Taksim 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 stone’s throw from the shores of the Bosphorus itself. 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 Aromatherapy Associates 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.