Grand Hyatt Istanbul, the Hotel Review

This summer, we spent a few unforgettable weeks in Turkey, exploring the Mediterranean coast, hiking to ancient ruins, and diving into the vibrant culture of Istanbul. In this Grand Hyatt Istanbul review, we’ll cover what it’s like to stay at one of the best-located Hyatt properties in the city, perfect for families and World of Hyatt members looking to redeem points.

Istanbul is a massive, vibrant city, and if you’re staying on points, choosing a centrally located hotel from your preferred chain is key. The Grand Hyatt Istanbul sits in the heart of the city, just minutes from Taksim Square, Istiklal Street, popular restaurants, and local shops, making it an ideal base for both sightseeing and relaxing between adventures.

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Visiting Pamukkale, Türkiye, with kids

This summer, we spent a few unforgettable weeks exploring Türkiye with our kids, from wandering the streets of Istanbul to relaxing on the Mediterranean coast. One of the most memorable experiences was visiting Pamukkale, Türkiye, with kids, a surreal landscape of white travertine terraces and warm thermal pools that felt like something out of a dream.

We’ve already shared all the details of our three-day road trip from Antalya to Istanbul (read it here), including how we chose fun and unique stops along the way. But Pamukkale stood out as a clear favorite — not only for us but also as the place our friends ask about the most.

If you’re planning a family trip to Türkiye, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Pamukkale with kids, why it’s worth a stop, what to expect, and how to make the most of it.

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Park Hyatt Istanbul – Maçka Palas, the Hotel Review

This summer we spent a few weeks in Turkey, and we absolutely fell in love with this country. We began our Turkish journey in Istanbul, one of the oldest and biggest cities in the world. We were happy to discover that Istanbul has several Hyatt properties, which not only meant that we could enjoy our stay in Istanbul for free (on points) but also would get exceptional service.

For our first 3 nights in Istanbul, we chose to stay at Park Hyatt Istanbul – Maçka Palas. This hotel is located in the Nişantaşı district of the city, within the walking distance of Taksim Square, various restaurants and shops, and just a short ride to the historical part of Istanbul.

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A perfect 3-day itinerary in Istanbul, Türkiye

We spent two unforgettable weeks exploring beautiful Türkiye this summer, and our journey began in one of the world’s most iconic cities: Istanbul. This 3-day Istanbul itinerary captures the vibrant culture, rich history, and nonstop energy that made it the perfect place to kick off our adventure.

Founded by Greek settlers in the 7th century B.C., Istanbul served as the imperial capital of the Roman, Byzantine, Latin, and Ottoman Empires for nearly 1,600 years. Today, it’s a dynamic blend of ancient and modern, drawing millions of visitors every year. If you’re planning a short visit, this guide highlights the must-see sights, best bites, and unforgettable experiences you won’t want to miss.

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Türkiye with kids: Antalya to Istanbul road trip

A rooftop terrace at the Fulya Pansiyon Hotel, Eğirdir/Isparta, Türkiye

This summer, we embarked on an unforgettable Antalya to Istanbul road trip with our kids, a family adventure across Türkiye filled with ancient ruins, coastal views, charming towns, and incredible food.

From relaxing at an all-inclusive resort on the Mediterranean to exploring Istanbul, one of the world’s oldest and most vibrant cities, we designed this journey to balance fun, culture, and history. Keep reading for our detailed Türkiye road trip itinerary, family travel tips, and the best stops along the way.

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