Istanbul Trip

Two experiences turned what could have been a good stay into meh. First was their choice of the guide. As soon as we checked in we were pushed a guide and a dinner cruise, we declined the cruise but accepted the guide who was supposed to be taking us through the old city from 900-1700. We requested he start a bit late at around 1000. The guide could barely speak, had such a low voice we struggled to hear, didn't tell us anything beyond the wikipedia pages of the attractions, couldn't cover the grand bazaar since it was closed and didn't offer any alternative for that. In the end he just pushed aggressively for a "heirloom" rug which we told him multiple times was out of our budget. The tour also ended before 1400 and we were left wondering why did it cost that much. Second was their whole communication around a reschedule we had to do. Due to an emergency we had to checkout a day earlier. We reached out to reception to understand if they could offer a partial refund, and they said we have to reach out to Expedia. I reached out to Expedia and after a long chat session they agreed to drop a note to the hotel requesting refund. Initially the hotel refused to acknowledge they have received any email from Expedia. Then I had to ask Expedia to call them, post which the email was acknowledged. By the checkout time, the hotel didnt give any confirmation on the request but expedia said it was declined by them, which they could've done from start saving me the hassle.

Great stay! They even left a cake in our room for my fiancés birthday and the bed was extremely comfortable!