The Germir Palas Hotel, in the centre of modern downtown Istanbul, has an elegant pillared façade and is situated on Taksim Square, just 50 metres from bustling Istiklal Street. The 49 guestrooms, over seven floors, have coordinated wallpaper, fabrics and furnishings. All feature satellite television, climate control, clock radios, direct-dial phones, wireless Internet access, complimentary bottled water, safes and minibars. Bathrooms have telephones, complimentary toiletries, hair dryers, makeup mirrors and bathrobes. Guests can relax with a drink in the bar and admire views across the Bosphorus and Istanbul, or plan a day of sightseeing with the help of multilingual staff at the 24-hour front desk. For guests with laptops there is complimentary wireless Internet access in air-conditioned public areas. Use of a nearby fitness centre is available for a discount, and other practical amenities include ATM/Banking, currency exchange, dry cleaning, library, laundry facilities and all-hours room service. Valet parking is available for a surcharge for guests arriving by car. The hotel's Vanilla Restaurant Bar is furnished in English-pub style with intimate lighting, and serves a modern fusion of international and Turkish cuisine with vegetarian menu available. Serving a modern summer bistro menu, the Terrace Bar Bistro features live guitar music and stunning views. The hotel is well located to explore the city, the shopping and lively nightlife of Istiklal Street are 50 metres from the hotel and the beautiful 17th-century Blue Mosque is seven kilometres away. Istanbul Ataturk Airport is 23 kilometres from the hotel, an approximate driving time of 45 minutes.

<i>'Special Class' Hotel (Turkish Ministry for Tourism)Under the Turkish Ministry for Tourism, hotels and other tourist residences in Turkey are rated as per a set of national standards. There are seven categories of rating in operation: one star to five star hotels, 'Special Class' hotels and 'Boutique Class' hotels. This hotel is rated as 'Special Class' which applies to properties that have distinct historical, architectural or artistic features. 'Special Class' hotels are represented on this site with a star-rating for our customers' benefit.</i>

Room Types:

Deluxe room with queen bed:   King bed or two twin beds. Coordinated wallpaper, fabrics and soft furnishings. Satellite television, climate control, clock radio, direct-dial phone, wireless Internet access, complimentary bottled water, safe and minibar. Bathroom with telephone, complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, makeup mirror and bathrobes.

Deluxe Room:   Two twin beds. Coordinated wallpaper, fabrics and soft furnishings. Satellite television, climate control, clock radio, direct-dial phone, wireless Internet connection, complimentary bottled water, safe and minibar. Bathroom with telephone, complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, makeup mirror and bathrobes.

Driving Directions: Take the Havas Shuttle Bus from the airport to Taksim Square; the bus stops just opposite the hotel. The city has a metro and tram service and taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced.