Spent 4 nights at LaresPark in Istanbul. I've stayed in better places but for the money this hotel is hard to fault. Upon arrival we were given a twin instead of a double but this was rectified the following day when a double room became available. Bedrooms were a decent size, showers were average. The wellness centre in the basement is really nice. Didn't sample any of the restaurants as we spent all of our evenings in the Ortakoy or Ulus areas of the city.

Booking the LaresPark (pronounced Larispark) was a bit of a shot in the dark since, at the time, it only just scraped into Istanbul's top 40 hotels on the TripAdvisor website. But we were delighted. The location is excellent --- 100 yards from Taksim Square --- yet on a quiet pedestrianised side street. Taksim Square and its adjoining park are, admittedly, very unattractive. But it is a hub for evening activities and public transport. The bedroom was perfectly adequate with double glazing and air conditioning. Two outstanding features --- the beautifully-decorated health spa had a swimming pool, jacuzzi, authentic Turkish bath, sauna and fiendish gym equipment. The breakfast, including made-to-order omelettes, was outstanding. Add to that attentive and professsional staff. They are trying really hard to make this hotel something special. Apart from the usual tourist sights we have three suggestions for trips out. Fatih Mosque (bus 87B from Taksim) on a Wednesday has a huge outdoor market around the walls. One of the best ferry rides is from Eyup on the Golden Horn across to Uskudar on the Asian side. And you can hire bikes on the car-free islands of Heybeliada and Buyukada. We had a great week and if we return it will be to the LaresPark.

We stayed at the Larespark from 23 March for 4nights.
The rooms are clean and a good size, the bathrooms are a little on the small size but not squatty.
The breakfasts are excellent and so much choice.
Location of the property is very good - within a 5min walk of Taxsim square.
The staff are the most helpful and friendly I have ever come across at any hotel. I would not stay anywhere else in Istanbul.

The service at the hotel was very good, the staff at the front desk was very helpful and they spoke good English.

The hotel was beautiful and well decorated, located in a nice hotel area just near Taksim square.

A fast wireless internet connection was available in room, no problems with it.

The breakfast was awesome. One of the best breakfasts that I have had in any hotel

Some minor minuses: The pool was out of order, and they didn't have swimsuits to rent for the sauna. There was a singer in the hotel restaurant every night, she sang until midnight every day. Our room was in the second floor and the singing was quite loud. However, we didn't go to sleep that early so it was not disturbing us, and we dind't complain about it.

As a whole, a very nice hotel and I truly recommend it!