InterContinental Istanbul

The Intercontinental Istanbul is a 20-story high rise with a glass first floor, located in the bustling Taksim neighborhood. While the facade has a business-like vibe, interiors feel welcoming and elegant, especially in the spacious lobby. Plush armchairs are scattered across a white marble floor and arranged in cozy nooks for small gatherings. Gold touches on the enormous columns and ceiling inlay lend a regal feel to the space. Most guests are tourists and business travelers who prefer to be based outside of the hectic Old City. In the evenings, The City Lights Bar & Restaurant is the standout public space, with flashy metallic accents and blue velvet couches where guests can take in panoramic views of the Bosphorus. 

This property is situated in Taksim, a bustling area that's considered the heart of modern Istanbul. There are other hotels, restaurants, and cafes in the neighborhood, all within easy walking distance. Gezi Park is next to the hotel. Taksim Square, home to the Independence Monument, is a nine-minute walk away. Nearby sights include Dolmabahçe Palace (nine-minute walk) and the residential neighborhood of Beyoğlu (20- to 25-minute walk). Beyoğlu is home to Istiklal Street, a vibrant corridor with galleries, cafes, foreign consulates and cultural institutes, and the medieval Galata Tower. However, the Old City (or Sultanahmet) -- with popular sights like the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and The Blue Mosque -- is a 20- to 25-minute drive or 35- to 45-minute train ride from the hotel. Taksim Metro Station is a seven-minute walk from the hotel for access to public transportation. Ataturk International Airport is about an hour away. Sabiha Gokcen Airport is about an hour- and 45-minute drive. 

Rooms at the Intercontinental Istanbul are spacious and tranquil, with a classic (and slightly dated) look and feel. Decor is Ottoman-inspired, in shades of light gold and royal blue. Carpet and bed runners feature Turkish designs, while heavy striped drapes cover large windows, many overlooking the Bosphorus and the city. Standard amenities include work desks, free Wi-Fi, 32-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and safes. Standard bathrooms feature shower/tub combos and marble, along with hairdryers and toiletries. Suites have separate shower cabins and tubs, some have whirlpool tubs.

Club InterContinetal rooms on the 16th-floor provide access to the Club Lounge with a business center, buffet breakfast, food and drinks throughout the day, valet service, and more. Suites also have access to the Club Lounge, and add sitting areas with 42-inch flat-screen TVs. Rooms are reportedly quiet. 

There are several dining options here, all with a high-end atmosphere. Safran Restaurant serves Turkish and Ottoman dishes for dinner and has a covered terrace with views of the Bosphorus. The Veranda Restaurant & Lounge off the lobby serves a la carte international cuisine for lunch and dinner, and has a bar as well as a garden with a fireplace. The Brasserie serves an extensive buffet breakfast (not included with rates) that gets high marks from guests. The popular City Lights Restaurant and Bar serves drinks and snacks, such as Turkish street food, with beautiful panoramic views of the Bosphorus at night. The hotel has a seasonal outdoor pool with a poolside bar. The full-service spa is large and sophisticated, offering a variety of facials and massages, a Turkish Hammam, sauna, and modern fitness center. For business travelers there are 15 meeting rooms and ballrooms. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Children's activities, babysitting, a children's outdoor pool, and a Sunday Brunch playground for kids are also available.