Ramada by Wyndham Istanbul Grand Bazaar

The Ramada Istanbul Grand Bazaar is situated in a modern, six-story building with an off-white facade accented in a mix of square and rectangular windows. Inside, decor is refined and contemporary with glossy floors and sleek, modern seating upholstered in deep velvety purple or burnt orange. For a chain property, this is a fairly small outpost, as evidenced by the reception area, just a wood table with two laptops. Staff, too, are friendly and personable, perhaps another marker of a smaller property. The lobby offers a few relaxation spaces, and then leads right into the dining area, a main gathering space particularly the free breakfast buffet. While decor here feels appropriately sophisticated and high-end, the neutral color palette creates an impersonal feel that doesn't have a sense of place. It can read as corporate chic, though the hotel doesn't just host business guests. Couples and small families come here, too. 

The hotel is located in a fairly quiet area, flanked by a pedestrian street and a park. The immediate neighborhood consists mostly of other hotels, with a few restaurants nearby and a mosque at the end of the street. While not in the thick of the tourist area, the hotel is an 18-minute walk from the covered markets of the Grand Bazaar. For sights farther out, the Aksaray tram station is about a five-minute walk, and guests can get to Aghia Sophia and Sultanahmet in about a 15-minute ride. Istanbul Ataturk Airport is about 25 minutes away via car, and the hotel offers 24-hour airport transportation. 

Sophisticated and contemporary, rooms deliver the clean, unified, and refined look of a Ramada property. A neutral color palette includes hardwood floors and taupe walls and runners. Often, a single piece of artwork hanging behind the bed adds a little dash of color. Bathrooms are a highlight, with sleek beige marbled tiling, roomy walk-in rainfall showers, and clear window walls (with curtains for privacy) overlooking the bedrooms from the showers. Upgraded rooms may feature gray and white marbled tiling or luxe bathtubs. A room may also have a small balcony with a table and chairs.Rooms are air conditioned and have work desks, blackout curtains, safes, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. Wi-Fi is free. Rooms also feature lightly stocked minibars and coffee/tea service with electric kettles, but there are no big extras like espresso machines or iPod docks. Bathrooms have hairdryers, individual toiletries, and bathrobes and slippers.

This Ramada runs down the checklist of amenities expected from the upscale brand. The Park Cafe is a sophisticated, modern restaurant with hardwood floors and lots of natural light. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as beer or wine by the glass. Some outdoor seating is also available. Drinks are served at a small, three-stool bar in the lobby as well. A breakfast buffet is included in the room rate and features a nice spread of hot and cold items, plus cooked-to-order omelets. Room service is available 24 hours.Wellness facilities includes a gym and small spa that has a whirlpool tub and sauna, but there are no treatment rooms. The fitness area is merely serviceable, but it has a few treadmills, a stationary bike, and some weight-lifting equipment. The hotel also has a conference room and a nice business center. Whereas business centers in many hotels are just an alcove with a computer, this one is more of a library-style lounge with a computer for guest use and chesterfield sofas set before a fireplace and bookshelves. Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is free.For those traveling with children, the hotel has laundry facilities and cribs, and babysitting can be arranged. The front desk is open 24 hours, and guests go out of their way to praise the helpful staff.