Review : Sheraton Istanbul City Center | Marriott Bonvoy

Location of the Sheraton Istanbul City Center

The hotel is located just a 10-minute walk from Taksim Square and the pedestrian street İstiklâl Caddesi. However, you must like hilly roads.

For those who would like to avoid this effort, the Sheraton Istanbul City Center offers a free shuttle bus from the hotel to Taksim Square and back.

The hotel’s immediate neighbourhood is not really interesting as such. There are few restaurants or activities except for a modern art museum – Arter – located a few steps from the hotel which is quite interesting. But, thanks to its shuttle, it’s easy to be in the middle of the action in less than 15 minutes.

Located 42 km from the IST airport, it will cost you about 20 euros – the trip – by cab. If you prefer the bus, it will take you 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the traffic, to make the trip with the Havaist bus (from the airport and Taksim Square). The cost per trip is 42 TL, payable in cash (in TL only), by credit card or through the Havaist app.

Booking at Sheraton Istanbul City Center Hotel

I have made two reservations for the Sheraton Istanbul City Center: a stay in October 2021 and a second in February 2022.

For our first stay, we stayed six nights for a total of 87,500 Bonvoy points. To book it, you will need per night: 15,000 (low season), 17,500 (standard) and 20,000 (high season). It was 150 euros per night at that time.

For the second two-night stay, we preferred to pay with the Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card, given the low price at this time of year (82 euros per night) and it was also an opportunity to take advantage of the 1,000 points per night and double night promotion.

Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points

The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at more than 8,000 hotels worldwide is with the Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card).

In addition to the exceptional welcome bonus of each of these two cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all your purchases and 5 points per dollar at any of the Marriott establishments. On top of that, every year, you’ll receive a free hotel night certificate (worth 35,000 points) and 15 Elite Night Credits toward your Marriott Bonvoy status.

Sheraton Istanbul City Center Hotel Fact Sheet

Sheraton Istanbul City Center Hotel Reception

As with most hotels in Istanbul, in addition to getting your luggage through security (scanner), you will be asked to disinfect your hands. However, this is done with an automatic device that squirts the precious liquid on your hands and takes your temperature at the same time through a camera. Then an employee will guide you to the hotel reception.

The reception consists of a large counter in shades of beige and brown. There are always three or four employees at your service. Speaking of service, the staff is very attentive to your needs and always tries to help you as much as possible.

After the usual requests from the staff – passport and credit card – I was informed that I was entitled to an upgrade to an Executive room with a King bed and access to the Club lounge. During my two stays, I strongly requested to have a suite and both times, I was told that they were all booked.

The Sheraton Istanbul City Center has a huge lobby. With its eclectic and very nuanced decoration, it is the heart of the hotel. In addition to the many armchairs and sofas in various colours, there is also a large piano for the enjoyment of customers. This lobby also through access to the hotel bar, lounge, restaurants and work areas.

Bedroom

I had the same style of room on both stays, but on two different floors (6th and 7th). The Executive room is decorated in a contemporary style. In shades of brown and beige.

Of a reasonable size, it has a very comfortable King bed, an armchair (depending on the room), a desk and chair, a Nespresso style coffee maker and a mini fridge/Minibar. Not forgetting the essentials: clock radio, safe, iron, ironing board and television.

The tiny bathroom has a rain shower, a single sink and a toilet. Essential products are offered in large quantities (soap, nail file, toothbrush, shaving kit).

The drawback of the rooms is the view, that overlooks a poorly maintained vacant lot. For us it was not dramatic, but this could matter to some. In such a case, do not hesitate to ask them for a room that faces the street, but be sure to mention the upper floors.

Hotel services

Located to the left of the reception, Nev-i Lokma is a large restaurant serving buffet-style breakfast. It is free for Platinum and above members, otherwise it will cost you 15 euros.

This restaurant offers the following stations: breads and pastries, juices and coffees, an omelet, egg and pancake station and in the center the room, cheeses, vegetables, olives, spreads, etc. It’s almost impossible not to find something you like. And again, the staff is attentive to your needs.

For a small drink in the evening, it’s at The Legends Bar. It offers an array of cocktails and drinks of all kinds. Located to the right of the reception, it is not very crowded, so if you want a quiet moment it is the ideal place.

When we go to the back of Nev-i Lokma, we discover another restaurant called The Souq Istanbul. This restaurant – well hidden – is a little gem in itself. The small carpet and spice stores found in the restaurant are reminiscent of souks or bazaars.

The Souq Istanbul offers a typical Turkish menu and sometimes offers thematic evenings and menus. During our visits, we were treated to a trio of musician-singers, a dancer in the style of Raqs sharqi but in a Turkish version as well as a tasting menu – including Rakı (a wine brandy flavoured with anise). With a varied menu and more than reasonable prices, you will spend a pleasant evening.

For afternoon cravings or to treat yourself to a good coffee (or tea) with a delicious carrot cake, we go to the Istanbul Baking Company. Just outside the hotel, this restaurant is found in several Marriott hotels in Istanbul.

The Sheraton Club Lounge is located at the back of the lobby. It is accessed with the room key. In the evening, between 18:00 and 20:00, you can enjoy a hot meal buffet and drink beer, wine or vodka/orange juice. Once again, the staff is very friendly and they don’t hesitate to chat with you.

After all those meals, nothing beats a quick trip to the Sheraton Fitness. Located between the lobby and the elevators, it is spacious and very well equipped with weights and cardio equipment. The mask must be worn at all times. And a nice surprise for sportsmen like Novak Djokovic, there is a tennis court at the Sheraton Istanbul City Center.

The hotel also has a swimming pool, which was closed during our two visits.
If you are in the mood for relaxation, the Shine Spa is the place for you. Attached to the pool, they offer massages and there is even a steam room.

My overall impression of the Sheraton Istanbul City Center Hotel

If you are looking for a comfortable hotel at a good price, the Sheraton Istanbul City Center is for you.

Despite the lack of interest in the area, thanks to its shuttle, it is a choice to consider. Moreover, if you have a Platinum or higher status, this is one of the few hotels in Istanbul with an Executive Lounge.

For its friendly staff, its varied breakfasts, its Lounge and its proximity to Taksim, it is one of my favourite hotels in Istanbul.

Go further with Marriott Bonvoy

To maximize your stays and points earning, check our complete Marriott Bonvoy program guide and our best Marriott Bonvoy credit cards ranking. For personal use, see the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card. For business expenses, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card earns points on every business purchase. And if a points purchase promotion is running, take advantage via our Marriott Bonvoy points purchase guide.