Istanbul Marriott Hotel Sisli

Business travelers, in particular, love this well-maintained and compact upscale chain hotel, where a mix of classic and contemporary furnishings and neutral tones create a sophisticated aesthetic. The large lobby, outfitted in granite and hardwood, includes several seating areas accented with modern art, bookcases featuring traditional Turkish artifacts, and lamps for a warm, yet bright feel. Thanks to the hotel’s sleek decor and above-average amenities, many non-guests also use the facilities here, but the spaces rarely feel crowded.

Located on a busy street among the commercial high-rise buildings in the Sisli District, the hotel is especially convenient for business travelers, and there are several good dining options nearby. The Cevahir Mall is a seven-minute walk away. Other attractions can be accessed via public transport, as the Sisli metro station is a seven-minute walk away. Taksim Square takes 20 minutes to reach by metro, while the Grand Bazaar is 30 minutes away by public transport. The Hagia Sophia and Sultan Ahmed Mosque are close to an hour away by train, or 20 minutes away by car. Istanbul Ataturk Airport is a 20-minute drive from the hotel.

Rooms are spacious and practical, with simple and polished furnishings including light beige carpeting, walls, and drapes, darker wood desks (with electric outlets), and large beds. The look isn’t particularly cozy, but the spaces are clean, refined, and warmly lit. Rooms on higher floors have floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular sea or city panoramas, but rooms on lower floors may experience traffic noise. All Standard and Executive Rooms are air-conditioned, and include safes, flat-screen TVs, and ironing equipment, and while standard (and slow) Wi-Fi is free, fees apply for faster service. Tea- and coffee-making facilities, free bottled water, and minibars are also provided. Some rooms come with mobility access features, and extra cribs or beds can be requested. Bathrooms, outfitted in granite, are clean and modern, with bidets, hairdryers, toiletries, and walk-in showers with handheld showerheads. Executive Lounge Access rooms and Family rooms have fuller minibars, plus larger bathrooms. 

Features cater more towards business travelers than they do to tourists at this chain hotel. The large Dish Room restaurant features traditional blue plates hung on the wall, a large wooden wine rack, and lots of spherical ceiling lights, along with outdoor seating. Salads, soups, small plates, and grilled meats are served for lunch and dinner. Breakfast is available in buffet, continental, or full American varieties, and while the food is good, breakfast isn't included in the room rates. For quicker and cheaper options, the pastry shop in the lobby offers tasty baked goods, casual to-go items, and Starbucks coffee. Counter seating and black metal pendant lights make up the decor at the small but swanky My Bar in the lobby, which offers upgraded bar snacks and cocktails throughout the day. The Lobby Lounge, also open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, has floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor seating in the summer.Guests staying in Executive Lounge Access rooms can also enjoy the Executive Lounge on the top floor, which has free all-day snacks, lots of seating, a TV, and incredible views in a brightly-lit, contemporary space that’s especially popular with business travelers. The massive indoor pool doesn’t have much seating space, but it's topped with neon blue lights and surrounded by granite tile, and includes a separate hot tub. The large, spotless spa features a Turkish hammam area, offers a huge range of body treatments, facials, couples’ massages, a steam room, and ceramic heated beds. While the gym is free to use, fitness classes cost extra. Tennis facilities are also available, along with swimming lessons for children for a charge. Eight event rooms, all of which have Wi-Fi and audiovisual equipment, make this hotel a popular spot for business conferences. The spaces are also used for weddings. Daily fees apply for parking.