Early reports said the possible cause is food poisoning, but more recent reports point to pesticides related to fumigation in the hotel room. We are schedule to join the Best of Turkey tour in a few months. Such incident naturally causes some concern. Looking for any thoughts/comments/advices, possibly also from RSE local guides there?
Posted by
Chicago
2236 posts
This hotel was on a poorer neighborhood and wasn’t a place that most Westerners will stay at. I will say we went to Istanbul 10 years ago and ll the hotels were fine. Can it happen again, yes but this is one incident out of hundreds of hotels in the capital.
Posted by
Brooklyn, NY
4908 posts
We were in Istanbul earlier this month. We stayed at 2 different Hiltons. We had no problems. What hotel are you staying in on the tour, which area?
Posted by
Belgium
278 posts
Multiple recent reviews on tourist sites mention bed bug infestations in specific hotels and hostels, particularly those that are cheaper or less well-maintained.
There have also been reports of bed bugs on Turkish Airlines flights, with passengers reporting finding them on seats and falling from the ceiling.
This (turkish) family from Hamburg has probably been died due to a pesticide (aluminum phosphide). They stayed at the Harbour Suites Old City in Fatih district.
Following this German family tragedy, two Dutch girls also found themselves in trouble last week. Food poisoning was initially suspected, but the possibility of pesticides is also being investigated. Their condition has already returned to normal.
Posted by
Virginia
607 posts
Tragic events like this (poisoning from pesticide, carbon monoxide, tainted food or alcohol) can happen anywhere; city, resort, developed or underdeveloped country, upscale or budget place, etc., but are fortunately very rare. And accidents happen even if you stay in your own home and don’t travel, as well. I don’t think this is symptomatic of any particular problem with Istanbul. Something like this gets publicity because it is so unusual and tragic, but the biggest risks to travelers are more mundane ones like traffic accidents, as they are in one’s home community.
Posted by
9 posts
I think it's just an isolated case tied to one poorly maintained property. Istanbul has many safe and well-run places to stay
Posted by
Lynnwood, Washington
9967 posts
Rick Steves Europe is not going to put you in a hotel that is lower standard or a health risk. They just won't. Years ago they had a bit of a reputation for slightly lower hotels, but those days are long gone and you can count that any hotel you stay in has been thoroughly vetted and is good quality.
I stayed in three different hotels in Istanbul in fall of 2024. Nippon Hotel, Taksim Point Hotel, and Legacy Ottoman Hotel. All were excellent. I don't know which hotels RS uses, but they will be good.