Moxy Istanbul Taksim

Stylish, modern interior design, clean rooms, and delicious breakfasts. What I didn't like was the service: We booked a room with two twin beds, but were given a room with one bed. We approached the front desk several times, and they promised to move us or separate the beds, but nothing was actually done. We had to practically beg for a second blanket, and then we had to carry it up from the first floor ourselves, it wasn't brought to our room. We also had to ask for slippers and dental kits (which were advertised as included).

This is the worst hotel I've stayed in for years: 1. The sheets are nylon: In 30-degree Istanbul, lying down, my whole body felt sticky and I couldn't sleep. I broke out in itchy red rashes all over. I called the front desk, and they said they don't have any 100% cotton bedding. I asked to cancel, but they said it was non-cancellable. If you have sensitive skin, stay away! 2. The room layout is incredibly impractical: None of the windows open, so the room is incredibly stuffy and hot. The unpleasant odors couldn't escape. The most ridiculous thing is that all rooms face each other. Every day, I could see other guests completely naked. Not suitable for families with children! It was an eyesore! 3. The soundproofing is terrible! Every day, I could hear noise and music from the hotel lobby, as well as the sound of luggage being wheeled down the corridors. 4. This hotel has a security scanner in the lobby. How bizarre. I felt monitored by security every day. When I brought friends in for a drink, they said my friends couldn't enter without their passports/IDs… claiming it was Turkish law! The tone they used when speaking to us always felt a bit ******. 5. After three nights, my conclusion is I never want to come back to Turkey. This hotel is a rip-off! Blacklist all Moxy hotels worldwide! 6. Also, it really strikes me every time how good the service is in hotels back home… this hotel had no service at all.

Overall, it was a very relaxing stay. The breakfast for this price point was quite substantial, and the restaurants nearby were delicious. It's also very close to major transportation hubs.

The hotel is well-located, in an alley near Taksim Street (within walking distance of the hotel are the metro, tram, and the waterfront with restaurants). Impeccable cleanliness, but very sparse breakfasts.

The location is very convenient, tucked away in an alley in the city center. There's no hotel lobby and no designated area for loading/unloading luggage, so I wouldn't recommend it if you have a lot of bags.