Hotel Hilton

The Hilton is situated in Beyoglu on the road to the new town, about 1 mile from Taksim Square. The airport is 15 miles from the hotel. Allow half an hour to get there by taxi.

For a few pounds more, ask for a room with a view of the Bosphorus. The rooms on the upper floors are the nicest. The rooms overlooking the garden also overlook the hotel entrance. They are calm but the view is uninteresting.

Built in 1955 in a 12-acre park, the Hilton was renovated in 2000. This modern building is a massive building with 9 storeys. The large lobby extends to a lounge lit with white marble and large bay windows with a view over the Bosphorus. Pretty decor details can be found here and there. Outside there is a sunny terrace overlooking the hotel's gardens. The gardens have tennis courts, a jogging course and a pool with solarium. Sporty types will also appreciate the fitness centre with its sauna, hammam, steam bath and fitness room. A coach can tailor a programme for your needs.

The 498 rooms all have a view of the Bosphorus or the gardens. They are big and nicely decorated. Thickly carpeted, they have a large bed, armchair, heater and desk. They offer all modern comfort: air conditioning, two telephone lines with Internet access, a very well stocked minibar, satellite TV. The bathroom, entirely in marble, has a bath, toilet, telephone, welcome products that are nicely presented, and a hairdryer. Room service offers a nice menu for 24h dining in your room.

You will have plenty of choice when it comes to food! Breakfast is served as a copious continental buffet in the main restaurant, the "Bosphorus", which we liked for its brightness and view over the Bosphorus. You can also have a buffet lunch (several dishes on offer, you don't know where to start!) or a la carte. Note that there is a chef on hand to prepare exactly what you request. Dinner is also served here (a la carte only). For a change of scene, go to the panoramic restaurant on the top floor. You will be given a menu of Turkish specialities. The "Lalezar" is also a nice place to dine in impressive but intimate surroundings, where you will be offered quality Brazilian cuisine or a set menu. In summer, the Hilton opens the terrace of the lounge to offer its clients a menu of Mediterranean specialities. The Dragon, a Chinese restaurant, is open for lunch and dinner. Throughout the day you can have a snack at the pool bar (summer only) or in the lounge.