The Artisan Istanbul MGallery

Plenty of hotels in Istanbul establish a sense of place by retreating into the past, but the Artisan Istanbul MGallery chooses to highlight the modern side of this famously cosmopolitan city. The location, between Taksim Square and the shores of the Bosphorus, could hardly be more central, offering easy access to — and a comfortable bit of distance from — heavily traveled districts like Karaköy and Sultanahmet.

As its name might lead you to suspect, the Artisan’s interiors celebrate craftsmanship in all its forms. The public spaces are full of contemporary art and stylish furniture, and the design approach is nothing if not eclectic, with inspirations ranging from Art Nouveau to the present — the days of boutique hotels being synonymous with minimalist aesthetics are long in the past. And while some of the art is drawn from a permanent collection, the Artisan features seasonal exhibitions as well.

The rooms are a touch more sedate but still lively, featuring vivid pops of color as well as, in many cases, elevated views over the Bosphorus. The best angle, however, might be the one reserved for Madam Nica, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant, whose wraparound windows take in a panoramic view of just about all of Istanbul.