This is a layover hotel that became quite expensive due to geopolitics (Turkey is the last major…read morecountry in the neighborhood that stays out of the fights) but still should be a default option if you have a layover at the airport. First, the pricing: there are essentially three hotels in one under the same name and same reservation system: "landside" - outside the security perimeter, never tried and is not reviewd here, "airside" - past security on the first floor of the terminal, and "cabins" - upstairs. As of 2026, airside will cost you about $500 per night, and cabin about $250 (hourly options are available, but few hour are easier and cheapr to spend in the lounge anyhow). Judged here as a behind-security airport hotel and is not perfect - but very good.
The "airside" entrance is located in the shopping area close to the center of the terminal (past the security or "transfer" gates). The rooms have "futuristic" and very utilitarian décor, the color lighting is amusing. Pros: a near-isolation from sound and light is possible, the mattress is of good quality - both provide for very good rest. Location is as good as it gets, check-in and check-out process is efficient, room has a large size, shower and toilet are separated, very usable desk allows for some work done. Entrance is controlled by the key-card to be used in elevator.
The "cabins" are up an elevator and to the left (if you are facing the lodge, turn around). These are small single occupant rooms (not pods, think a typical Japanese hotel) with communal restroom arrangements. In the men's room, there are two toilets (one for squatting), two urinals, two showers - all in quite decent condition, you will need your key card to use the shower. The single-size bed is OK with barebones arrangements (single pillow, single comforter). There is a small table OK for light work and a small bench that accommodates two carryons on top for opening. The isolation from the hallway is quite weak, but this is quiet place at the terminal. Entrans to the hallways is controlled with the key cards, with the turnstyles located next to the reception.
Cons: the amenities are barebone - don't expect robes, bring your own slippers, nondescript shampoo and soap are in large dispensers attached to the walls. The light switches are very confusing; groping for them in the complete darkness is not amusing (even worse in cabins, see my pro tips below).
Cabin lighting tips (READ THIS CAREFULLY if you plan to stay in a cabin and spread the knowldge): the setup is truly incredible: you have to insert your card into a receptacle by the door for the lights to work. If you do not do it immediately upon entering the cabin, the lights, initially on, will go out in few seconds, and you will have to insert card in the dark, so do it as quickly as possible. If you are late, watch for a blinking white light next to the door, and insert the card there. Now, there is no conventional switch, so when you need to sleep, touch the black UNMARKED rectangle above the pillow, it will light up as a touchscreen switch. If the power socket goes off, dont despair: the thicknes of the key card is not enough, so the system might have thought that the card is now removed, and switched the power off. To add to the confusion, the lights can be still controlled by rectangle, but the socket stays off (yes, there is just one socket in the room, European plug only, plus 3 USBs, so an adpter and a power bar come handy). The fix for the socket is simply: use your hand to push onto OUTSIDE of the plastic housing with the card - it will fix the problem! You can also request a cabin change, naturally.
Overall: will definitely use again if need few hours of sleep at the gorgeous Istanbul airport. If you are not planning a shower, go for cabins. One star subtracted for high price and insane lighting arrangements.
