4/5 Kimia M. 5 months ago on Google • 155 reviews
I
recently
had
the
pleasure
of
visiting
Cağaloğlu
Hamamı
in
Istanbul,
a
historic
Turkish
hammam
dating
back
to
1741.
Overall,
it
was
a
great
experience,
but
there
were
a
few
aspects
that
could
have
been
improved.
Upon
arrival,
we
were
greeted
warmly
by
the
staff,
and
the
atmosphere
was
enhanced
by
traditional
music
playing
in
the
background.
We
had
made
reservations
and
opted
for
the
tip-to-toe
package,
which
offered
extra
massage
time.
The
hammam’s
historical
charm
was
evident,
and
you
could
truly
feel
the
weight
of
its
history.
However,
there
was
a
noticeable
lack
of
guidance
at
the
beginning
of
the
experience.
It
would
have
been
beneficial
if
there
had
been
a
brief
introduction
to
what
to
expect
during
the
session.
This
omission
made
the
initial
stages
a
bit
uncomfortable,
as
we
had
to
figure
things
out
on
our
own.
One
notable
oversight
was
the
absence
of
slippers
or
slides
in
the
changing
rooms.
Walking
barefoot
and
descending
stairs
that
others
had
used
with
their
shoes
on
felt
awkward
until
we
asked
for
slides,
which
were
promptly
provided.
Once
inside
the
hammam,
we
were
instructed
to
sit
in
a
sauna-like
room
for
what
turned
out
to
be
a
longer
duration
than
expected.
It
became
quite
humid
and
challenging
to
breathe,
and
no
one
checked
on
us
during
this
time.
After
what
felt
like
an
extended
wait,
the
attendants
came
to
escort
us
individually
for
the
wash
and
massage.
While
the
experience
was
excellent
and
the
attendants
were
gentle,
it
may
feel
uncomfortable
for
some,
as
you
are
essentially
nude
with
other
patrons,
and
they
do
touch
you
extensively
during
the
process.
At
the
end
of
the
session,
we
were
offered
tea
and
delights,
which
was
a
lovely
touch.
However,
I
left
to
have
tea
with
my
fiancé
in
the
common
entry
area.
In
conclusion,
Cağaloğlu
Hamamı
provides
an
authentic
Turkish
hammam
experience
with
its
historical
ambiance.
I
would
highly
recommend
it.
Nevertheless,
I
strongly
recommend
that
the
front
desk
implement
an
introductory
discussion
at
the
beginning
to
make
guests
feel
more
at
ease,
as
not
everyone
may
be
familiar
with
hammam
customs
and
procedures.
This
addition
would
greatly
enhance
the
overall
experience.
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