Introduction

In Ankara I’m staying at the Sheraton in the city centre. The hotel sits at the top of a hill, which makes it quite a landmark that is easy to spot in the city’s skyline. The hotel is rather nice and looks as though it was only recently renovated. The lobby is in a large atrium with a bar in the centre. Reception is off to the left.

Check-In

The bellman takes my luggage from the taxi’s booth and guides me to reception. He patiently waits while I am checked in. The young man at reception has excellent manners and speaks flawless English. He very efficiently checks me in and explains that my room comes with complimentary access to the Club Lounge on the 20th floor. My room is on the 21st. He wishes me an enjoyable stay, and then the bellman takes me up to the room.

The Premium Room

The Premium rooms are located on the upper floors of the hotel and offer good views over the city. The design of the room is not what I was expecting. It’s also an interesting layout due to the building’ cylindrical shape. As I enter the room, the wardrobe is on the right and the bathroom opposite.

In the bedroom there is a small desk up against the wall opposite the bed , as well as an armchair with a coffee table. The bed is comfortable and has a nice duvet that keeps you warm but without making you all hot. Actually, that is one of the things I like the most about my room: the temperature control is good and consistent. Very often in hotels you have air conditioning that either doesn’t work at all or that cools/heats intermittently.

In the bathroom there is a large walk-in shower that also looks as though it was only recently fitted. It passes the Knight of Malta flood test effortlessly and the water pressure is very good, which is impressive given that I’m on the 21st floor.

Amenities

The amenities are not by a brand that I know, and with my eyesight, I’m not even quite sure what kind of fruit or nut is depicted. Whatever it may be, the shower gel and soap smell nice.

In the room there’s also a kettle with tea bags and sachets of instant coffee, as well as a Nespresso machine. The minibar is stocked with soft drinks, a Snickers bar and a Toblerone. Complimentary bottles of still water are also provided.

In the wardrobe there is also a pair of slippers and a bathrobe.

Dining

My rate gives me access to the Club Lounge, which means that I can either have breakfast up there, or downstairs in the main restaurant. I have breakfast downstairs most days, mainly because the main restaurant has a wider selection.

The breakfast is very nice and includes a variety of typically Turkish fare and western options. I’m sure I’m going to OD on those lovely cheese börek before the week is done, but they’re so good!

The Club Lounge

The lounge on the 20th floor is open from 06h30 in the morning to 23h00. Breakfast is served from 06h30, and from 17h30 to 20h30 they serve an antipasti style buffet with things like soup, canapés, or hummus. The lounge is attended.

The Service & Staff

The staff and the service at the Sheraton Ankara are outstanding. Everyone is so polite and they’ve obviously been trained in customer service. Nothing is ever too much. For example, on my first day I assembled a plate for breakfast. I place it on the table and then go to the coffee machine for my daily fix, but the staff aren’t having any of it. The young lady is probably half my age but she’s totally mothering me in a very charming way. She’s like that with all the guests.

Conclusion

Granted, Ankara is not Turkey’s top tourist destination. It’s the country’s capital, and as such, it is its administrative heart. That was already noticeable on the flight coming here, which was mainly for high ranking civil servants and diplomats. However, if ever I need to return to Ankara, I will be sure to stay here again. My room was nicely appointed and, more importantly, the staff were great. It’s obviously a very well managed hotel.