To the point
Here is my review of the Gezi Hotel Bosphorus Istanbul. From the Design Hotels brand, it is accessible using few Marriott Bonvoy points.
Some information about the Gezi Hotel Bosphorus Istanbul
This 56-room, 11-suite hotel spread over 17 floors has earned its “Green Hotel” certification, thanks to its efforts in energy and water conservation. Gezi Hotel Bosphorus is practically a zero-emission property.
This little masterpiece of timeless design and cutting-edge green technology is the work of architect Sinan Kafadar and his firm Metex Design, who are responsible for several hotel renovations in Istanbul, including The Ritz Carlton, Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet and Le Méridien.
Location
Located directly across from Taksim Gezi Parkı (Gezi Park) and on the outskirts of Taksim Meydan (Taksim Square), it is a short walk from the metro, buses and the funicular. Situated near İstiklâl Caddesi, Istanbul‘s most famous avenue, this pedestrian street is home to numerous stores, bookstores, art galleries, cinemas, theaters, libraries, cafes, bars, historic pastry shops, chocolate shops and excellent restaurants. Nearly 3 million people walk on the İstiklâl Caddesi in a week.
Booking
To complete my stay in Istanbul, I chose a hotel near the action of the city, where I could also take advantage of the Double Elite nights and 1000 points per night Marriott Bonvoy promotion. Between the 30,000 points per night requested or paying 103 euros per night, the latter option seemed to be a better choice.
Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points
The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to have 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.
Hotel details
| Parking | Free, with or without valet | Breakfast included | No |
| Swimming pool | No | Room with balcony | Yes |
| Spa | Yes | Room with kitchenette | No |
| Gym | Yes | Lounge | No |
| Restaurant | Yes | USB sockets in the room | No |
| Accepts animals | Yes | Smart TV | Yes |
| Mobile card | No | Shower/Bath | Shower (bath or Jacuzzi in some suites) |
Hotel reception
Before arriving in the lobby of the Gezi Hotel Bosphorus outside, there’s a small terrace where you can enjoy a coffee or a cigarette. This is also where you’ll find the valet for your car. Since parking is free with or without valet, you might as well take advantage of it! A valet will also take your luggage to the reception.
Let’s talk about the tiny lobby. As soon as you walk through the automatic door, you find yourself in a cramped, but comfortable place with a chic decor. Its gleaming marble floor and wood-colored walls as well as its large windows give this space a bit of depth.
To the left of the entrance is the small concierge desk while the two reception desks are located at the back of the lobby.
The staff is polite and welcomes you with a well felt “Merhaba”. Personally, I like being greeted in the local language, it really makes me feel like I am on vacation.
After completing the usual applications (passport and Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card), I was informed of the advantages of my Marriott Bonvoy status. I should say, in fact, the only perk; an upgrade to a Sky room on the 17th floor.
So, no lounge and no free breakfast for this hotel.
Deluxe Sky Room with park view
As soon as you open the door, you find yourself in the very small hallway.
The bathroom is on the right. This marble bathroom is very small but functional and has everything you need: a hair dryer, a large mirror, a magnifying mirror, a glass shower with a rain effect and of course, “Aromatherapy” brand products for personal hygiene.
A small work desk is located in front of the large window in the room. Unfortunately, it is not ideal for getting work done as there are no electrical outlets nearby. On the other hand, the leather chair is very comfortable, and the view is something else.
The double bed installed in front of the large glass doors is very comfortable. Each side of this bed has its own unique bedside table, just like the lamps that are heterogeneous, giving irresistible charm to the decoration inspired by the Roaring Twenties. The television is installed above the windows, so the only way to watch it is from the comfort of your bed. At the far end of the 20-meter square room, there is a large mirror, the closet (with no shelf, so very little storage), a safe, an ironing board and iron, a bathrobe and a kettle for instant coffee or tea – Nespresso machines are for suites only – and no minibar or refrigerator, despite the fact that the staff told me there would be.
The highlight of this room is definitely the huge terrace overlooking Gezi Parkı! The terrace that runs the length of the room has two chairs and a railing that doubles as a table. This terrace is located on the seventeenth and top floor of the hotel, and the view is simply spectacular.
The highlight of this room is definitely the huge terrace overlooking Gezi Parkı! The terrace that runs the length of the room has two chairs and a railing that doubles as a table. This terrace is located on the seventeenth and top floor of the hotel, and the view is simply spectacular.
Services and restaurants
The Gezi Hotel Bosphorus Istanbul has its own spa, the Silver Spa, a very relaxing place that offers a sauna, hammam (Turkish bath), massages, color therapy and more. We tried the Ottoman Sultan Hammam and we loved it.
The fitness center, located next to the Silver Spa, is small and more focused on cardio exercising. There are no weight machines except for a bench and some weights.
Blu Istanbul is a three-course Mediterranean restaurant (breakfast, lunch and dinner). With its magnificent view of the Bosphorus, you can have buffet style breakfast for about 15 euros or a menu a la carte that varies from 4 to 5 euros. Worth mentioning: they offer a vegan menu. As mentioned, the Gezi Hotel Bosphorus Istanbul does not offer free breakfast, but at such a low price, why deprive yourself of this buffet (which has by the way great variety)?
Bottom Line
I was not very impressed with this hotel. The room – which they consider “Deluxe” – despite its terrace and spectacular view, does not fall into this category. Having only a kettle and instant coffee in this type of hotel is a shame.
On the other hand, the staff was very friendly and the hotel is ideally located to visit the city. The spa and restaurant services are more than adequate.
And it’s a shame that members with higher status are not entitled to any perks (like free breakfast, among others). In spite of these small details, I enjoyed my stay, but I don’t think I will return. You can find much better in Istanbul at a lower price.
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