“Lush hotel”

Great hotel, with really friendly staff. Breakfasts are good. The only drawback is the noise at night- bring earplugs. It's the price you pay for being in the hipper part of town. Way better than staying in the Sultanahmet area.

“Impressive Modern Hotel close to Taksim”

The Lush is a modern contemporary hotel with a lovely touch and great service. My room had problems with the A/C which was rectified but not fully resolved. The room was small but adequate with all the touches of service. I saw other rooms that did not look out over Cihanger so would be quieter and roomier so will go for that next time

“Would Stay Again”

Generally good, but check all charges. Language barrier problems caused extra charges for pick up service from airport (which were 3x the taxi rate). Charges for dry cleaning not broken down on billing. Pricing of all differnt items not listed (ie womens trousers). Otherwise very good and staff very friendly and helpful.

“Delightful different, but understand what you're getting”

We stated in the Lush for four days and had a wonderful time. Ours was one of the 'elegance' rooms and its probably better to go for one of these, as they seem to be a little bigger. The room-by-room unique decor is definitely a welcome change from identikit hotel rooms. Things to be aware of: the staff, while helpful, are at times a little confused, but they more than make up for this with their enthusiasm. One day we got in at 4 to find our room not made up; we went out at 6 and just asked for fresh towels but came back later to find a complete clean and change. The breakfast is basic but there are plenty of places to eat nearby for a taste of the real Istanbul. The location is very handy for transport, two minutes from Taksim Square from where you can get the modern funicular down to the port and the (air-conditioned) new trams. I'm a bit surprised by some of the negative reviews. If you want peace and quiet, you probably don't want to stay in central Istanbul. If you want Hilton-style service, stay in a Hilton rather than a boutique hotel. If you want somewhere with personality and style instead of another cloned hotel chain, try the Lush hotel instead though.

“great hotel”

This is a lovely boutique hotel, all very nicely done. Staff were helpful. Located on the asian side means its a great location for seeing the 'real' istanbul, good restaurants and bars. It does mean you have to travel over to the more touristy parts. We stayed in the cheapest room and it was well done but it was tiny and in hindsight, wish i had gone for the slightly more expensive one. Room did get a bit noisy with sirens at night but not sure if we were a bit unlucky.

“Very nice niche hotel but seems to age a bite”

Very well situated a few yards from the main Taskim Square and 2 minutes from the very busy commercial pedestrian street where the buzz is from 10.00 to 22.00. Hotel staff is nice and polite but not all will be able to help you in English.

“Refresh required”

The Lush markets itself as a stylish boutique hotel. It may have been... ...but not quite now (Oct 2011). Both public areas and rooms appeared tired and in need of some freshening up - it could do with being brighter, lighter, more fragrant, cleaner, and needs some general maintenance within the bathrooms. If you opt for a Junior Room, be prepared for a tight squeeze. It's not a deal breaker (especially if you're a lone traveller) but as a couple, space will be limited. My [first] Junior room had a bathroom which was shabby and had dirty grouting. The shower leaked, which I duly reported, and eventually was moved to another room, which was larger and had a much neater bathroom. Top marks for giving me the new room, but I wonder if the shower was fixed or someone else 'experienced' it after me. If the second room is more reflective of the accommodation quality - good - but that first room lost them 'points' especially as it was so below what people would find acceptable. Breakfast was great, as were the housekeeping and reception team. Location is good and did not feel unsafe at night. One final point - if you are a light sleeper, take some earplugs. I'd read reviews before going which mentioned street noise. Whilst I found the noise no worse than any other city - a small amount of money spent on ear plugs may pay massive dividends. I would stay again if it were for a few nights; just take the 4 star, boutique hotel marketing with a pinch of salt.

“"Noisy night club directly under hotel"”

Lush hotel is well located and the rooms have a cool, retro feel. The staff are very friendly and accomodating. My only complaint is that a very noisy night club/bar has recently opened directly beneath the hotel. The music goes on until 3am! I didn't know this when I booked. I complained about the noise and the manager moved me to a room two floors up but still direclty above the club. The music finally ended but then I was kept awake my returning residents slamming hotel doors and stamping up the marble staircase.