Sleep Above the Skyline in Istanbul

The Marmara Pera - Istanbul

The Look

A short walk from Taksim Square, the 18-story Marmara Pera combines a prime location with stylish interiors, intuitive service and one of Istanbul’s top restaurants. The real star here, though, is the view of the city’s minaret-dotted skyline and the Golden Horn — from the large windows in the petite but chic Midcentury Modern guestrooms, from the rooftop pool and from Mikla, the Scando-Turkish hot spot that occupies the property’s top two floors.

Bed and Bath

The 202 guestrooms and three suites are small but stylish, with gorgeous patterned walls, iPod docks, comfortable beds and impressive vistas. Funky armchairs and Midcentury tables topped with glossy magazines sit by the windows, which overlook the city's skyline. Tea and coffee-making facilities, air con and complimentary water come standard in all rooms; Junior Suites have the added bonus of Jacuzzi tubs and L’Occitane products.

Beyond

The views are as impressive as the Scando-Turkish fusion dishes served at Mikla, a bilevel indoor-outdoor dining space that gives you the feeling that you’re part of the city’s skyline of minarets, mosques and bridges. Alternatively, Cafe Marmara is a lobby-level all-day dining spot serving classic Turkish dishes and an impressive selection of cakes and pastries. There's a small basement gym or, for an alfresco workout, head to the rooftop for a dip in the pool.

In the Area

The hotel is steps from Istiklal Caddesi, a pedestrian shopping drag with such international retailers as Zara and Bershka as well as local perfumeries and sweet shops. The nearby Galata neighborhood, at the bottom of Istiklal’s hill, is where local up-and-coming designers have set up shop. Cruise Serdar-i Ekrem Caddesi and check out the concept wares at Atelier 55 and handmade jewelry at Aida Pekin. The Blue Mosque, Aya Sofia and the Grand Bazaar are all must-dos, but when you tire of the tourist hordes escape to the city’s quieter western district. From the Topkapi subway stop a short walk takes you to the Chora Museum, a small fifth-century chapel adorned with one of the world’s best-preserved collections of Byzantine mosaics. Winding through the narrow aisles of the spice market, you’ll find stalls piled high with curry, cinnamon, figs, dried apricots, Turkish candies and other delicious edibles. Bargaining is discouraged, but the prices are already low.