Review: JW Marriott Hotel Ankara
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The JW Marriott Hotel Ankara embodies the prestige and refinement of the Turkish capital. After several stays in Türkiye, I wanted to find an address worthy of Ankara—a city often considered monotonous, yet well worth a visit for its historic monuments, museums, and relaxed atmosphere.
In this detailed review, I share my complete experience: booking with Marriott Bonvoy points, an upgrade to a Junior Suite thanks to Platinum status, restaurants, Karma Spa, and services. To compare other options, also see our selection of the best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards.
| Credit card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| $120 |
Booking and points rates
The JW Marriott Hotel Ankara is one of four Marriott properties in the Turkish capital. Among these options, the JW Marriott stands out thanks to the exceptional value of its points rate for a five-star hotel.
I was therefore able to secure five nights for a total of 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, in a Deluxe room with a king bed and city view. In addition, the points cost per night generally ranges from 12,000 to 28,000 points, depending on the season.
| Element | Value |
|---|---|
| Cash rate (5 nights, taxes included) | €1,192.24 (≈ $1,908.13) |
| Cash rate per night | €212.90 |
| Points used (5 nights) | 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points |
| Milesopedia value of 56,000 points | ≈ $504.00 |
| Market value of the Junior Suite (5 nights) | €2,169.01 (≈ $3,529.25) |
Thanks to renewing my Platinum status, I received five complimentary suite upgrades. I used this benefit for the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara, and the confirmation arrived a few days before arrival. I therefore enjoyed the one-bedroom Junior Suite with a very large bed, access to the Executive Lounge, and a city view.
Location and arrival at the hotel
The JW Marriott Hotel Ankara is located near downtown and several embassies, in the modern Söğütözü district. In addition, the Söğütözü metro station is just a few metres away, making it easy to get around.
The trip between the airport and the hotel takes about an hour by combining train and metro. However, the property does not offer a shuttle service. It is still possible to book a private transfer with a driver for about €90 per trip.
In the immediate vicinity, you’ll find several restaurants, cafés, and shopping centres. Moreover, to discover the main tourist sites, the metro is the simplest option, but if, like me, you enjoy walking, exploring the city on foot is an excellent way to appreciate its atmosphere.
Lobby and Check-in
After passing through security, you discover an immense lobby worthy of the JW Marriott’s reputation. To the right of the entrance are the shopping gallery and the JW Lounge, a bar with the coziest atmosphere. In addition, the main lobby area is vast and elegant, furnished with numerous armchairs, sofas, and tables, and also houses a small sushi counter.
It’s also in this grand lobby that you’ll find the hotel’s two main restaurants, the JW Steakhouse and the Fires & Flavours Restaurant, as well as the business centre.
The check-in desks occupy the centre of the lobby.
In this category of hotel, you rarely wait to check in, and the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara is no exception.
As soon as I arrived, I was greeted before I even reached the desks: a staff member offered me a glass of fresh juice, with a smile and great courtesy. The front desk employee, equally warm, then explained the benefits associated with my Marriott status, including the choice between points and free breakfast. A pleasant surprise upon my return: I ended up getting both, the free breakfast and the 1,000 points.
A few minutes after I settled into the suite, an employee came by with a tray of baklava accompanied by a personalized message from the manager. A thoughtful touch, perfectly in keeping with the service one expects from a hotel of this calibre.
Junior Suite: comfort and refinement
The Junior Suite, with an area of 75 m², is located on the 18th floor. Spacious, bright, and elegantly appointed, it is close to perfect. From the entrance, you discover ample storage space with a safe, ironing equipment, and bathrobes. Right next to it, the coffee corner sits alongside a well-stocked (paid) minibar.
Junior Suite with living room, bedroom, desk area, and refined décor.
The living room combines a sofa, two armchairs, and a coffee table, creating a welcoming space. The work area offers all the conveniences: multiple outlets, wired Internet, and good lighting. The bedroom is separated from the living room by a double-sided storage unit with a TV on each side.
The king bed offers remarkable comfort. Upon request, you have access to a pillow menu: orthopedic, feather-free fibre, neck support, or firm. This kind of detail shows the attention to guests’ well-being.
Marble bathroom
The marble bathroom immediately catches the eye: bathtub, glass-enclosed shower, separate toilet, double vanity, and large mirror. There is plenty of space for personal items. A rare and appreciated detail: several extra towels are stored in the drawers under the vanity.
Marble bathroom with bathtub, walk-in shower, double vanity, and separate toilet.
Housekeeping
The housekeeping service is impeccable. Some might find it intrusive, but I loved it. My clothes left on the bed bench were carefully folded, and every item used was put back in its place. On the first day, I simply asked for a bit more water than the usual two bottles. The next day, I was delivered a veritable case—more than a dozen bottles.
Hotel Restaurants and Bars
The JW Marriott Hotel Ankara has at least six restaurants, including the executive lounge. I didn’t try everything, but here’s my take on the ones I tested, with an overview of the others.
Fires & Flavours Restaurant
This restaurant offers Turkish and international cuisine. It’s open daily from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM. Located in the lobby, this is also where complimentary breakfast is served to Platinum members and above. The space is immense and the variety of hot and cold dishes is impressive. Every morning, it’s hard to choose.
Fires & Flavours breakfast buffet: pastries, fruit, cheeses, smoked fish, and a famous selection of artisanal honeys.
The staff welcomes you with fresh orange juice and coffee (or tea). You can order custom-prepared eggs (omelette, scrambled, sunny-side up), delivered to your table using a number system. The idea is good, even if the service sometimes drags a bit—a very minor detail. And for honey lovers, I’d never seen such variety: lavender, linden, chestnut, wildflower. Not to mention the spectacular honeycomb section, served directly from the uncapped frame.
Executive Lounge on the 22nd floor
Located on the 22nd floor, the executive lounge offers a superb view of the city. Quite spacious, it combines a section with tables for meals and a more relaxed lounge-style area. On the same floor, there’s also a quiet, well-appointed work space.
Executive Lounge at the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara: panoramic view, lounge area, and library corner.
The lounge opens at 6:00 AM for breakfast and closes at midnight. All day long, snacks (cookies, chips) and various beverages (coffee, water, juice, soft drinks) are available self-serve. From 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, it’s hors d’oeuvres service time—an especially popular moment for its variety and quality.
To accompany these bites, a selection of alcoholic beverages (gin, vodka, beer, wine) is served from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. Here again, the service is exceptional: employees remember each guest’s preferences. I asked for butter just once, and every following evening, my small pat of butter was brought to me automatically upon arrival.
JW Lounge in the lobby
This is where you enjoy the famous afternoon tea, in a welcoming and elegant atmosphere. With its many armchairs and sofas, the JW Lounge is the ideal spot to enjoy a pastry with your tea, or a nice glass of wine before dinner. It’s open from 7:00 AM to midnight, Monday through Sunday.
Other Restaurants
- JW Steakhouse: excellent fresh meats and seafood. I was told their cheesecake is worth the trip—something to try on my next visit. Closed on Sundays.
- Skye Vue Cocktail Bar & Terrace: on the 22nd floor, right across from the executive lounge, with a spectacular view of the city. Open Monday through Saturday, from 6:00 PM to midnight.
- Karma Kafe: in the wellness centre area: fresh juices, smoothies, and healthy snacks. Open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Services and Facilities
Karma Spa Wellness: the hotel’s jewel
The jewel of the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara is located on level -2, open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. From the moment you arrive, the staff take the time to explain in detail the services offered. A true wellness haven, it includes several facilities available free of charge to guests.
- Karma Kafe: coffee and healthy snacks in a zen atmosphere
- Traditional relaxation room: a space dedicated to calm and rest
- Steam sauna and dry sauna: two options for muscle relaxation
- Jacuzzi: ideal after a day of sightseeing
- Turkish hammam: an authentic local tradition
- Treatments at an additional cost: more than 17 types of massages, 11 body treatments, and 8 facials
Karma Spa Wellness: pool under a vaulted ceiling, relaxation lounge, and reception with contemporary design.
I took advantage of the spa’s complimentary facilities and loved the experience. The place is impeccably clean, perfectly organized, and conducive to relaxation. Digital-lock lockers, individual showers, towels and sandals provided: everything is designed for a true wellness moment, worthy of a grand hotel.
Karma Fitness Center
The fitness centre is located on level -2 and is open 24/7. Spacious and well-equipped, it offers a wide variety of machines, for both cardio and strength training. Enthusiasts will also appreciate the extensive selection of free weights. As in any establishment of this calibre, water and towels are provided.
Karma Fitness Center: cardio and strength equipment with a view of the gardens.
Indoor and Outdoor Pools
The hotel has two beautiful pools. The indoor pool, with its waterfall, is large enough for a few morning laps. Lounge chairs surround it, perfect for relaxing after a workout. Note: wearing a swim cap is mandatory.
The outdoor pool, equally spacious, enjoys excellent sun exposure, ideal for getting a bit of a tan. You’ll also find lounge chairs, umbrellas, pergolas, sofas, and, most importantly, a bar. It’s the perfect spot to relax after a spa session or a long day of sightseeing.
Business center and meeting rooms
Located behind the reception desks in the lobby, the business centre has tables, desks, and computers. A dedicated employee monitors it at all times, ready to assist as needed (printing, Internet connection).
Like many hotels in the chain, the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara primarily targets business clientele. With its seventeen event spaces, including a room with a terrace, it’s perfectly suited for meetings, weddings, or any other celebration.
Around the hotel: what to visit in Ankara?
The hotel is located in the modern Söğütözü district, known for its recent skyscrapers—including the famous YDA Center with its distinctive design—and its many shopping centres. The area is well served by public transit: the nearest metro station is a few minutes’ walk away, and it takes about 20 minutes to reach central Ankara.
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi): a must for history enthusiasts
- Anıtkabir: the mausoleum of Atatürk, an iconic site that is a must-see
- Modern Söğütözü district: skyscrapers, shopping centres, and restaurants
Pros and cons of the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara
Strengths
- Varied and delicious breakfast: impressive buffet, unique selection of artisanal honeys
- High-quality wellness centre: Karma Spa with complimentary sauna, hammam, and jacuzzi
- Outstanding staff: attentive, personalized, and warm service
- Elegance and comfort: spacious suite, premium bedding, pillow menu
- Excellent points value: 12,000 to 28,000 points per night for a five-star hotel
Weaknesses
- Carpet in the rooms: a wood floor would give a more modern look
- Egg service at breakfast: table delivery can sometimes be a bit slow
- No airport shuttle: private transfer at €90 per trip
Overall impression and final rating
My stay at the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara exceeded my expectations on every level. From the moment you arrive, you understand you are in an exceptional property. The service is attentive, personalized, and of rare elegance.
The Junior Suite, spacious and bright, combines comfort and refinement. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the pillow menu to the quality of the bedding. In addition, the dining offering is both varied and high quality, with impeccable service. And the Executive Lounge perfectly rounds out the experience.
My favourite is without hesitation the Karma Spa and its indoor and outdoor pools, which offered me incomparable moments of relaxation. Between luxury, cleanliness, and serenity, it’s impossible not to feel privileged.
The JW Marriott Hotel Ankara perfectly illustrates prestige and refinement. It is a hotel where every moment is designed for the guest’s comfort and satisfaction. Without a doubt one of the best addresses in Ankara—a true haven of peace and luxury.
André, Milesopedia contributor
To maximize this type of experience, check out our comparison of the best credit cards in Canada, and more specifically the Marriott Bonvoy cards, which allow you to earn points quickly for this kind of stay.
For another example of a Marriott Bonvoy property booked with points, see our review of the Fairfield Inn Burlington Williston, Vermont.
Earning Marriott Bonvoy points
The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and stay for free at more than 8,000 hotels around the world is to hold the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card). You can also earn American Express Membership Rewards points and transfer them to Marriott Bonvoy.
To learn all about earning and redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points for free hotel stays, check out our guides:
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JW Marriott Hotel Ankara – Frequently asked questions
How much does a night at the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara cost in Marriott Bonvoy points?
The points rate generally ranges from 12,000 to 28,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night, depending on the season. During my stay, I got five nights for 56,000 points total, or about 11,200 points per night.
Does Marriott Platinum status offer benefits at the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara?
Yes. With Platinum status, I received complimentary breakfast (or 1,000 points), access to the Executive Lounge on the 22nd floor, and above all a complimentary upgrade to a Junior Suite thanks to Suite Night Awards.
Does the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara offer an airport shuttle?
No, the hotel does not offer a shuttle service. However, it is possible to book a private transfer with a driver for about €90 per trip, or to combine train and metro from the airport (about one hour).
What services are included at the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara’s Karma Spa?
Hotel guests enjoy complimentary access to the relaxation room, steam sauna, dry sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish hammam, and both pools. For an additional cost, the spa offers more than 17 types of massages, 11 body treatments, and 8 facials.
Where is the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara located?
The hotel is located in the modern Söğütözü district, near several embassies and shopping centres. The Söğütözü metro station is just a few metres away, and it takes only about 20 minutes to reach central Ankara.
How many restaurants does the JW Marriott Hotel Ankara have?
The hotel has at least six venues: Fires & Flavours Restaurant (Turkish and international cuisine), JW Steakhouse, Skye Vue Cocktail Bar & Terrace on the 22nd floor, JW Lounge in the lobby, Karma Kafe at the spa, and the Executive Lounge reserved for Platinum guests and above.
What are the best credit cards to earn Marriott Bonvoy points in Canada?
In Canada, the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card and the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card are the two options dedicated to the program. To compare all options, see our guide to the best Marriott Bonvoy cards.
What to visit in Ankara from the JW Marriott Hotel?
I highly recommend the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (Anadolu Medeniyetleri Müzesi) for history enthusiasts, as well as Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s mausoleum—an iconic site in the Turkish capital. The metro remains the simplest option to get there.
Planning to fly Turkish Airlines to reach Ankara? Read our complete guide to Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles to maximize your Miles.