Review: Sheraton Grand Samsun Hotel
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My 23-day trip to Türkiye led me to choose at least four cities in this beautiful country, and I wanted to visit a city along the Black Sea coast. I chose Samsun.
Samsun may not be the most touristy city in Türkiye, but it holds a central place in the country’s history. It was here, on May 19, 1919, that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk arrived to organize the national resistance, marking the start of the Turkish War of Independence.
Booking
In Samsun, the largest city on the Black Sea, Marriott group’s hotel offering is limited to the Sheraton Grand Samsun Hotel. It is a high-quality five-star establishment: impeccable service, comfortable rooms, and excellent restaurants.
After much hesitation and long consideration. I finally booked my five-night stay using points, for the price of four.
I consider it a very good deal: 30,000 points for the five nights. Normally, a night at this hotel varies between 10,500 and 12,500 points, and the regular price for a standard room is around $245 per night. The price of the one-bedroom Executive Suite, with a Black Sea view, was $511 per night at that time.
Arrival
Location
Located just outside downtown Samsun, the Sheraton Grand Samsun Hotel is easily accessible from the airport by taxi. The price should not exceed 900 TL for a one-way trip. Unfortunately, there is no shuttle or bus service to and from the airport.
The hotel is located near some interesting sights, such as Samsun Batı Park or Samsun Müzesi. To reach other attractions in the city, you can take the city’s buses or tramway, with stops located near the hotel.
Check-In and Lobby
Check-in went smoothly. The staff member explained in detail the benefits of my Platinum status: a choice between welcome points or complimentary breakfast for the entire stay, access to the lounge, late checkout, and more.
I naturally opted for the breakfasts, but at the end of my stay, I still received the 1,000 welcome points.
Regarding the lounge, a staff member informed me that it has been closed since the pandemic. However, Platinum members (and above) receive a full three-course meal at the Feast restaurant between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. During the day, it’s also possible to get free water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee there.
Also, a pleasant surprise: forty-eight hours before my arrival, without me even asking, I was upgraded to a one-bedroom executive suite with a king-size bed and a Black Sea view.
Among the special amenities offered with Platinum status are a basket of fresh fruit and a selection of nuts and Turkish sweets.
The hotel lobby is immense and very welcoming. It is furnished with numerous comfortable sofas and armchairs, as well as tables and chairs ideal for relaxing. There is also an area with computers available for guests, as well as a workspace equipped with lamps and electrical outlets. The hotel bar is located at the back of the lobby.
Room
Located on the 14th floor (1402), the Executive Suite occupies a corner of the hotel, offering a double view: on one side of the beach and pool, and on the other of the highways.
Upon entering, you’ll find a first powder room including a sink and a toilet. You then enter the living room, furnished with a large sofa, two comfortable armchairs, a coffee table, and a small table with two chairs. A mini-refrigerator/mini-bar is also available. Staff regularly pass by to offer water bottles and replenish coffee capsules. A television and ample storage spaces complete this room.
The bedroom is spacious and bright, thanks to its large windows. It features a particularly comfortable bed, two leather armchairs with a table, a bed bench, and a large desk with a chair, perfect for working. A second television is also found here. The storage areas lead to the second bathroom, equipped with two sinks, a glass rain shower, a separate glass-enclosed toilet, and a large soaking tub.
The suite also includes ironing essentials, two bathrobes, and a safe.
A particularly welcome feature: the tranquility. The suite was remarkably quiet, offering a relaxing stay. However, it severely lacked decoration, which gave it a somewhat colder feel.
Restaurants
Feast Restaurant
This spacious restaurant features a large terrace offering superb sea views. The breakfast buffet is also served here: Monday to Friday from 6 AM to 10:30 AM, Saturday until 11 AM, and Sunday until noon. It is located on the same floor as the lobby.
Both the variety and, most importantly, the quality of the flavours are impressive. You’ll find the traditional savoury Turkish breakfast, along with several sweet options.
The staff, particularly attentive and friendly, greatly contributes to the experience. Unlike most buffets where you serve yourself, here the staff are happy to bring anything you might be missing or would like more of, such as an omelette or fresh bread, right to your table.
Breakfast is complimentary for Platinum members and above.
Ristorante Fora
Located on the first floor and open from noon to 11 PM, Ristorante Fora is the main restaurant of the Sheraton Grand Samsun Hotel. Its authentic and flavourful cuisine attracts both hotel guests and outside visitors.
Just like the Feast Restaurant, it has a beautiful terrace with a Black Sea view. On some evenings, musicians and singers entertain, making the experience even more enjoyable. With its elegant decor, the venue also attracts Samsun locals who come to celebrate various occasions, such as birthdays, romantic dinners, or simple get-togethers. It’s a popular spot.
Service is generally excellent, particularly thanks to the restaurant supervisor’s attentiveness. However, a certain disorganization can sometimes be felt: one evening, for example, my main course was forgotten, and we went directly from soup to dessert.
Muika Sushi Lounge
The hotel’s sushi restaurant is open from 3:30 PM to 10:30 PM and is located directly opposite Feast Restaurant. Every Wednesday, from 7 PM to 9 PM, an “all-you-can-eat sushi” menu is offered.
Link @ Sheraton
Located in the lobby, this bar offers a wide selection of cocktails, beers, soft drinks, and coffees. Its opening hours are from 7 AM to 1 AM.
Lounge
The Sheraton Grand Samsun Hotel has a lounge on the 23rd floor, but it has unfortunately been closed since the pandemic, with no scheduled reopening date. In compensation, Platinum members and above receive an evening meal at Ristorante Fora.
It’s a set menu that changes every evening, featuring three courses: soup and salad, a main dish, and dessert. Non-alcoholic beverages are included.
I especially enjoyed every meal I had here during my five-night stay. I was also informed that it’s possible to get soft drinks, coffee, or tea at any time through Ristorante Fora.
Other Services
Fitness Center
Open from 7 AM to 10 PM, it is divided into two sections: one dedicated to weights and dumbbells, the other to cardio equipment. Well-equipped and perfectly functional, it is freely accessible to hotel guests.
Nearby is the Spa Vitamin Bar, which offers a healthy menu including protein sandwiches, fresh juices, and a selection of detox juices.
Shine Spa
Open 7 days a week, from 11 AM to 10 PM, it offers an ideal space to relax and enjoy wellness treatments.
Pools
The hotel has two large swimming pools. The first is an indoor pool, equipped with changing rooms, a sauna, and lounge chairs.
The second is a superb outdoor infinity pool, offering a spectacular view of the Black Sea. Numerous sun loungers with parasols are available to fully enjoy the sun. You’ll also find the Pool Bar, which offers a varied menu of refreshing cocktails, drinks, snacks, and light meals. The outdoor pool is open from 10 AM to 7 PM. For my part, I mainly used the outdoor pool to enjoy the omnipresent sun during my five days.
A few steps away, the hotel’s private beach completes the seaside experience. Furnished with sun loungers and parasols, it’s ideal for a quick dip in the Black Sea.
Meeting Rooms
The hotel has six meeting rooms, including one that is especially well-suited for weddings. The latter offers the possibility of organizing the ceremony directly on the beach, then continuing the reception in the adjoining room with a sea view.
Around the Hotel
The Sheraton Grand Samsun Hotel is located near several must-see sites and activities in the city:
- The Samsun Müzesi (museum) – note, only cash payments are accepted there.
- The Batıpark Aslan Heykeli, a park renowned for its impressive sculptures.
- The Samsun Gazi Müzesi (free admission), dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of Türkiye.
The hotel is also located near Samsun city center, accessible in about thirty minutes on foot, where you can discover many traditional shops and restaurants. For faster travel, a tram stop and several bus stops are located a few steps from the hotel.
Overall Impression
My stay at the Sheraton Grand Samsun Hotel was a perfect blend of sightseeing and relaxation. Samsun may not be one of the country’s top tourist cities, but it is rich in history and provides an ideal setting for a relaxing seaside getaway. My experience at this hotel confirmed that I had made the right choice.
With its delicious restaurants, nearly flawless service, and an alternative to the lounge that I found even better: a three-course dinner each evening with entertainment inspired by the flavours of Türkiye, it was a true delight.
Its pools, as well as access to a small private beach, add extra charm to this five-star hotel.
If you ever plan to discover the Black Sea coast, I recommend making the Sheraton Grand Samsun Hotel your home base, even if only for two nights.
This hotel easily ranks in my top 10 best hotels I’ve ever stayed at, across all hotel chains.
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