Amy Adejokun
Section editor
This is a discreet little place at the very heart of Taksim, the city's business district.
With its fine restaurant and pleasant staff, the Feronya primarily attracts business travellers, though it is also a good place for a perfectly pleasant getaway.
Nevertheless, a good bit of renovations wouldn't go amiss, particularly where the rather gloomy communal areas are concerned.
The Feronya is located in the Taksim district, opposite the head office of the well known local television channel HaberTürk.
If you want to make your own way to the hotel, head for Place Taksim, the closest metro station.
The international airport is around an hour's drive away.
Tasteful and well designed, the guest rooms at the Feronya are admittedly the best part of the hotel.
Just like in the restaurant, the views here too are spoilt by the hotel's proximity to the large neighbouring building, but having said that, there's certainly no shortage of light or space.
All of the standard guest rooms come with satellite television, adjustable air-conditioning, a safe, and a minibar.
None of the rooms have been adapted for guests with reduced mobility, although some can be rearranged if necessary.
The building itself is starting to show signs of wear, its dark façade concealing a somewhat harsh interior.
The tall, narrow Feronya stands alongside a large, modern building that houses the head office of a local television channel.
It boasts a lovely glass restaurant on the top floor and whilst the views from up here are not the most spectacular, it is very spacious, making for a pleasant place to dine.
Back on the ground floor you'll find the calm and tidy reception area. The entrance, rather close to the street and dominated by the lobby bar, features a decor with a rather dark colour scheme.
The hotel is generally popular among business travellers who come here to make use of the hotel's facilities, including, among others, the conference room, which is rather low key and equipped with a large table to seat attendees.
What the establishment is generally lacking, on the whole, is a certain style that would show off the various parts of the hotel in their best light. The discreet decor is very limited and doesn't seem to enhance either the lobby or the guest rooms, whilst the truly garish purple sofas do nothing to improve the situation.
There is one area, however, that does lighten the ambience a little: the hematite corner, designed to dispel all negative energy from the surroundings, apparently. If it could also do something to improve the decor, that too would be much appreciated!
The Feronya restaurant serves a buffet of international cuisine in a reasonably sized room that makes great use of the light coming in from the large circular picture window.
You'll also find various regional specialities on the menu, designed to cater to the tastes of the hotel's clientele, and the service is great as well. Breakfast is also served as a buffet, with drinks served at the table.
Finally, this room doubles as a function room for receptions and special business meetings.
The well-located 4 star Feronya was renovated in 2008 and is a good choice for business travellers and those looking for a pleasant getaway.
It might not look the most impressive from the outside, but this establishment is perfectly decent for a few days' stay.
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