Aston Hotel Taksim

For Istanbul, this was a budget-friendly stay compared with nearby hotels, and the place was super clean. It’s on Feridiye Street, with lots of little hotels, shops, and restaurants close by, about 200 meters from Taksim Square and Independence Street. The reception area had a small lounge or restaurant-style space that I assumed was for breakfast. Breakfast wasn’t free, but tea and coffee in the lounge were.

The room was on the small side, but comfortable, and mine had a balcony overlooking the street. It was clean, and the location is great, just steps from Taksim Metro, a bus stop, and Istiklal Road. Highly recommended.

The staff were friendly, and they let me leave my bags for a few hours after checkout so I could look around before going to the airport. That was a big help. Late checkout is possible if you ask, too. It looks like a small hotel that’s been completely refurbished and feels very new. Taksim metro is about five minutes away, with shops and cafes all around. I’ll come back.

The area is lively late into the night, with cafes, bars, restaurants, and street food around. Istiklal Street is just across the square, full of shops and places to eat, or you can simply wander along it. The hotel has a lovely atmosphere, a beautiful lobby, and a nice location. The staff are great. It’s a small boutique place on a cobblestone street lined with artistic shops and charming old-fashioned hotels. Unlike the neighboring streets, this one isn’t uphill, so walking around is easy and pleasant. Taksim Square is only a few steps away, with lots of transport options to reach different parts of Istanbul. There are also dedicated shuttle buses to and from the city’s airports.