Point Hotel Taksim ★★★★★

Point Hotel Taksim ***** sits in European Istanbul, looking out across the Bosphorus to where Asian Istanbul begins. And it’s there in the hotel that the two come together, and East and West meet to give guests a stay that encompasses the best of both worlds.

The décor of the hotel is unabashedly contemporary, using light, natural colours, and modern technology to create a beautiful, design lead space that makes a welcome reprieve from the riotous colours and noise of Istanbul’s streets. But even within the stylish walls, subtle tribute is paid to the mixed heritage of Istanbul’s past setting this hotel high above the rest.

Perhaps this is best exemplified in the diversity of the hotel restaurants. The aptly named View Point Restaurant, the stylish After 6 Bar, the chic Café Jolie, and the Japanese restaurant Udonya have taken inspiration from across the globe in their different menus and styles.

The spa too merges the best of new and old Turkey. Traditional Turkish baths, Thai massage rooms, and intense skin care and foot care therapies are offered alongside Jacuzzis and a luxurious indoor heated swimming pool. Many of the facilities are free for guests to use, something which you’re sure to take advantage of after a long day exploring Istanbul’s winding streets and glorious mosques. Many of which, incidentally, are close by the Point Hotel Taksim ***** - the excellent public transport links put holiday makers in close proximity to both the historical sites of Istanbul, as well as its energetic nightlife.