Elmadağ (EHL-mah-dah) is an area of 5-star hotels a few short blocks north of Taksim Square along Cumhuriyet Caddesi on the way to Harbiye and Nişantaşı (map).
There's an entrance to Metro Line 1 here at the northwestern corner of Taksim Park. The Talimhane area of 4- and 5-star hotels is just to the southwest.
The upscale hotels here are thus within a 10-minute walk of Taksim Square, its public transport, Atatürk Cultural Center, and the northeast end of İstiklal Caddesi; the Hilton Istanbul and its convention center; the Lütfi Kırdar Convention Center; Harbiye and the Military Museum. It's only a few minutes' more walk to the upscale boutiques of Nişantaşı.
The Point Hotel
"The Point" may take its name from its location: on a point of land bounded by streets named Abdülhak Hamit Caddesi and Topçu Caddesi. With 4 stars, 194 rooms, ultramodern décor and upscale services, it's a popular alternative to the nearby large international chain hotels. More...
Hotel Konak
For travelers who want to stay in the posh Elmadağ district, with even posher Nişantaşı, the Military Museumand the Istanbul Hilton very near, the 4-star, 117-room Hotel Konak has been the comfortable, moderate-priced alternative for decades—and still is. More...
Grand Hyatt Istanbul
The 5-star, 360-room Grand Hyatt has a convenient location: walk to Taksim Park, Taksim Square, the offices and shops on Cumhuriyet Caddesi. More...
Ceylan InterContinental
This 5-star, 388-room asymmetrical tower offers fine views in all directions from its upper floors and a convenient location in a corner of Taksim Park. More...
The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul
Criticized as imposing its bulk on the skyline above Dolmabahçe Palace, the Ritz-Carlton's upper floors are reserved for luxury apartments, not hotel rooms. Though close to Elmadağ, the walk up the hill from the hill to Cumhuriyet Caddesi along a traffic canyon is unpleasant, so it's better to ride. All the same, the hotel service is pure Ritz-Carlton. More...
Divan Oteli
Istanbul's first top-class hotel was entirely rebuilt from the ground up in 2011 and is again one of the best places to stay in the city. Accommodations are luxurious, but it is the tradition of highest-quality serice that is the key to the Divan's popularity. More...
Getting There
It's easy to reserve a value-priced private airport transfer to the hotel in a Mercedes-Benz vehicle that costs only slightly more than a taxi, and significantly less than two taxis (which you'll need if you have 4+ people and/or lots of luggage), and far more pleasant, comfortable and trustworthy. More...
—by Tom Brosnahan
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