The Arkin Colony Hotel

We have visited the Arkin prior to Covid19. However it has gone down hill considerably and there’s a lack of cleanliness, staff have a bad attitude and the food is very poor. We will not be returning.

Just returned from a 2 week break at the Colony Hotel, we had a fabulous time, staff are extremely helpful and friendly, rooms are lovely and clean. Pool is to die for. I would like to say a massive thank you to Azam "hope I've spelt his name right" who went above and beyond when my partner had a diabetic episode. Azam and another member of staff drove us to the hospital, where my partner was treated. Can't wait to return next year.

Tonight I went with family to The Colony Roof for cocktails. Not much first visit. They were hosted a big party for Galatasaraya supporters. Most hotels would have politely said "private party" not The Colony. They put us by the rooftop pool with a view of the amazing sunset and served us cocktails and their delicious mixed nuts. THANK YOU, Colony Staff.

Pros - Location - Spa - Roof top pool - Food Hotel within easy distance to harbour, bars,shops, and local transport. Rooms spacious and very clean. Cons - busy road opposite two petrol stations and traffic heavy all day. Staff on reception not helpful or accommodating. There is no air conditioning and our room on arrival at midnight was 26.5°. We couldn't believe it and had to insist on two fans that we left on permanently all night and the day when we were in the room. Some of the electric sockets and plugs had loose wiring so we had to keep reporting faults. Our main complaint was the heavy smell of petrol that we assumed came from the petrol station. When we phoned reception to request a move to another room we were told there were no more twin bedded rooms available but for what is classified as a five star hotel, I'm sure they could have accommodated us. The stench was overwhelming. Finally after calling in one of the cleaners she indicated it wasn't the petrol stations but the drain in the shower that she would clean out. That evening on returning to the room, the smell had gone. However next morning it started to seep in again. We called in another cleaner and pointed out the stench and showed her the sockets that didn't work. She said leave it to me and that night everything was fixed but we only had two nights left of our holiday. The cleaner's name was Hava and I would like to commend her to the hotel management. Our conversation was done though my translation app and sign language. In spite of everything we enjoyed our stay as the pros outweighed the cons. Would not stay at this hotel again until it is modernised. The summer months must be unbearable.

Lunch at the rooftop restaurant was delightful. We had t booked a table, but we were temporarily seated until a table with a window view could be prepared. The menu was varied and the food was delicious. Waiters were attentive and friendly.