Tamara Residence

We stayed at Tamara Residence Hotel in Taksim from 27 December 2025 to 4 January 2026, and the room kept us warm even while it was snowing and freezing outside. The heating was excellent, there was always hot water, and the room was comfortable and well maintained. Breakfast was good value, with a nice selection to start the day. The staff were welcoming and always happy to help. We had a small issue with the airport shuttle, but a middle-aged gentleman, who I believe was the owner, stepped in and sorted it out quickly. He was understanding and helpful, and that care made a real difference. The residence is just 3 mins from Taksim miydani. We had an amazing stay, and I’d definitely return if I’m back in Istanbul. Highly recommended!

The breakfast was good, and the reception staff were very friendly. Getting to the hotel can be tricky because it’s on a crazy narrow street. Park nearby, and don’t drive right up to the entrance if your hand brake isn’t good. The windows don’t shut properly, so cold air comes through, and the sound insulation is terrible. Our room was gross: rusty shower, mold on the ceiling, dirty walls, and old, broken furniture. The shower has no door and is half open, so water gets everywhere. They give you slippers made from napkins to make up for it. I’ve worn thicker foot masks. At 12:30 pm, staff knocked several times about an extra blanket we hadn’t asked for, then came back to take it away because he’d got the room wrong. The next morning, they knocked about 20 more times at 6:30 AM and woke me up. Surely after the tenth knock you stop, and you don’t start at 6:30 in the morning. I didn’t open the door. When I told the girl at reception, she just shrugged and looked confused.

The rooms are very small, and breakfast was a disappointing experience. I was feeling sick and had missed breakfast, so I only wanted hot water with honey. I’d already poured the hot water into a cup when a breakfast staff member stopped me and refused to let me drink it, even after I explained I was ill and wasn’t asking for food. She was rude and unhelpful, and I found the response needlessly harsh and lacking basic hospitality. I also felt her manner toward Arab guests was noticeably unfriendly, which made it even more unpleasant.

The staff were very accommodating, and the location is unbeatable. Tamara Residence is right on Taksim Square, handy for food, drinks, taxis, and exploring. The rooms are compact, but they worked fine for two adults and two children, and everything was spotless. It was a wonderful stay, and I’ll definitely return. We arrived without a booking as a family of six, four adults and two children. The manager on duty, who wore spectacles, welcomed us warmly and offered a fantastic rate, even better than the online price. We stayed six nights, went to Cappadocia for three nights, and he kindly stored our luggage. Then we came back for another four nights.