Legacy Ottoman Hotel Reception Failed to Complete My Reservation Request
I recently called the reception desk of Legacy Ottoman Hotel in Eminönü, Istanbul, from Ankara to make a reservation for my guest. During the call, I spoke with an employee whose name was given as G* or G**. We discussed the room type, dates, and all reservation details clearly and thoroughly. Initially, I was quoted a rate of approximately $234, but I was later informed that management could not offer the room for less than approximately $254. I explicitly agreed to the revised price without hesitation.
I then asked to complete the payment via bank transfer, but I was told that this payment method could not be accepted because their accounting department was unavailable. When I offered to pay by credit card instead, I was informed that they were unable to process credit card payments either. Despite my willingness to pay and secure the reservation immediately, no practical solution was provided.
Since my guest was expected to arrive at the hotel between 11:00 p.m. and midnight, I requested that the room simply be held until arrival. I even stated that I would still pay for the room in full if, for any reason, my guest did not arrive. Nevertheless, this request was also rejected.
As a result, I found myself in the unusual position of having to repeatedly ask for a room reservation despite being fully prepared to pay the requested amount. Even after agreeing to all conditions presented to me, my issue remained unresolved, and I am still waiting for a response from the hotel.
As someone who has stayed in hotels countless times for business purposes, I have never encountered such an ineffective reservation process or such poor coordination at a reception desk. I request that my reservation be confirmed and that the hotel review its payment infrastructure, reservation procedures, and customer communication processes to prevent similar situations from affecting future guests. I also ask that the communication and organizational issues I experienced be formally reviewed and addressed.
