Important Information & Facility Rules
- Arrival & Preparation: We kindly ask you to arrive at our facility at least 15 minutes before your reservation time to fully prepare for your experience. All our rituals include a 15-minute warm-up and perspiration session to prepare your skin. Your personal treatment will begin 15 minutes after your scheduled reservation time.
- Attire & What to Bring: You do not need to bring anything; we provide a peştemal (hamam towel), regular towels, and slippers. You are welcome to bring your own swimwear if it makes you more comfortable. You will have a private room for your belongings.
- Cancellation Policy: If your plans change, a full refund is provided for cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance.
- Shared Peace: Our hamam is a sanctuary for relaxation. To ensure a peaceful experience for all guests, we kindly request that you maintain silence in the common areas, adhere to hygiene rules, and respect the personal space of others.
- Tipping: The best way to show your appreciation is by giving your artisan a cash tip directly. Tips paid by credit card are subject to legal tax deductions.
Reservations & Planning
Q: How can I cancel or change my reservation?
A: Of course. If your plans change, a full refund is provided for cancellations made at least 24 hours before your reservation time. For any changes, please contact us directly.
Q: What happens if I am late for my reservation?
A: We will do our best to accommodate you in case of a delay. If there is availability in the next time slot, you can enjoy your experience without any issues. However, if we are fully booked, to avoid delaying the reservations of other guests, the duration of our shortest package may be reduced, or your selected package may be downgraded. Informing us in advance if you anticipate a delay will help us serve you better.
Q: Can we book for groups?
A: Yes, we cater to group organizations such as bridal showers (gelin hamamı), corporate wellness events, or private celebrations. Please contact us directly for special offers and arrangements for your group.
Transportation & Location
Q: How can I get to your hamam?
A: We are centrally located in the Historical Peninsula, just a 10-minute walk from Eminönü and the Spice Bazaar. We are also a 5-minute walk from the Haliç metro station on the M2 metro line. For guests using public transport, the nearest bus stop is the Vefa bus stop.
The Experience & Facility Use
Q: Do I need to bring anything? What should I wear?
A: No, you do not need to bring anything with you. We provide all our guests with a peştemal (hamam towel), regular towels, and slippers. The peştemal is designed to cover your body. However, guests who would feel more comfortable are welcome to bring their own swimwear and can complete their entire experience wearing it.
Q: Is there a secure place to leave my belongings?
A: Yes. Every guest has a private room to change and leave their belongings. For extremely valuable items (passport, large amounts of cash, etc.), you can leave them in our safe at the reception for safekeeping.
Q: Can I choose my therapist (tellak/natır)?
A: Therapist assignments are made automatically by our reception based on operational availability. All our artisans are trained to provide services at the high-quality standards of Hızırbey Hamamı.
Q: Can I receive a service if I am pregnant?
A: We are happy to welcome pregnant guests, but it is important to take some precautions. Due to the increase in body temperature, we recommend not staying in the hot sections of the hamam for more than 10 minutes. Your kese ritual can be performed in a cooler area for your comfort. We also offer a special pregnancy massage performed in a side-lying position. Sauna use is not recommended during pregnancy. It is always best to consult your doctor before your reservation and please inform us before the make a reservation.
Payment & Tipping
Q: What payment methods do you accept?
A: We accept cash and credit cards. Foreign credit cards are welcome.
Q: Do you have any discounts?
A: Yes. We offer a 10% discount on all cash payments, regardless of the currency (TRY, EUR, USD, etc.).
Q: Is tipping expected? How should I tip?
A: Tipping is entirely at your discretion. However, in hamam culture, a tip is a traditional way to express satisfaction with the master’s art. We kindly request that any tips for your artisan be given in cash to ensure they receive the full amount. When a tip is paid by credit card, it is legally considered service income, and a 20% VAT is mandatorily deducted. To minimize the impact on our artisans, our establishment covers other legal liabilities such as income tax. However, because of the initial 20% deduction, cash is the best way to show your appreciation directly to them. We appreciate your understanding.