Istanbul, TurkeyTaksim
Sofitel Istanbul Taksim
Restored cinema tower
Taksim Istanbul, Turkey
Opened
2019
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe WellnessOutside the door
The house
AccorRestored cinema tower
A contemporary tower rises behind a 1914 theater facade, opening directly onto the bustle of Taksim Square.
What it’s good at
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The building takes the form of a modern addition behind and above a historical façade, and once you’re inside, you’re presented with an unmistakably contemporary hotel experience.
In a lively part of town
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Taksim Square sits directly outside, and the historic passages of İstiklal Avenue begin just steps away.
The rooms
Custom Turkish furnishings fill the colorful rooms, and wide windows look out over the Bosphorus.
The indoor pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The heated indoor lap pool looks out onto a green courtyard through floor-to-ceiling glass lined with sleek loungers.
The hammam
Carved marble basins surround a heated stone in the traditional hamam, and a mosaic steam room sits nearby.
Rooftop pool and gym
A seasonal outdoor pool overlooks the Bosphorus from the roof, and the 24-hour gym faces a leafy courtyard.
At the table
Rooftop tables take in wide Bosphorus views, and the brasserie downstairs bakes Turkish flatbreads in a wood-fired oven.
How it began

The site opened in 1914 as Istanbul's first purpose-built cinema before becoming the city's legendary Maksim music hall.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.