Dynamic, trendy, and modern interior design throughout
Near restaurants, public transit, and sights, but out of the fray
Guest rooms with exposed brick and hardwood floors
All units have flat-screen TVs, kettles, and safes
Some rooms include balconies and kitchenettes
Rooftop terrace with cafe tables and lovely views
Well-reviewed free breakfast with homemade items
Airport shuttle, laundry, and ironing (for extra fee)
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Next to busy road; near downtrodden area
Some snug guest rooms with loft-style beds and ladders
Limited features: no restaurant, business center, or gym
No on-site parking
As the pun in the hotel's name implies ("paradise"), quirk and play are part of the ambiance at this trendy, three-pearl boutique property. It's situated at the north edge of the Taksim, Istanbul's major shopping, dining, and nightlife district, yet the spot is far enough away to escape crowds. The location also puts many of the district's main sights within easy walking distance, and public transportation is nearby. The historical flavor of the hotel's 19th-century building stops at the entrance, with interiors transformed into a hip, Brooklyn-esque space, including its nine guest rooms. For something equally quirky, but more Turkish in spirit and closer Istanbul’s most famous historical sights, check in Kybele Hotel, just steps from the Hagia Sofia.
Scene
Couples and friends check into this 19th-century building with hip decor
The hotel occupies a Italianate 19th-century building, though you’d hardly know it after stepping inside. The interior has essentially been gutted and recast with thoroughly modern, hip, and trendy decor. The long, narrow lobby is divided between a dining area stocked with cushioned banquettes to the right, industrial white staircase to the left, and a small lounge in the back, all adorned with a hodgepodge of IKEA-style furnishings, artwork, and knickknacks. It’s a tight fit all around for the mostly couples and friends who check in, but there’s breathing (and dining) space on the outdoor rooftop terrace, which overlooks the boulevard and surrounding neighborhood.
Location
Steps from Istiklal Street and entertainment district
Although it’s taken a hit during the past decade, the district of Beyoğlu (or Pera in days of yore) still remains Istanbul’s hub of entertainment, dining, shopping, and nightlife. Peradays sits at the north edge of its most happening area, with all of the above within minutes by foot yet not too close to the noise and buzz. That said, a major road runs directly in front of the hotel, and the neighborhood has downtrodden areas despite ongoing (and controversial) renovations. Owning to the elevated geography and often narrow, historical layout, Beyoğlu is made for walking, but public transportation isn't far, with a major bus stop just outside the hotel and the Taksim metro and funicular station a 13-minute walk away. A historical trolley also trundles up and down nearby Istiklal Street, a three-minute walk from the hotel. Public transportation connects to Ataturk Airport, but it can take up to 90 minutes, while a cab can do it in 30 minutes when traffic is moving. - Seven-minute walk to Istiklal Cad, Çiçek Pasajı, and Fish Bazaar
Rooms
Trendy and modern design and amenities, but sometimes tight on space
All nine guest rooms and suites are outfitted in trendy, retro decor, and few of the building's original elements remain. Any old walls and plaster have been stripped away to the bare brick and metal supports, and the floor to hardwood. IKEA-style furniture includes platform twin, double, queen, and king beds, some of which are lofted, and space can be tight. Other rooms are more spacious, with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. All are nicely equipped with desks, wardrobes, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, laptop safes, mini-fridges, and electric kettles with free tea and water. Bathrooms are equally modern, with walk-in showers, hairdryers, slippers, and toiletries. They're set in glass cubes in sleeping areas, with sliding doors and privacy curtains for showers. Upgrading can add seating areas with sofas, kitchenettes, and balconies.
Features
A modest lineup of modern amenities, including a rooftop terrace
Istanbul is a city of cats and Peradays agrees, with two friendly resident felines—Pera and Daisy—enjoying the action, so much so that many guests invite them in the rooms for a sleep and cuddle. The size of the hotel keeps extra amenities to a minimum, with no gym, business center, or parking. However, the rooftop terrace is a definite plus, and an excellent place to enjoy the free breakfast, which includes delicious apple jam made by one of the owners. The spread gets high marks across the board from past guests. Other services and amenities include a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, money exchange, and staff can arrange tours. For additional charge, laundry and ironing services are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.