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Close to the financial district, this luxury apartment complex has a choice of one, two and three-bedroom apartments for short or long-term lets. All are furnished to a high standard and equipped with satellite TV, hi-fi systems and internet access. Other facilities include a pool, sauna and fitness centre, plus you’re located on top of the Akmerkez, one of the city’s premier shopping malls. If you’re too busy, or lazy, to shop for yourself, there’s even a complimentary delivery service.
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As the picture (left) displays, sitting on the Bosporus between Besiktas and the Dolmabahce Palace, the Ciragan’s location is second to none. Managed by the German Kempinski group, the hotel gets its [name] from an Ottoman Palace that was built in 1874 by Sultan Abdulaziz, who committed suicide in one of its rooms. But don’t let that put you off. Gutted by fire in 1908, it was over 70 years before the building was finally renovated and a new wing added to accommodate the new hotel’s 300-plus standard rooms. Facilities include a Turkish bath, fitness centre and what is certainly the most scenic pool in the city, right at the water’s edge. A turbelnt history has been long forgotten.
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The Empress Zoe is a charming boutique hotel within easy reach of the sights of the old city. Run by former San Francisco resident Ann Nevans, the hotel is [name]d after a wayward Byzantine regent and built on the site of a 15th century Turkish baths. Modern frescoes decorate the walls and a peaceful little garden dotted with archaeological remains continues the hotel’s historical theme. Each of the rooms has been tastefully furnished, with colourful throws, wooden four-poster beds and antique lamps. The penthouse suite has a marble hamam-style bathroom and a private terrace, while the roof-top bar has a spectacular view. A series of new suites overlooking the garden has recently been added. This is one of thr tru gems of Istanbul that has bundles of character.
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The Four Seasons is another Istanbul hotel with an interesting past, when the impressive neo-classical building enjoyed a far less beguiling role as the Sultanahmet Prison. Converted in 1986, the hotel is now one of the city’s finest, boasting comfortable and well-furnished rooms, many with superb views of the Blue Mosque or Haghia Sophia, and excellent service. The Four Seasons also happens to be the only five-star hotel in the old city. The Seasons Restaurant, set in the hotel’s garden courtyard, is highly regarded, but by no means cheap.
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The Galata Residence is an aparthotel in a building constructed by the Kamondos, a wealthy and influential Leventine family who lived in Pera, the European district of Ottoman Istanbul, in the 19th century. In those days Karakoy was the banking and commercial district, but now it’s considerably more run down. Still, the Galata Residence is well located, with the sights of the old city just across the Galata bridge and the shopping and nightlife of Beyoglu nearby. The small apartments are comfortable, but by no means luxurious, and consist of two double rooms, a kitchen and a sitting area. There’s a scenic restaurant on the top floor and an atmospheric bar in the vaulted basement.
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