Cool, well-priced hotel gets you to the heart of Istanbul’s action

The hotel

The Galata Hotel Istanbul - MGallery Collection

Check-in

The street name (Bankalar Cadessi) hints that the neoclassical building housing this hotel was formerly one of several banks, although the street now has a string of interior-lighting wholesalers whose windows gleam with constellations of fixtures. A red carpet leads me up steps and through revolving doors to a reception space which, though cramped and a tad gloomy, has efficient and friendly staff.

The look

I expect local character, contemporary luxury, boutique size and quirkiness at an MGallery hotel, and this one doesn’t disappoint. The lobby still features a wall of deposit boxes and a heavy strongroom door. Agreeable art deco elements are part of a contemporary hotel revamp, although their materials (marble, wood) and colours (bottle green, black, onyx) are sombre enough to suit a bank manager. In the small rear courtyard a splashing fountain and pool are frequented by pigeons. It flanks the renovated 1720s Cesme Hamam whose traditional Turkish baths are complimentary to guests, and whose domed roof with its round skylights looks like a home out of Star Wars.

The room

The hotel has 83 rooms in various categories, some with a Golden Horn view. With so much to see and do in Istanbul, however, it might be dark before you get a chance to enjoy it. I’m satisfied with my Superior Room which, while viewless, has everything else I expect of a chic, mid-range hotel: small sofa, rain shower, Nespresso machine, blackout curtains, mood lighting. MGallery hotels are design-forward. The wallpaper hints at both Islamic and art deco with its orange Arabesque patterns. The lights resemble giant blue marbles and the bathroom is a brilliant arrangement of grey stripey marble.

Food + drink

Perri Karakoy restaurant has great views of Istanbul’s historical skyline and serves upmarket, contemporary dishes with Mediterranean-wide influences. I opt instead for Abdibey restaurant’s more traditional Turkish fare, which included novelties (to me) such as onion stuffed with lamb and dried eggplant, and stuffed grape leaves with sour cherry. Buffet breakfast served in Abdibey provides lingering enjoyment. Views, squeezed between Galata’s dishevelled rooftops, squint towards minarets across the Golden Horn. Daily changing Turkish breakfast dishes include menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and capsicum), mezze dips, and irresistible sesame bagels with a crunchy exterior and chewy interior. If you ask, staff will make energy-jolting Turkish coffee.

Out + about

The hotel is in buzzing Karakoy, formerly Galata, part of the wider Beyoglu district known for shopping, dining and nightlife. Tourists abound, but so do locals. The area is packed with historical buildings, many from former European communities such as medieval Genoese traders and 19th-century diplomats. Hit the Galata waterfront in the evening for a fish dinner and Golden Horn sunset. Most of the big sights are in Sultanahmet, a 20-minute walk via Galata Bridge. It takes 40 minutes to the Blue Mosque but there are splendid views and places of interest along the way. The hotel is otherwise near tram, metro and ferry stops.

The verdict

A bland hotel in the tourist area or a design hotel in a trendy neighbourhood? This Istanbul choice is a no-brainer if you’re looking for a sense of place with style.

The essentials

From TRY8863 ($307) a night in the very lowest season, with discounts for Accor loyalty members. Wheelchair-accessible rooms are available. See mgallery.com

Our score out of five

★★★★

Highlight
If you want to experience more than monuments in Istanbul, you can’t beat this lively local location.

Lowlight
Small clanking lifts leave me with long waits during the breakfast and check-out peak hour.

The writer travelled as a guest of Accor Hotels and Explora Journeys.