Hour"). The Bottle of water? Crucial. I drank about a million.
- Things to do
- Ways to relax
Cleanliness and Safety: Seriously Impressive
Cleanliness and safety are clearly a priority. I've rarely felt so safe on any trip. The place seemed genuinely obsessed with hygiene. Daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options, hand sanitizer literally everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol? Absolutely. The measures put in place at the height of the pandemic were still fully implemented, which was nice. Cashless payment service made handling money hassle-free. And while I didn’t need the Doctor/nurse on call, I found the availability comforting. The Safety/security feature was reassuring too. Room sanitization opt-out available, which is a good touch. Anti-viral cleaning products are a given. And honestly? They're doing a killer job.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras That Matter
The concierge was fantastic. They managed to get me a reservation at a super-popular restaurant (the one that was not directly in the hotel), and they were always helpful. The Daily housekeeping was impeccable. The doorman was friendly. The luggage storage was convenient. The currency exchange made things easy. The laundry service was a lifesaver. The airport transfer was smooth and efficient, but the Taxi service? Prepare to haggle.
For the Kids (and the Big Kids Too!)
Family/child friendly? Absolutely. I spotted a Babysitting service. There’s some Kids facilities.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Look, the Vogue Hotel Supreme isn’t perfect. It’s got its quirks. The Wi-Fi is a bit of a joke. The towels could be fluffier. But the pros massively outweigh the cons. The location is excellent, the food is (mostly) delicious, the spa is an experience, and the staff are genuinely lovely. It’s a place where you can relax, indulge, and generally have a bloody good time. Accessibility wasn't perfect, but they're getting there.
Final words:
- Fire extinguisher: Yes
- Smoke alarms: Yes
- Soundproofing: Yes
- Access: Yes
- CCTV in common areas: Yes
- CCTV outside property: Yes
- Check-in/out [express]: Yes
- Check-in/out [private]: Yes
- Couple's room: Yes
- Exterior corridor: Yes
- Front desk [24-hour]: Yes
- Hotel chain: Yes
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes
- Pets allowed unavailable: Yes
- Proposal spot: Yes
- Room decorations: Yes
- Security [24-hour]: Yes
- Smoke alarms: Yes
- Soundproof rooms: Yes
- Getting around: Yes
- Airport transfer: Yes
- Bicycle parking: Yes
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes
- Car park [on-site]: Yes
- Car power charging station: Yes
- Taxi service: Yes
- Valet parking: Yes
- Available in all rooms: Yes
- Additional toilet: Yes
- Air conditioning: Yes
- Alarm clock: Yes
- Bathrobes: Yes
- Bathroom phone: Yes
- Bathtub: Yes
- Blackout curtains: Yes
- Carpeting: Yes
- Closet: Yes
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes
- Complimentary tea: Yes
- Daily housekeeping: Yes
- Desk: Yes
- Extra long bed: Yes
- Free bottled water: Yes
- Hair dryer: Yes
- High floor: Yes
- In-room safe box: Yes
- Interconnecting room(s) available: Yes
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul adventure that’s less “perfectly curated Instagram feed” and more “chaotic, glorious mess of a memory.” This ain’t your grandma’s itinerary. This is living.
Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul: A Mostly-Coherent, Occasionally-Brilliant, and Definitely-Not-Edited-For-Your-Pleasure Itinerary (Because Let’s Be Real, Who Has Time For That?)
Pre-Trip Ramblings (Because, Anxiety)
Okay, first off, I’m TERRIFIED of flying. Seriously, if there's a turbulence warning, I'm practically a cat clinging to the armrests with white knuckles. But Istanbul? Istanbul is calling my name! All those photos of Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar… my wallet is already screaming, and I haven't even packed. Packing is a whole other circus of existential dread. Will I bring too much? Too little? Will I accidentally pack a banana? (It's happened.) Okay, breath in, breath out, deep breaths. Istanbul, here I come. (And hopefully, my luggage too).
Day 1: Istanbul, I'm Yours (Or Maybe I'm Yours, Istanbul)
- Arrival (and a near-meltdown at Ataturk Airport, but we’ll gloss over that): Landed. Survived. Customs lady gave me the look. I swear, she could see the pure panic bubbling inside me. Grabbed a cab. Tried to negotiate the price. Failed miserably. Welcome to Turkey! (Or maybe welcome to getting fleeced, but hey, it's character building, right?)
- Vogue Hotel Supreme – First Impressions (and a small room-envy spiral): Okay, the hotel is… impressive. Think chandeliers, marble, and a lobby that seems to have its own zip code. My room? Slightly less impressive, but hey, it has a bed! And a view… of a side street. Oh well. I'm not here to live in luxury; I’m here to experience Istanbul. (And maybe take a few naps.)
- Lunch - The Kebap Conundrum (and a minor internal debate about carbs): Found a little hole-in-the-wall place near the hotel. Ordered a kebab. It was… heavenly. Seriously, the meat was so tender, the spices so vibrant. Ate too much. Immediately regretted eating too much. Felt a little bit like a beached whale. But the joy! Oh, the joy of that kebab. Totally worth the impending food coma.
- Afternoon - The Blue Mosque Shuffle (and the crushing realization of selfie stick dominance): OMG. The Blue Mosque. Simply stunning. Seriously, the architecture is mind-blowing. The sheer scale of it. The colors! But… crowds. And selfie sticks. They're everywhere. It's like a plague of shiny, plastic wands. Spent more time dodging selfie sticks than actually admiring the gorgeousness around me. Note to self: Invest in a super-long arm or learn how to use a telephoto lens to get above all the sticks…
- Evening - Dinner and the Bosphorus Sunset (and a mild existential crisis while watching the sun go down): Found a rooftop restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus. The sunset was… unbelievable. The water shimmered, the sky exploded in color… it was breathtaking. Ate more food (because, Turkey). Had a glass of wine (or two). Felt a sudden, overwhelming sense of belonging. Then, the wine kicked in, and I started questioning everything. My life. My career. My questionable dating history. But, you know… the view was good. And the wine was good. So, a win overall, I'd say.
Day 2: Hagia Sophia, Spice Markets, and the Quest for Authentic Turkish Delight (and a detour that involved almost getting lost in a maze of cobblestone streets)
- Morning - Hagia Sophia: Awe, History, and the Eternal Struggle to Get a Decent Photo (and a brief encounter with a particularly persistent pigeon): Right, so, Hagia Sophia. Wow. Just… wow. The sheer scale of it is hard to absorb. The history that's soaked into every stone. Spent ages just standing there, mouth agape, trying to take it all in. Then, the photo struggle began. Seriously, it's impossible to capture the grandeur on camera. And some pigeon kept trying to steal my fries. I gave up.
- Lunch - Spice Market: A Sensory Overload (and a close call with a very pushy vendor): OMG. The Spice Market is a sensory explosion. Colors, aromas, textures… it's almost overwhelming. I got seriously lost in the vibrant chaos. Wandered for ages, touching the spices, inhaling the scents, feeling giddy. Got relentlessly harrased to buy stuff. Almost bought a rug. Decided against (for the sake of my bank account).
- Afternoon - The Grand Bazaar: Bargaining Battles and the Joy of Tiny Teacups (and a sudden realization that my Turkish is non-existent): The Grand Bazaar. Bigger than I imagined. More crowded than I anticipated. And the bargaining. Oh, the bargaining! Tried to haggle for a hand-painted ceramic plate. Failed. Miserably. But hey, I got a tiny, ridiculously cute teacup. And that’s a win in my book.
- Evening - Turkish Delight Quest (and my personal dessert nirvana): My mission for the day: find the perfect Turkish delight. Sampled about a dozen different varieties. From pistachio to rosewater to the really weird ones with the powdered sugar. (I don’t even want to know what was in them) Found the one. Soft, chewy, not-too-sweet. Perfection. Ate so much Turkish delight that it's probably seeping into my pores now. Probably having sugar dreams.
- Night - Dinner (and a delightful accidental culinary discovery about the best food): Wandered around to find something. Got lost. Eventually found this tiny place that sold, wait for it, Lentil soup. It was the best meal of my life. (Not the most expensive, not the most fancy, but certainly the best). You know how you can be super happy sometimes, and not really know why? This was it.
Day 3: Museums, Hammams, and the Farewell Feast (and the bittersweet realization that time flies when you're having delicious food)
- Morning - Museums and Missing My Plane (a potential over dramatic episode): Went to a museum. Saw a bunch of ancient artifacts. Admired them. Sort of zoning in and out. Wondering whether I was being culturally sensitive or just tired. Found out that my flight was leaving tomorrow (oops).
- Lunch - My Last Kebab (and the impending sadness of leaving all the amazingness): Spent my last few hours making sure that I ate my favourite meals again, and again, and again.
- Afternoon – The Hammam Experience (and the best spa day ever): Went to a hammam. Undressed. Regretted my decision to eat a huge lunch. Got scrubbed, massaged, and steamed. Emerged feeling like a new person. Soft, clean, and ready to conquer the world (or at least the flight home).
- Evening - Farewell Dinner and the Promise to Return (and the final photo of Istanbul): Found a restaurant with a view. Had a farewell dinner. Ate way too much food (again!). Made a solemn promise to return to Istanbul. And to learn a few Turkish phrases. Took a last, wistful photo of the city skyline. Sigh. Until next time, Istanbul.
Minor Categories and Anecdotes (Because Life is Messy)
- Transportation: Tried the trams. Survived the subways. Taxi drivers are the best actors in the world.
- Language: My Turkish is… nonexistent. Body language and Google Translate are my best friends.
- People: The people are so friendly, even when you're hopelessly lost.
- Mistakes: Got lost. Got ripped off a little bit. Ate too much. Slept too little. Took too many photos of cats.
- Emotional Reactions: Overwhelmed. Inspired. Exhausted. Blissful. Hungry. Constantly wishing I had a bigger suitcase. The constant feeling of being about to fall over from the sheer awe of the city.
Final Thoughts (Because, I Have So Many)
Istanbul. Oh, Istanbul. You're a chaotic, beautiful, delicious, and utterly captivating mess. You've challenged me. You've fed me. You've made me laugh. You've made me want to buy every single rug in the Grand Bazaar. And you've made me want to come back. So, thank you, Istanbul. You've been everything I hoped for and so much more. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a plane to catch… and a serious Turkish delight hangover to nurse.
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Vogue Hotel Supreme Istanbul: The Glamorous Truth (and the Occasional Chaos)
Okay, spill the beans. Is Vogue Hotel Supreme REALLY as luxurious as the pictures?
Alright, deep breath... YES. And no. Let me explain. The lobby? Instagram heaven. Marble, chandeliers that could house a small family, the whole shebang. Walking in, I felt like I'd accidentally wandered onto a movie set, probably one involving a James Bond villain. (I half-expected to see a guy in a white suit stroking a cat.)
But here's the thing. "Luxury" sometimes feels… staged. Like, the gold-plated taps in my bathroom? Stunning… but also, I was terrified of touching them in case I left a fingerprint! (And I’m not even a germaphobe.) The room itself was magnificent – a ridiculously large bed, a balcony overlooking… well, I’ll get to the view later. But, and this is a big but… it wasn't *my* everyday luxury, you know? It was definitely a *different* kind of luxury, the kind you have to be careful around.
So, yeah. Luxurious? Absolutely. But also, slightly overwhelming. Prepare to feel a little underdressed, even if you *are* dressed nicely, because everyone else seems to be dressed like they're attending a fashion show. And let's be honest, half of them probably are.
What about the FOOD? Rumour has it, it's amazing.
The food... oh, the food. Okay, buckle up. The breakfasts? I was in a constant state of indecision. Seriously. *Too many options*. Turkish delights stacked like colorful jewels, mountains of pastries glistening with butter, omelet stations with chefs practically begging you to customize your egg masterpiece. It was glorious, it was gluttonous, and I felt guilty about the amount of baklava I consumed every single morning.
The a la carte restaurants? Let's just say a couple of times, I looked at the menu and just felt like I didn't remotely belong. I had a friend with me and it was her birthday and she really wanted to experience a fancy dinner... and it was fancy indeed. One night, we ended up at a really nice French restaurant. The presentation was incredible, like edible art, but I swear to god, I still don't know what half the things were! I ate them anyway, of course, because, well, expensive. But if you are a simpleton like me, maybe check out a less fancy restaurant in the area too, just to get your bearings.
The biggest letdown, and I'm going to be honest here, was the lack of good Turkish coffee. I'm fairly certain they knew I cared, so I kept getting the "fake" coffee. Not that I am complaining about the breakfast, I definitely did enjoy the breakfast. But I was disappointed with their coffee, and nothing makes me as sad as mediocre coffee.
Tell me about the pool situation. Pictures look incredible. Are there enough sunbeds?
Okay, pools. The pools are gorgeous. I could spend all day there. Multiple pools, including an indoor one (handy for those slightly chilly Istanbul days), a kids' pool, and a main pool that just screams "Instagram me!" The pictures are real – it *does* look like a tropical oasis. But here's where things get… messy.
The sunbeds? Ah, the eternal struggle of the sunbed. I’m not going to lie to you, it *can* be a fight. People, especially in the summer, are ruthless. The towels go down early. They put their towels down at 7 AM, and disappear for hours. It’s a game. I tried to stay calm. I lost (once!). It was like the Hunger Games, but with beach towels. So, my best advice? Get there early, stake your claim, and prepare to defend your sunbed with the ferocity of a mama bear protecting her cubs. Or just, you know, go to the beach. But the beach is a bit further and the view is not as nice as the pool, I gotta admit.
And the spa? Worth it?
Okay, the spa. Let's talk about the spa! I'm going to be straight with you: it was expensive, I almost didn't go, I’m so glad I went.
I booked a Turkish bath, and it was… an experience. Picture this: you, naked (or as naked as you're comfortable with), lying on a heated marble slab. A lovely (and extremely strong) Turkish woman scrubs you down until your skin feels like a baby's bottom. Then, the soap bubbles! Gigantic, fluffy, soapy clouds engulfing you! It was pure bliss. I was so relaxed, I almost fell asleep. I will admit, it was little awkward to just be laying there, butt naked, but you get used to it, I guess. Once there, I did not care. And the massage afterwards? Divine. Seriously, if you're looking to treat yourself, this is the way to do it. Just be prepared to loosen your purse strings a bit.
Is it suitable for families with kids?
Yes! And no. It depends on the kid, honestly. The hotel definitely caters to families. There’s a kids’ club (which I don’t know much about, as I didn't bring any kids), a dedicated kids’ pool with slides, and plenty of child-friendly food options. So, in that sense, it’s great.
However, the general vibe is… fancy. It’s a place where people are dressed up. I did see people with kids, and from the looks of it, they were very well-behaved kids. If your kids are the type who can handle dressing nicely and being respectful of quiet spaces, then it’s perfect. But if you have a high-energy, constantly-on-the-go little monster, maybe consider somewhere a little less… polished. Or, you know, just embrace the chaos!
Also, this hotel is outside of the city center. If you plan on going out on day trips, it's not very easy, since you'll have to rely on taxis or private transport. But it's just as beautiful.
What about the location? Convenient for sightseeing?
This is where things get tricky. The hotel is NOT in the heart of Istanbul. It’s, shall we say, "removed." It's in a more residential area, which means you're not stumbling distance from the Blue Mosque or Hagia Sophia. Which is a bummer.
To get to the main attractions, you'll need to cab it, use public transport, or hop on a tour. The upside? The hotel is on the coast, so the sea view is incredible. Beautiful, actually. And, you avoid the overwhelming frenzy of the tourist hotspots, which is a big plus in my book. Really, the view alone is worth the distance. You just need to decide if you want to be close to the action, or a bit further away. I would choose further away.
