Across the Golden Horn from old Istanbul is the new section of the city called Beyoglu. It is a collection of several neighborhoods that climb the hill from the shores of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. It is not really a new city, as there were settlements here before Christ. In the 19th century, many Europeans chose to settle here.There are many modern, upscale shops steps away from our hotel. This district is also known as the old Pera district overlooking the Golden Horn and Bosphorus, and is a 20-minute walk to the old city.The Mercure is a very modern high-rise hotel located next door to the famous Peri Palis hotel (haunt of Mata Hari and several royals and also the place were
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There are many modern, upscale shops steps away from our hotel. This district is also known as the old Pera district overlooking the Golden Horn and Bosphorus, and is a 20-minute walk to the old city.
The Mercure is a very modern high-rise hotel located next door to the famous Peri Palis hotel (haunt of Mata Hari and several royals and also the place were Agatha Christie wrote part of "Murder on the Orient Express").
This is a good, solid value hotel, admittedly lacking in the Oriental charm that I would have liked, but its roof-top pool and proximity to the modern shopping center and Taksim square is a plus.
As you enter, the revolving doors the reception desk is located to the left in a small area, but the friendly receptionists are ready to assist with any practical questions. On the same floor on the right is a gift shop and patisserie alongside a small bar area. One floor down is the Internet access, hairdresser, and laundry areas. The restaurant is located on the second floor. It is also the breakfast room.
Rooms are modern and decorated in restful colors, with firm double beds and good bedding. There is the usual en-suite bathroom with fluffy Turkish towels, robes, marble sinks, a hair dryer, and the usual toiletries.
There is a minibar but no safe. (A safety box is at reception.) The bedside lighting was great (general and dim), individual and adjustable. It was handy when reading over the next day’s plans.
We were disappointed to find that our room overlooked the main street, as rooms on the west side of the building overlooked the Golden Horn and you could view the Blue Mosque. Ours overlooked a square and the outlying suburbs. We couldn’t change rooms, as the hotel was full.
You may complain of being awakened by the call to prayer, but the heavily lined drapes should diminish the sound (we left the window open). We were awakened by noise from a nightclub located across the road; however, when I closed the window, the sounds were inaudible.
The whole place is spotless and the staff greets you with smiles and humor. This hotel also offers sightseeing tours and is very eager to help you to get the most out of the city. There were many business clients and a few tour buses.
A full buffet breakfast is included in the room price. It is varied and a good value.
Unfortunately, I did not take photographs of this hotel, except for the two taken from our window. (On pre-IgoUgo travels, I rarely took pictures of our hotel). Our accommodation was $100 per night.
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