Review of Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul: Unexpected Luxury in the Heart of Türkiye

I had an expiring World of Hyatt free night certificate and thought a late July 2025 visit to Istanbul would be the perfect place to use it. After narrowing down some options, I chose the Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul for its fantastic reviews and excellent location.

Read on for my full review of the Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul and why you should consider this property for a luxurious stay if you travel to Istanbul, Türkiye.

Booking Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul

Istanbul has many World of Hyatt properties, many of which offer reasonable cash rates and points redemptions. Since I had a Category 1-4 free night certificate, my options were narrowed down, making picking a property much easier.

I received the free night certificate as a card anniversary benefit of The World of Hyatt Credit Card. This is an excellent rewards card that offers several incredible perks and benefits.

The World of Hyatt Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

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The World of Hyatt Credit Card

The World of Hyatt card offers a fast track to Hyatt elite status, an annual free night, and up to 9x points per $1 on Hyatt stays.

Welcome Offer

Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.

Up to 60,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$900

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.99% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

Why We Like This Card

The World of Hyatt Credit Card makes your Hyatt stays more rewarding and helps you get coveted World of Hyatt elite status faster. This card is a must-have for any traveler who regularly stays at Hyatt hotels, or even for anyone who’s able to take advantage of the card’s annual free night certificate.

When you factor in all the benefits the World of Hyatt card offers, it’s easy to see why it is one of the best co-branded hotel credit cards on the market.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• 2x points per $1 at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airline, local transit, rideshares, and fitness clubs/gym memberships
• 1x point per $1 on all other purchases

Cons

• $95 annual fee

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Card Highlights

• Earn up to 60,000 Bonus Points. Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. Plus, up to 30,000 More Bonus Points by earning 2 Bonus Points total per $1 spent in the first 6 months from account opening on purchases that normally earn 1 Bonus Point, on up to $15,000 spent.
• Enjoy complimentary World of Hyatt Discoverist status for as long as your account is open.
• Get 1 free night each year after your Cardmember anniversary at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel or resort
• Receive 5 tier qualifying night credits towards status after account opening, and each year after that for as long as your account is open
• Earn an extra free night at any Category 1-4 Hyatt hotel if you spend $15,000 in a calendar year
• Earn 2 qualifying night credits towards tier status every time you spend $5,000 on your card
• Earn up to 9 points total for Hyatt stays – 4 Bonus Points per $1 spent on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels & up to 5 Base Points per $1 from Hyatt as a World of Hyatt member
• Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent at restaurants, on airline tickets purchased directly from the airlines, on local transit and commuting and on fitness club and gym memberships
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.99% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

World of Hyatt

After debating which Category 1-4 Hyatt property in Istanbul to stay at, I opted for the Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul, due to its location in a part of Istanbul I had never stayed in before.

Although the property is a Category 3 hotel, the cash price for a standard room was €156 ($180) before any taxes and fees. Since the World of Hyatt card’s annual fee of $95 was significantly lower than the cash rate, I knew I was getting excellent value from my free night certificate.

When redeeming the free night certificate, I had the option to choose a queen or king room, and I opted for the latter.

After selecting the king room and ensuring my dates were correct, I booked the Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul using my free night certificate.

Hot Tip:

Learn the best ways to earn tons of World of Hyatt points in our full guide.

Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul Location

The Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul is in Levent, a modern, upscale business district on the European side of Istanbul. It is best known for some of the city’s tallest skyscrapers, luxury apartments, and high-end shopping malls.

Istanbul is a vibrant metropolis connecting the European and Asian continents. Rich in history, it was once the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. The city has many historical landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, the Galata Tower, and the Topkapı Palace. However, it also has many modern conveniences, including numerous high-end hotels.

The property is a 3-minute walk to the Levent metro station, which can connect you to the rest of Istanbul.

Nearby attractions include the ÖzdilekPark Istanbul Shopping Mall, the Metrocity shopping mall, and the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha Mosque.

Getting There

The Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul is a 55-minute drive from Istanbul Airport (IST).

Arriving from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), Istanbul’s secondary international airport, takes approximately 45 minutes by car.

You can also reach the property using public transportation. Getting to the Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul is easy as long as you can connect to the Istanbul metro.

Checking In

I took the metro from Istanbul Airport to the Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul, which took about an hour. I arrived at the property shortly before 7:30 a.m., well before the hotel’s official check-in time of 3 p.m. Fortunately, the hotel was easy to spot.

I was greeted by a friendly bellman who took my bags and directed me to the concierge and the hotel’s check-in desks.

As is common with many high-end hotels in the region, I was required to undergo a quick security screening and baggage check. After gathering my bags, I headed straight to the hotel’s check-in desk, immediately to the left as you enter the lobby.

A smiling front desk agent greeted me and requested my identification to locate my reservation. He thanked me for my World of Hyatt Explorist status and confirmed my 1-night stay.

He let me know that the hotel had upgraded me to a Deluxe King Room, and that he approved a 2 p.m. checkout, a benefit of Hyatt Explorist status.

Unfortunately, breakfast was not included at this status level, but it could be purchased. I told the agent I would let someone know later if I wanted to add breakfast.

Even though it was early in the morning, he let me know that the room was ready immediately, which was nice to hear as I was tired from my overnight journey from Singapore. He handed me my room key cards and directed me to the elevators.

Bottom Line:

The check-in process was smooth and straightforward. The front desk representative was courteous and helpful and was quick to get me checked into my room. I was extremely surprised (and appreciative) of the 7:30 a.m. early check-in.

Elite Benefits

As a World of Hyatt Explorist, I was eligible for several enhanced benefits, including:

• Complimentary premium internet
• Complimentary bottle of water daily
• 2 p.m. late checkout upon request
• Room upgrade to the best room (excluding suites)

Lobby

To the right of the check-in desk were 2 small seating areas with identical high-back armchairs.

The hotel’s 4 guest floor elevators were between the 2 primary seating areas.

The hotel’s dining venue, Gold Bar & Restaurant, was to the right and directly across from the check-in desks. There was another small 2-person seating area to the right of the entrance to the restaurant.

Deluxe King Room

I got off the elevator on the seventh floor, turned right, and walked towards my room. The hallways were lit up nicely, but that only made the deep stains on the carpets stand out more.

I walked to my room and immediately noticed the room number lit up on the floor, which was a nice touch.

As I entered, I was greeted by a large and open foyer. I was pleasantly surprised by its ample space. Several closets were along the left side of the foyer area.

Directly behind the door to the room was the first large closet with enough space to comfortably store my bags. The hotel provided complimentary bathrobes and slippers.

There was another closet to the right of the first one, which offered a ton of organization and a safe.

Lastly, there was a third closet which provided even more space. There was plenty of space for my bags above the pull-out drawers.

The room’s minibar, to the right of the last closet, featured various snacks and a coffee station.

Snacks for purchase included chocolates, potato chips, gummy bears, crackers, assorted nuts, and mints. In addition to the snacks, the minibar sold useful items like a travel adapter and a USB-C wall charger.

The minibar featured an excellent selection of beverages, including alcoholic options such as beer and spirits, sparkling and still water, energy drinks, and a variety of sodas.

After looking at the minibar options, I walked into the main living section of the room.

Immediately to the left was a designated luggage storage area, convenient for unpacking my bag. Next to it was the room’s workstation, with a television mounted above.

Although the workstation did not feature an ergonomic chair, the one provided was comfortable.

Across the workstation was the room’s king-size bed, which was placed in the center against the right wall. It had 4 thick and comfortable pillows.

There were side tables on each side of the bed, and a foot bench at the foot of the bed. Both sides of the bed had wall-mounted reading lights.

Wall-mounted controls for the curtains and all the lights in the room were on each side of the bed.

To the left of the bed, against the room’s back wall, was a large sectional sofa that could comfortably accommodate up to 6 people. In front of the sofa, there was a large glass coffee table.

Lastly, behind the sofa were the room’s windows, which offered views of several high-rise buildings.

Bottom Line:

I was highly impressed with the room and truly appreciated the upgrade. The room exuded a modern, contemporary vibe with elements of understated luxury. Although I have only stayed at a few Hyatt Centric properties, this was by far the nicest.

As I found out later in the stay, the property was previously an EDITION hotel, a luxury boutique hotel brand under the Marriott portfolio. The sophisticated design, sleek and minimalist interiors, and high-end finishes made much more sense once I learned this fact.

Bathroom

The bathroom was near the room’s entrance and featured marble throughout. To the left, there was a relatively large soaking tub. Although I didn’t use it, it did look inviting.

The bathroom vanity was next to the soaking tub against the right wall. The hotel provided standard toiletries, including a shower cap, dental kits, a vanity kit, a sanitary bag, and a comb.

The toilet and shower rooms were to the right of the vanity, divided by a glass wall. The toilet side also featured a bidet.

The shower was on the right. It featured an overhead rainfall head and a handheld shower wand, and the shower pressure was excellent from both.

The shower featured wall-mounted reusable containers of Aromatherapy Associates shampoo, conditioner, and body cleanser.

Amenities

The Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul offered several amenities for guests, including an indoor swimming pool, a well-equipped fitness studio, and a full spa.

Indoor Swimming Pool

The property boasted a 15-meter indoor swimming pool on the B4 floor. It was open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The pool area offered various seating options, including heated loungers. These ergonomically shaped loungers were comfortable and heated to 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

There were also several lounge chairs lined along the length of the pool.

In the far corner was a large hot tub for up to 10 people to use simultaneously.

Fitness Studio

The property featured a fully equipped fitness studio with separate cardio and strength training sections. The fitness studio was open 24 hours a day on the B4 level near the swimming pool.

There were numerous cardio machines, including Power Plate machines. Although I have never tried one, I am fascinated by how they work.

Additional cardio options included ellipticals, stationary bikes, and treadmills.

There was a small section of shiny chrome free weights available.

Lastly, the cardio section featured a small corner dedicated to boxing. Here, there was a vast selection of boxing gear, a punching bag, medicine balls, and kettlebells.

I headed across the hall to the strength training section of the fitness studio, which had at least 20 individual strength training machines.

The strength training machines included pulldowns, extensions, shoulder presses, chest presses, abdominal crunch machines, rowing machines, and curling machines.

Additionally, there was a great selection of dumbbells, some as heavy as 66 pounds (30 kilograms), with several benches.

There was also a small rack with several different types of curling bars.

Spa Soul

The hotel featured a full spa, Spa Soul, on the B5 level. The spa was open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and offered many different types of services, including massages and therapies. There was also a hammam, or traditional Turkish bath.

Food and Beverages

The Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul features a single food and beverage venue. Here’s a look at what you can expect.

Gold Bar & Restaurant

The hotel’s only dining venue, Gold Bar & Restaurant, is in the lobby. The restaurant is open daily between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

Guests with Hyatt Globalist status and those who book rates with breakfast included can have a complimentary breakfast at Gold Bar & Restaurant. Otherwise, the breakfast buffet is €15 ($17.50) per person.

I arrived at breakfast slightly before 9 a.m. to an empty restaurant. I placed my laptop bag at a table and checked out what the breakfast buffet offered. The first section had a variety of cheeses and cold cuts.

Next was a massive salad bar with nearly every topping and dressing one could ask for. The food was well-presented with the plates’ shapes and the food colors.

The breakfast spread had a fantastic selection of fruit, including oranges, apples, pineapples, peaches, mangoes, and watermelon. Again, everything was very nicely presented.

Next, there was a section with various dried fruits and nuts.

A dedicated bakery section offered a variety of pastries and breads.

There was a hot food station with börek (Middle Eastern pastry) and sautéed vegetables.

You could also find grilled sujuk (Turkish sausage) and scrambled eggs here.

Lastly, there was a dedicated breakfast cereal selection.

Service

Despite having minimal interactions, I found the service at the Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul solid. The hotel staff was incredibly welcoming and seemed to enjoy their jobs. 

The staff provided genuine hospitality and were there to answer any questions and requests without hesitation. Every aspect of my experience at the hotel was positive, and the staff reflected the Turkish hospitality the country is famous for.

Final Thoughts

The Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul is a fantastic Category 3 World of Hyatt hotel that can be booked using a World of Hyatt Category 1-4 free night certificate.

The hotel was previously an EDITION hotel, which explains the luxury finishes and ambiance. The room was incredibly spacious and comfortable, and the property had modern amenities to match.

This was one of my best Hyatt Centric stays, and I would definintely stay here again. The fact that this property can be booked using a free night certificate I earned from the World of Hyatt card makes it even more incredible.