Gezi Hotel Bosphorus

To call it the Istanbul equivalent of Times Square isn’t quite right, but it gets the general idea across — this is the city’s main crossroads, the heart of the city’s transit network, and both a commercial and a cultural center. More to the point, it’s adjacent to the famous Gezi Park, and a (pretty athletic) stone’s throw from the shores of the Bosphorus itself. A reasonable spot, we think, for a place that calls itself Gezi Hotel Bosphorus.

For all this, it’s a remarkably sedate experience. A bit of elevation gets you a measure of seclusion from the busy streets of the square below, as well as views of the Bosphorus, Gezi Park, or the hotel’s own gardens. The look is perhaps more luxe-residential than the typical contemporary design hotel, the interiors heavy on warm, welcoming materials like wood, leather and stone, and packed with thoughtful little comforts like Molton Brown bath products and heavily soundproofed windows.

An in-house restaurant and bar ensures that you can keep the crowds at bay a little longer, if you need to, as do the spa, gym and meeting rooms — but with a location like this, Gezi Hotel Bosphorus is made for guests who want to get out and see the city. It’ll all still be there when you get back.