This hotel is located on a quiet street with similar hotels all about the same in rating. I was at a conference so met travelers staying at some of the other hotels and I think mine was probably better at least in the breakfast I got. My first room was a smoking room so I refused and then was given a tiny room in the back facing some air conditioning units. The big lamp was missing a lightbulb but an electrician promptly arrived and fixed that and also gave me an electric thing for one of my own appliances. But while I didn't want to use the heat, it was very hot anyway. AFter two nights I had 3 plumbing problems and the management immediately moved me to a much larger nicer room across the hall facing front. The beds were firm and I slept well all 4 nights. There are apparently more modern rooms in this hotel but at a higher price which I wasn't prepared to do. Also, you need to be firm and ask for a no-smoking room. The breakfast was quite extensive and very good except for the breads which seemed quite hard. In addition to the great yogurt and honey and jams, there was also always eggs, sausage and other cold cuts, cheeses, cereals and halvah and apple cake. The hotel staff without exception were really pleasant and very helpful. Location for this hotel is in Taxim which is safe. Lots of restaurants especially along the tram walkway. Best one was a workers' cafeteria. I was concerned about being an older woman traveler on my own but had absolutely no problems. At this time of year there are few tourists so everyone spoke to me in Turkish which I didn't know even one word. Weather was great too.

I went to a conference in Istanbul in June, 2007 and stayed in this hotel. Eresin Taxim was a mixed bag. The hotel is situated in a relatively quiet area, close to the busy Taksim square. However, there is construction work going on just beside the hotel. I had construction workers singing and working 5 meters from my window at 7th floor 1 am at night. The hotel has a rather small reception area. The staff is not very friendly, but not rude either. They changed my room without questions when I complained about the construction work. The rooms were clean, but old. One of the rooms had worn and somewhat damaged furniture. The AC worked well, and was not noisy. That's a plus. The beds were comfortable. The bathrooms were ok, but with some problems with water leakage. Lifts were very cramped. The breakfast was a mixed bag. The dining hall was on the top floor, with a nice view. The rolls and bread were fresh and good. The coffee was ok. There was no real fruit juice, only a nasty synthetic-tasting fluid. The eggs were over-cooked, the scrambled eggs looked nasty and watery, the sausages were of low quality meat and the "ham" was some cheap processed product. Only the cheese and fried tomatos were good. There were no fried eggs or omelets. Given the high price I payed, this hotel was a let-down

I recently stayed at the hotel and wanted to state that iI had a very pleasant and relaxing time. Specifically, I felt that the standard of the environment and accommodation of the hotel ensured that I was able to enjoy my time in Istanbul. The staff including the front of desk, the waiters and the cleaners all exercised a confident but quiet competence and were always willing to assist me in an efficient manner. Equally, I found all the staff personable and engaging which afforded me the opportunity to relax in the hotel. Istanbul is a fascinating city with many unique attractions and I would count the hotel and its staff with these - all of which ensured that I had a very pleasant visit and look forward to returning in the near future.

Stayed in this hotel for 6 nights, entrance is very small and was in process of renovation, wouldn't actually imagine the hotel would be open in the state the exterior was. But staff very friendly and efficient, no complaints whatsoever with any member of staff. The room although it was clean, was one of the most outdated, reading other reviews i must think there are rooms that are updated and those that are from last century:) If you get an average price of 40 pounds may be worth it, but definetely not worth paying more for the standard of rooms. Problem is that you don't know what room you are going to be given, which can be totally different each time. Overall location good, takes about 3 min to istiklal caddesi, main taksim square. If you can get a deal, i would much more recommend, larespark, square hotel, the marmara but in generall these may cost more.

Good value in excellent location in the heart of Istanbul. 3 minute walk from the airport bus terminal at Taksim Square. 5 minutes to posh neighborhoods and easy access to business areas and tourist areas. Very attentive staff and free wireless!