When looking for accommodation in and around Taksim, the options you come across are not limited to large hotels. Boutique hotels in historic buildings and apartments with kitchens are two popular alternatives that meet different needs. In this post we compare the two types of accommodation and explain which may suit which situation and what to look for when choosing.
What is a boutique hotel?
The term boutique hotel is generally used for properties with a small number of rooms that stand out for their distinctive design and personal service. In Beyoglu, many of these hotels have been created by restoring apartment buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries. These buildings, where high ceilings, old facades and modern interiors come together, bring the district's historic character into your stay.
Advantages of a boutique hotel
- Staff support: You can get quick answers from reception to your questions, directions or booking needs.
- Daily cleaning: Rooms are cleaned and linen changed regularly.
- Extra services: Services such as airport transfers, room service and tour arrangements can often be organised from a single point.
- Suited to short stays: It offers an effortless experience on city breaks of a few days.
What is an apartment hotel?
An apartment hotel or serviced apartment refers to units close to a home layout, with a kitchen, a living area and sometimes more than one bedroom. Some apartment hotels offer reception and cleaning services, while others work with key handover only. So under the name "apartment" you may come across very different experiences.
Advantages of an apartment hotel
- A kitchen: You can prepare your own meals and keep food costs under control, especially on longer stays.
- More living space: It can offer more space for large families and groups of friends.
- Suited to long stays: For weekly or monthly stays it provides an arrangement closer to the comforts of home.
Which should you choose?
The choice depends largely on the length and purpose of your trip:
- Short city break: If you are staying a few nights and spending most of the day out, a hotel offering service support is usually more effortless.
- Long stay: For stays of more than a week, apartment options with kitchen and laundry facilities can be practical.
- Large group: For groups of four or more, both apartments and hotels' family and four-person rooms are worth considering.
- Business trip: Hotels offering reception support, daily cleaning and fast internet make a work schedule easier.
What to consider when choosing
Licences and reliability
Checking whether the property holds the operating licences issued by the relevant authorities is important, especially for apartments. This matters both for your safety and for having someone accountable if a problem arises.
Building and access
Some of the historic buildings in Beyoglu may not have a lift, or the stairs may be narrow. Asking about this in advance, with luggage and mobility in mind, saves you surprises.
Location and street
Even within the same neighbourhood, noise levels and gradients can change from street to street. When looking at the location on a map, also check the walking route and nearby transport links.
Reading guest reviews properly
Reviews are a valuable source for understanding the real experience of a property, but it is healthier to focus on recurring comments rather than individual scores. Common comments about cleanliness, staff attentiveness, soundproofing and location reveal details that do not show in photos. Also pay attention to the dates of reviews: for a recently renovated property, older reviews may not reflect the current situation. Setting your own priorities and reading the reviews through them is the quickest way to find the option that suits you best.
Included services
Confirm whether items such as cleaning frequency, towel and linen changes, Wi-Fi, air conditioning and breakfast are included in the price.
Staying at Taksim Santa Ottoman Hotel
Our hotel is located near Taksim Square in a building renovated in 2022. All of our Double, Twin, Triple, Family and Four Person rooms have a private bathroom, air conditioning, cable TV, minibar, coffee machine and free Wi-Fi. With services such as daily room and linen cleaning, room service and airport transfers, we aim to combine hotel comfort with a central location. You can browse our room types and see the places nearby in our nearby places section.
Conclusion
Boutique hotels offer service and character, while apartment hotels offer space and independence. Which one you choose in Taksim depends on the length of your stay, the size of your group and your expectations. For any questions while planning your stay, you can get in touch with us.
