I travel to Istanbul on business about 3 times a year. I have stayed at a variety of places. This time, I got a good rate at the Marmara Taksim, so I gave it a try. I was very pleased with the hotel. The location is excellent - right on Taksim Square so you can get to various parts of town and it is across the street from the subway. The room was a bit dated, but comfortable, with wonderful views. The true selling point was the staff: by far the friendliest and most helpful I have ever seen in Istanbul. And in a place where customer service is friendly, that is saying a lot. Everyone at this hotel was wonderful. I will stay there again.
