The Conrad, Hilton Istanbul

Let's talk about the Hotel.

It's very large with stunning views of the city and of the water. It's on it's own street, kind of a long private drive. There are perhaps ten guards posted along the street, and more are near the entrance. Before advancing to the hotel, all vehicles are checked for car bombs. They use a sweeping wand and detectors to look under and around the car and they check the interior and the trunk. Car bombs are a real issue here and detection is standard around the city. You walk into a revolving glass door that has a large vase of flowers in the middle and a chandelier lights the inside. Before you can enter further into the lobby, you must pass through metal detectors and bags are inspected with an x-ray machine, just like the airport. (This screening also occurs at malls and restaurants.) I'm getting used to it and I do feel safer with the checkpoints, but it's a little unnerving that they're even required. However, I'm still uneasy with the soldiers, police, and guards. They are armed with AK-47s and wear bullet proof vests. I'm glad they are equipped to handle any insurgents who may be similarly armed, but still..

There are three restaurants located within the hotel, a chocolate shop, an incredible jewelry store, Women's and Men's salons and a gift shop that carries Turkish souvenirs. There are indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, a fab gym where you can book sessions with personal trainers, a spa, saunas, and a jogging trail.

Due to the length of our stay and the number of rooms the team requires, we have some pretty sweet upgrades. We have member access to the top floor, which is the Executive Lounge. Sweet and savory snacks are served, there is open access to wines, beers, sodas, gourmet teas and coffees--all inclusive with the membership. The lounge has a marvelous balcony that is a wonderful place to go in the evenings and watch the boats pass. I'm currently inside the lounge; I come up for an hour or two each day and write or read with a cup of tea. I'm the youngest person I've seen here by far. Last week, a couple was politely asked to leave as they weren't members. They glared at me and asked if I was a member and the hostess just waved at me. You give your room number to the host before you're allowed entry and they check the list. They know me now and let me pass freely. It's a cool feeling.

Our room is spacious and has a lovely bed with down blankets and pillows. If you don't like the pillows, you can choose one of a dozen types they provide from the pillow menu. There are robes and slippers, heated towel racks.. The hotel handles our laundry and it comes back pressed, folded with tissue, and sealed inside plastic. Our socks have never been fluffier. I don't really use the mini bar, especially with the lounge access. We do use room service, which is directly from the menus from the restaurants.

I've been having some mail issues, and have spent quite a bit of time with the concierges. Everyone knows me here and I try to smile and acknowledge the staff. Some people I've witnessed completely ignore them, as if they don't exist. I think being friendly has helped, I'm certain that they provide excellent service, but they've really gone out of their way for me. The hotel has a fleet of taxis and a gentleman who wears a top hat and tails will tell them where to take you. He and I are a little more familiar than he is with other guests (he can be very formal). He smiles at me and says "Good morning Madame Katz, where are we off to today?" (The room reservation is under Brian's name and it's a Muslim country, so we just go with the name.)

It has been a mind boggling experience of opulence. I am thankful to be here, not just in these luxurious accommodations, but also to get goodnight kisses. I know the time will come where I won't be able to accompany Brian so I enjoy the time I'm here with him.