The Marmara Istanbul is a modern nineteen storey hotel situated high on a hill in Taksim Square set 500 metres from the Bosphorus. This towering property features 387 air conditioned guestrooms, all of which are decorated in smart tones with traditionally styled furnishings. Modern in room amenities include satellite TV with pay movies, direct dial phones with voicemail facilities, minibars, hair dryers, safes and wireless Internet. All rooms also boast views over the city or sea. Guests can exercise on cardiovascular machines in the health club whilst taking in views of the bustling Taksim Square below. Professional trainers are on hand to offer programmes and there are a wide variety of classes available including aerobics, yoga and dance workouts. Martial arts training is also offered by a qualified karate trainer. The heated outdoor pool is situated in a courtyard surrounded by lounge chairs. Guests can unwind in the sauna, spa tub and traditional Turkish steam bath; massage treatments are also available. Access to the Marmara gym is complimentary to all hotel guests. Dining options include a candlelit panoramic restaurant on the top floor of the hotel serving a la carte Turkish specialities accompanied by live music with dinner dances on the weekends, a French patisserie style café and an informal brasserie. Guests can sip cocktails or coffee in one of the three bars, including the Aqua Lounge with its six metre aquarium. Business guests can enjoy access to six meeting rooms accommodating up to 50 people, as well as a fully equipped business centre. The hotel is only 100 metres from the busy shopping area of Istiklal Street, one kilometre from Dolmabahce Palace and within five kilometres of many of Istanbul's top attractions, including the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palce and Hagia Sofia. Istanbul Airport is 35 kilometres away with an approximate driving time of 30 minutes.