The Marmara Taksim

Pretty good hotel in a strategic location. The room had a nice view and good value for money. Pretty good experience overall.

Location was perfect, right in the centre of Taksim square which means there's lots of restaurants serving alcohol around. Some areas of Istanbul are 'dryer' than others. We had a club corner room, meaning we had access to the club lounge for breakfast and happy hour, which we definitely made use of (complimentary local wine, named spirits and hors d'oeuvres which were lovely). We also had a nice breakfast in the lobby restaurant where they have more choice and an omelette station. The pool area was great with a fantastic view over the Bosphorus river and Marmara sea. No onsite pool restaurant but the staff in the pool/spa reception are happy to order you drinks and food from the lobby restaurant which is then brought to you. The Okra restaurant on the top floor was fabulous, they had some very good wines (couldn't see champagne on the menu but when we asked they had a choice), which was lovely. Just be warned that imported wine (for example French, Italian) is extremely expensive. Bottle of Mumm was £130 anywhere in the city and that's just the standard stuff! Local wines are much cheaper though. The Upperist rooftop bar was a lovely touch with a great view but beware it gets very busy on Friday and Saturday nights, mostly young people having a fab time to ambient music. Used the spa, had a couples massage, which was a first for us and enjoyed it immensely. The ladies doing the massage are strong, its not a relaxing thing, but they seem to know what they are doing.

Absolutely beautiful property, well positioned centrally for transportation, shopping, sightseeing and restaurants. Great views from the rooms, especially corner rooms, which we had. The property has a Turkish bath, well equipped gym with a panoramic view, excellent restaurants and spacious areas for waiting and private conversations within the lounge area. This hotel proved excellence with their concierge, front desk staff, bellmen, welcome and checkout. I highly recommend this hotel to anyone.

The location was excellent as very close to the Metro, and to Istiklal street. The room was very spacious with all the necessary amenities. What was beyond my expectation was the upgrade when I came back for a further 2 nights following my trip to Amsterdam. I was at Marmara for 5 days then travelled to Amsterdam, then back to Istanbul for a stopover. I originally booked for a corner room for the stopover as cheaper but was much surprised to be upgraded in a premium room with view on Bosphorus. The staff are very helpful and the breakfast very good. Each time I travelled to Istanbul I will stay at The Marmara and recommend same to my friends and family.

Great location, close to everything , the breakfast was buffet really good, had everything and if something I wanted they would bring it, great staff everywhere, kitchen, house keeping, concierge, what can i cay, perfect