I have been to Istanbul 5 times. 2 of which stayed at this hotel.
so
location. like perfect for me. Taksim. the metro is nearby, it takes 15 minutes to walk down to the sea (if you know the way, the first time I walked for 40 minutes). 5 minutes walk to Isziklal Street - there is shopping for every taste and color. my favorite street. around the hotel is full of cafes and restaurants ranging from mcdonalds to expensive seafood restaurants.
The hotel has no territory. tiny pool on the roof. in May it was without water, in July 2011 it was filled, but I did not see anyone swimming like that. this time my room was on the last floor (by the way, the elevator goes to the penultimate one, the logic is not clear, and then walk up the stairs)
food. breakfasts are excellent. Liked nuts and dried fruits. teas, coffees, etc. - there is an automatic. cereals, yogurts, omelettes, vegetables and fruits, everything was there.
breakfast takes a long time. managed to eat 2 times.
hotel in the middle price category, the main high cost due to the location. You have to pay for convenience. can be found much cheaper, but I love Taksim.
transfer from and to the airport is normal. True, the hotel had to wait about an hour for the rest of the tourists, which was not very pleasant. took back minute by minute.
there is wifi. The signal is good, but only during the day. it is impossible to access the Internet at night. There seems to be a signal, but it doesn’t even let me on Skype.
Istanbul is wonderful. beautiful seas, Bosphorus bridges, excursions, shopping. this is not at all the Turkey that you get used to while relaxing on the Antalya coast.
I highly recommend the islands of the marble sea.
I was also surprised that the prices in small markets in Taksim are cheaper than, for example, in Carefor.
from shopping, except for shopping, she took away her favorite Turkish seeds, olive oil and sweets.
I can recommend the hotel to those who come for the purpose of shopping, business. if the purpose of the trip is to see Istanbul, you can choose a hotel much cheaper, you will spend exactly all the time on excursions, and when you return, you will fall tired on the bed.
I do not recommend renting a car. I come from my experience - I don’t know how you can drive there. who has a weak vestibular apparatus - I advise you to take the subway or along the main streets. who was in Istanbul and saw their streets - he will understand