Luxurious boutique Witt Hotel Istanbul

Are you looking for a luxurious and spacious boutique hotel in Istanbul where you’ll feel right at home? Witt Istanbul Hotel offering 17 rooms with a modern-retro lasting design may be for you. This very trendy and modern hotel is opened by Tuncel Toprak who studied economics at Rutgers University in the USA and after a brief stint working in the financial industry returned to Istanbul to follow his dream of opening a boutique hotel.

From the outside, Witt Istanbul Hotel’s traditional Turkish sandstone facade looks like a nondescript apartment block. But kitted out exclusively in bespoke furniture by Autoban, Turkey’s top interior designers, and with bathroom and mini-bar fixtures from Ross Lovegrove, Witt Istanbul Hotel is far from ordinary. The end result is domestic luxury rather than hotel swank. The non-chain, non-banded 17 room luxury boutique hotel is diminutive, discreet and designer without being garishly so. It all makes for the perfect pied-a-terre in the vibrant Beyoğlu neighborhood.

The Witt Istanbul Hotel is situated on a steep hill in Cihangir, a trendy neighborhood with a bohemian flair. “I wanted to stay away from the tourist areas of Taksim Square and Sultanahmet. Here you can be an insider and hang out with locals,” Tuncel explains his choice of location for the hotel.

Still Istanbul’s night life center Istiklal Street and Galata district are quite near and old town (Sultanahmed) is quite accessible.

And the rooms? Witt Istanbul offers large rooms (minimum 30 square meters), stylishly furnished suites with iPod docking stations, Nespresso-machine-equipped kitchenettes and city or Bosphorus views.

Luxurious boutique Witt Hotel Istanbul

A useful tip: Van Kahvalti Evi (Van Breakfast House) which is a two-minute walk from the hotel is a must try. The place is a homage to the Turkish breakfast with fantastic selection of cheeses and honeys.

Best Resorts in Turkey

Well a list of best hotels or resorts in Turkey or in the world is a subjective list and changes depending on to whom you ask. For example a list of 100 best resorts in the world in Russian online hotel site TopHotels.ru has 30 hotels from Turkey, 16 hotels from Eygpt, 14 hotels from Greece, 6 hotels from Thailand, etc. These are the top destinations Russian's also visit.

Based on 18 criteria including facilities, number of comments, overall rating, value-for-money, there are 30 Turkish resort hotels in the Top 100 Resorts of The World list:

·        Barut Lara Resort, Antalya
·        Maxx Royal Belek Golf, Belek
·        Gloria Verde Resort, Belek
·        Ali Bey Resort Side, Side
·        Amara Wing Resort, Kemer
·        Otium Eco Club Side, Side
·        Delphin Botanik World, Alanya
·        Limak Atlantis De Luxe, Belek
·        Mardan Palace, Antalya
·        Palom Oceana Resort, Side
·        Sueno Golf Belek, Belek
·        Alva Donna Exclusive, Belek
·        Gural Premier Tekirova, Kemer
·        Granada Luxury Resort, Alanya
·        Rixos Premium, Belek
·        Vogue Hotel Avantgarde, Kemer

Barut Lara Resort, Antalya

·        Susesi Luxury Resort, Belek
·        Long Beach Resort, Alanya
·        Seher Sun Palace , Side
·        Vera Club Hotel Mare, Belek
·        Akka Antedon Hotel, Kemer
·        Fame Residence Lara, Antalya
·        Silence Beach Resort, Side
·        Cornelia Diamond Golf, Belek
·        PGS Kiris Resort, Kemer
·        Ela Quality Resort, Belek
·        Riu Kaya Belek, Belek
·        Starlight Convention Center, Side
·        Fantasia Hotel de Luxe, Kemer
·        IC Hotels Santai Family Resort, Belek 

The best business hotel in Turkey

Wyndham Kalamış Hotel on the Anatolian (Asian) side of Istanbul is chosen as Turkey's leading business hotel in 20th World Travel Awards in 2013. The brand new business hotel which has started operations last year, is situated in Kalamış Marina with a fantastic sea view, restaurants, SPA and fitness facilities, meeting and congress rooms and eye catching internal design.

Wyndham Kalamış won the “HOTEL OF THE YEAR” award in Europe, Middle East and Africa region during the Wyndham Global Conference in Las Vegas.

Located on the Asian coast of Istanbul adjacent to the exclusive Kalamis Marina and proffering breathtaking views of the Sea of Marmara, the newly constructed, five-star Wyndham Istanbul Kalamis Marina hotel offers travelers a welcome destination where East effortlessly meets West. With Bagdad Street a 10 minute walk away, more than 300 designer shops, attractions, recreation and dining within easy reach.  A myriadd of amenities and world-class services, business and leisure travelers alike will find this Istanbul Kalamis Marina hotel their ideal choice when lodging in the City of the World’s Desire.

Guests can refresh and recharge in the indoor heated pool or outdoor pool, while the Blue Harmony Spa features a host of therapeutic, restorative treatments and state-of-the-art fitness equipment, as well as a Kids SPA which keeps children in shape.

"As being the first hotel investment of Wyndham Hotel Group in Turkey, Wyndham Kalamış is proud to receive such as prestigious award in our first year. Our goal is to make our hotel famous in the world and we thank everyone voting for us", said Alper Can Bulcum, the General Manager of Wyndham Kalamış.

Wyndham Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel is chosen as Turkey's leading business hotel.

Each of the hotel’s 210 spacious, well-designed guest rooms and suites are exquisitely appointed and feature panoramic views of the city, the sea or the marina. Plush pillow top mattresses ensure an incomparably restful sleep, while complimentary wireless high-speed Internet access and large work spaces make in-room work trouble-free and uncomplicated. Flat screen TV’s, fully stocked mini-bars, in-room safes, full-length mirrors and spacious guest bathrooms ensure the utmost in comfort, and guests upgrading to the private-access Executive Level enjoy added amenities like bathrobes, welcome fruit, nightly turndown service and separate living areas.

This Istanbul Kalamis Marina hotel offers fourteen multi-functional meeting rooms that will accommodate from 12 people in a boardroom setting to 410 people for a banquet. The beautiful 7,567 square-foot Kalamis Grand Ballroom creates the perfect venue for everything from large conferences to product launches to unforgettable Istanbul weddings, and with ultramodern equipment and attentive service, events at this Istanbul hotel are guaranteed to be memorable.

Taskonaklar Hotel Named to 2014 Conde Nast Johansen Collection of Luxury Hotels

Historic Taskonaklar Hotel in Cappadocia offers a unique hotel experience with cave suites and Turkish hospitality. The hotel also continues to gain awards from travel media and travel web sites as a unique and special boutique hotel destination.

The hotel has just received several nominations from various reputable organizations / institutions as a luxury boutique hotel:

• Recommended hotel by Conde Nast Johansens in 2013 
• Nominee for Conde Nast Johansens Awards of Excellence 
• World Boutique Hotel Awards, Shortlisted for Inspired design category 
• Winner of Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence 2013 consequently after 2011 and 2012

The Conde Nast Johansens is a leading reference guide for independent travelers compiled by the publishers of Vogue, GQ, Traveller, and Glamour magazines. The guide is designed to single out local hotels designated by local experts as inspired destinations, either as a luxury hotel, spa, country house, boutique retreat, special venue, or for some other occasion. Each property recommended by Conde Nast has been carefully researched and is recommended as a destination that offers an exceptional experience.

Taskonaklar Boutique Hotel, located in Cappadocia, Turkey

“We are delighted to receive recognition from a global travel advisor with the prestige of Conde Nast,” said Tolga Akarcali, hotelier and entrepreneur, owner of Taskonaklar. “We have a naturally beautiful setting in historic Cappadocia, which has already been recognized as a historical site by UNESCO. We strive to augment the natural beauty of the area with a hotel experience that complements the local atmosphere, cuisine, and customs. Being named to the Johansens list is an honor that demonstrates that our hard work is being recognized by our guests.”

In addition to the Johansens listing, Taskonaklar has received Certificates of Excellence in 2011, 2012 and 2013 from TripAdvisor.com, and a nomination for a World Boutique Hotel Award in the inspired design category for 2013.

What makes Taskonaklar such a unique and sought-after destination is its unique location in the hills of Cappadocia and the careful restoration and renovation it has applied over the years to the historic mansions today accommodating hotel’s guests. The rooms are carved from the living rock, and the cave rooms feature fireplaces and amenities such as in-suite massage to promote a relaxing and romantic atmosphere. The eco-friendly hotel relies on local organic farming for freshly fetched ingredients.

See also where to stay in Cappadocia?

Sheraton Samsun hotel in Turkey to open in 2014

Starwood Hotels & Resorts' 11th hotel in Turkey will be opened in city of Samsun. Starwood has signed an agreement with Tanriverdi Mensucat Sanayii A.S. to open the new-build Sheraton hotel in Samsun, Turkey which is scheduled to debut late 2014.

Sheraton Samsun Hotel will be ideally located in the heart of Samsun on the Black Sea coast, three kilometers from the city center and 25 kilometers from Samsun Carsamba Airport. The hotel will feature 200 guest rooms and 20 suites, all with scenic views of the Black Sea. The 29-storey hotel will be the largest hotel and the tallest building in Samsun. The hotel is being designed by Turkish architectural firm, Piramit Mimarlik, together with Istanbul-based interior designer, Kreatif Mimarlik.

The hotel will feature an all-day dining venue, a specialty restaurant, a lobby bar, as well as a rooftop bar and lounge. Sheraton Samsun Hotel is set to become the choice gathering place for business travelers, offering extensive modern meeting and event space, including a grand ballroom, 10 meeting rooms and a business center.

Signature Sheraton experiences will include the all-white Sweet Sleeper® beds, the Sheraton Club Rooms and Lounge, the Link@Sheraton® experienced with Microsoft® and Sheraton Fitness® by Core Performance™, designed exclusively for Sheraton guests through its partner Core Performance. The hotel will also offer the signature Sheraton Shine Spa with 10 treatment rooms, an indoor swimming pool and retail shops.

Home to the largest and busiest Turkish port on the Black Sea, the city of Samsun is positioned to become an important and strategic center for trade, medical and natural gas industries, as well as international and domestic transportation networks.

Samsun is a city of about half a million people on the north coast of Turkey.

Starwood has nine hotels in Turkey under five of its lifestyle brands, including four hotels in Istanbul: Sheraton Istanbul Maslak Hotel, Sheraton Istanbul Atakoy Hotel, W Istanbul and Le Méridien İstanbul Etiler. Outside of Istanbul, Starwood has the Sheraton Cesme Hotel, Resort and Spa, Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Centre, and The Lugal, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Ankara.

Earlier this year, the company entered Bursa with the Sheraton Bursa Hotel and Aloft Bursa Hotel, marking the entry of the fast-growing Aloft Hotels brand into Turkey. Later this year, Starwood will open its 10th hotel in Turkey with the Sheraton Adana Hotel, making Turkey one of the largest markets in Europe for the Sheraton brand.

Grand Hyatt Istanbul and Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet in top 10 best city hotela list in Europe

Two hotels in Istanbul, Grand Hyatt Istanbul and Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, has been voted in the top 10 best hotels in Europe list of Travel + Leisure magazines World's Best Awards 2013.

Grand Hyatt Istanbul has been voted as the 4th best large city hotel in Europe in 2013 by Travel + Leisure readers in World's Best Awards 2013. The luxurious 5-Star hotel in the Sisli district of Istanbul has entered the Top 10 list first time this year. The first 3 hotels in the list are Ritz-Carlton, Berlin (96.00 score), Four Seasons Hotel, Gresham Palace, Budapest (95.52) and Stafford London by Kempinski (94.37).

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet has been in the second position top small city hotels in Europe. The hotel was voted as the best in 2012 awards but pushed to second position by Mandarin Oriental, Munich.

Below are the top 10 small city hotels in Europe in 2013:

RANK	'12	NAME	SCORE
1	6	Mandarin Oriental, Munich	93.25
2	1	Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet	92.65
3	-	Hôtel D'Europe, Avignon, France	91.85
4	2	Milestone Hotel, London	91.82
5	-	Hotel Cipriani, Venice	91.00
6	8	Hotel Hassler Roma, Rome	90.88
7	9	La Mirande, Avignon, France	90.75
8	10	41, London	90.67
8	-	Hotel Helvetia & Bristol, Florence	90.67
10	-	Hotel Lungarno, Florence	90.31

Below are the top large city hotels in Europe 2013:

RANK	'12	NAME	SCORE
1	-	Ritz-Carlton, Berlin	96.00
2	2	Four Seasons Hotel, Gresham Palace, Budapest	95.52
3	14	Stafford London by Kempinski	94.37
4	-	Grand Hyatt Istanbul, Istanbul	93.60
5	-	Augustine Hotel, Prague	93.33
6	-	Hotel Imperial, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Vienna	92.69
7	-	Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, Baden-Baden, Germany	92.67
8	-	The Connaught, a Maybourne Hotel, London	92.36
9	-	Corinthia Hotel, London	92.24
10	-	Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris	92.18

Mandarin Oriental Will Open Luxurious Waterfront Hotel On The Bosphorus In Istanbul

 Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has signed an agreement to manage a luxurious hotel in Istanbul, Turkey. The hotel is scheduled to open in 2016. With Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul will enjoy a prime waterfront location on the banks of the famed strait, in the area of Beşiktaş, one of the city’s oldest and most vibrant neighborhoods. Ideally located for leisure and business travellers, the hotel will be situated close to Istanbul’s financial district as well as many of the city’s famous historical sites such as the Dolmabahçe Palace and Barbarossa’s mausoleum.

The property will feature approximately 130 spacious guestrooms and suites, with expansive outdoor terraces designed to take full advantage the hotel’s panoramic vistas of the Bosphorus, the historic heart of the city and the surrounding green hills.

Designed to become one of the city’s most luxurious properties, the hotel will offer guests and local clientele a wide variety of innovative restaurants and bars with al fresco waterside dining available at many of the outlets. The hotel will also offer expansive banqueting facilities, including a spacious Ballroom and further function rooms ideal for stylish social and business events.

Setting a new standard for holistic wellbeing in the city, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental will offer a choice of deluxe VIP treatment suites, where guests can enjoy Mandarin Oriental’s award winning signature programmes and therapies as well as specifically developed treatments inspired by local traditions.

The Spa will also feature extensive beauty treatments, a Tea Lounge and generous heat and water areas. An indoor swimming pool, large fitness centre with top of the range equipment, as well as a meditation room, will further enhance the hotel’s leisure facilities.

The owner and developer of the project is Astaş Real Estate Investments and Tourism A.Ş, which is also developing Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, Turkey, currently scheduled to open in 2014.

Bosphorus Istanbul, Turkey

Edouard Ettedgui, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental said, “We look forward to introducing Mandarin Oriental’s renowned 21st century luxury with oriental charm to Istanbul. The spectacular location of Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul, underpinned by our Group’s core strengths of design and architecture, holistic spas, innovative dining and legendary service will position the hotel as the most luxurious in this exciting city. It will also perfectly complement our superb resort currently under development on the waterfront in Bodrum.”

“We are delighted to be working with Mandarin Oriental on creating what is set to be the most sophisticated hotel in Istanbul. Mandarin Oriental’s position as one of the world’s leading hotel operators, as well as the Group’s reputation for excellence, matches our vision for this truly stunning site on the banks of the Bosphorus, with its unique location between both Asia and Europe” said Vedat Aşci, Chairman of Astaş Real Estate Investments and Tourism A.Ş.

Straddled between Europe and Asia and steeped in history, Istanbul is considered one of the world’s most exciting destinations. Celebrated as a crossroad between East and West for centuries, the city, which was once known as Constantinople, served as the capital of the Byzantine and then the Ottoman Empire. Istanbul is Turkey’s financial and commercial centre and the city’s colourful history and culture, combined with its stunning setting on the Bosphorus, makes it a unique destination for international travellers.

Luxury hotel Shangri-La Bosphorus opens

Istanbul welcomes its newest luxury hotel this week with the opening of the Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul on 11 May. The opulent 186-room hotel is the second in Europe for Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, which hails from the other city where East famously meets West, Hong Kong. Shangri-La brought its inimitable Asian "hospitality from the heart" to Paris in 2010 to rave reviews and now adds Istanbul to its growing list of international gateway cities.

Set on the European side of the Bosphorus Strait between the Dolmabahce Palace and Naval Museum, Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul overlooks the unfolding panorama of Istanbul's domes and minarets and the green hills of the city's Asian shores.  It is located on the site of a former tobacco warehouse from the 1930s. The warehouse's restored, six-storey Neo-Classical façade and two carefully preserved 150- and 350-year-old Sycamore trees in the courtyard give testament to the past.

Inside, the Shangri-La is a modern oasis. The hotel takes design cues from the glamorous Dolmabahce Palace with swathes of marble, glittering chandeliers and a mix of European, Asian and Turkish design. A grand staircase wends down the hotel's three-storey atrium, transporting guests from the lobby to the elegant ballrooms and other venues below.

Dazzling to behold, the dome-shaped atrium is lit by a natural skylight and massive Bohemian chandelier that rains crystals nearly two storeys.  Also decorating the atrium is  The Garden of Peach Blossoms, a stunning 18-metres-tall silk painting, which was commissioned for the hotel. The hotel showcases more than 1,000 pieces of European and Asian art. One masterpiece, located behind the reception desk, is an exquisite southern China lacquer craft carving depicting a Bosphorus water scene.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts has opened its second hotel in Europe in Istanbul:
Shangri-La Bosphorus

The grand lobby flows into the Lobby Lounge, where classic European bespoke furniture and plush sofas are arranged to create intimate seating areas. Guests can relax to the sound of classical or jazz music and enjoy house-made pastries and more than 100 types of Chinese teas poured by the hotel's tea master.  The adjacent Le Bar is a jewel box set off by a stone wall and serves traditional cocktails and spirits, plus tapas and mezzes.

The hotel plays with both subtle and overt luxury. In guestrooms, the rich teal, crème and caramel colour scheme is elegant and soothing. The hotel's guestrooms are the most spacious in Istanbul (ranging from 42 to 60 square metres), and the majority offer dazzling Bosphorus views. The 186 rooms are outfitted with every amenity expected of a five-star hotel and provide Shangri-La's free high-speed broadband Internet.  Artists from the East and West were engaged to create unique pieces inspired by the Istanbul scenery for the guestrooms, and the bathrooms are decked in dramatic Turkish marble complete with heated floors and Bvlgari bath amenities.

Nearly all of the hotel's 17 suites have private terraces offering beautiful Bosphorus vistas. The ultimate indulgence is the Shangri-La Suite, which has three terraces overlooking the Old City, Asian shores and the Bosphorus Bridge.

On the same level as the lobby is the hotel's speciality restaurant, IST TOO. Set against the backdrop of a Bosphorus view, rose gold floor lamps and spherical ceiling pendants light the restaurant's wide expanse of Turkish marble and custom-made dark chocolate oak furnishings upholstered in hues of taupe, burnt orange and mineral blue. Semi-private dining enclaves are carved out by timber portals, while conker-coloured leather banquettes stretch along the wall seating those who prefer to be in the mix. Matching the vibrant design is an all-day dining menu of world cuisine, including Japanese, Southeast Asian, Mediterranean and Turkish. IST TOO is a feast for the eyes with a sushi bar; vast Wine Salon with full-height, glazed wine cabinets; a noodle station with a Chinese chef pulling noodles, and an open kitchen where chefs cook over the 12-metre grill.

One floor down from IST TOO is the hotel's signature Shang Palace restaurant, where chefs from China prepare delectable Chinese cuisine and carve Peking Duck tableside while the Kung Fu tea master pours tea. Inspired by the sculptural beauty of historical Chinese courtyard chambers, the restaurant unfolds into four contemporary dining chambers. Upon arrival, an inverted "pagoda" structure appears to float overhead. Facing the entrance, a series of curved walls composed of grey marble hand-crafted in shapes of traditional Chinese roof tiles provides drama and texture.

In the main Amber Chamber, curved banquettes and abundant bespoke glass wall lamps set off by full-height book timber shelves and antique gold metallic lattice screens create a sense of intimacy.  On the other side of the reception, the Lacquer Chamber's architectural panels glow with a deep glossy aubergine Chinese Lacquer. The intimate setting is offset against a dramatic wall of angled blocks of solid Arabescato Orobico marble.

The hotel also features CHI, a spa with eight of the most indulgent private spa suites in Istanbul offering Asian and Turkish treatments. The hotel's hammam facilities are extensive, catering to both private groups and individuals. Both the spa and hammam feature Turkish tiles, water features and abundant marble. A health club with sauna, Jacuzzi and steam rooms, and a heated indoor pool are also available to hotel guests.

For more information on Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, please visit www.shangri-la.com.
Rates at the hotel start from €550 excluding breakfast and 18 percent VAT.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, one of the world's premier hotel companies, currently owns and/or manages 80 hotels under the Shangri-La, Kerry and Traders brands, with a room inventory of over 32,000. Over four decades the group has established its brand hallmark of 'hospitality from the heart'. The group has a substantial development pipeline with upcoming projects in mainland China, India, Mongolia, Philippines, Qatar, Sri Lanka and United Kingdom. 

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts to Debut in Istanbul, Turkey

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts today announced a new development in Istanbul, Turkey, scheduled to open in 2016. The 210-room hotel will be joined by branded residences and is part of the Quasar Istanbul complex, a new mixed-use development in the Sisli district, a vibrant neighborhood blending commercial, residential and retail yet situated close to major attractions in the city. The project is being developed through a joint venture between Viatrans - Meydanbey. Viatrans is a Geneva-based company specializing in shipping logistics and insurance as well as commercial real estate.

The Quasar Istanbul complex is in the central business district whose showpiece is the former Mecidiyeköy Liqueur and Cognac Factory. Built in the 1930's on then undeveloped land, the factory was designed by Robert Mallet-Stevens, who with Le Corbusier was among the most influential modern French architects of that era.

Two 41-story towers will sit above a 4-story office podium with fitness facilities and luxury retail stores. The towers will house a Fairmont Hotel and Fairmont Residences as well as Quasar Residences and offices which will be managed by Fairmont. The hotel will feature Fairmont Gold, the brand's hotel within a hotel lifestyle offering, a number of lounges and several restaurants, 2,000 square meters of function space, and a Willow Stream Spa.

The two residences are whole-ownership, private homes and will offer studios, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments and 3-bedroom duplexes. While in residence, owners will have access to a private lounge and a number of services and amenities such as 24-hour concierge, wine cellar, preferred pricing for various hotel offerings including dining, spa and fitness, meeting facilities, hotel guestrooms and more. Owners will also be awarded VIP status and privileges when they travel to any Fairmont hotels or resorts worldwide.

The former distillery, located adjacent to the hotel will undergo a thoughtful restoration echoing the Modern style of its French designer to become a culture, fashion and arts center for special events and exhibits. A verdant urban open space is also planned for the development of a city park and recreation area.

Photo - Emlak Guncel

"Istanbul is an exciting, dynamic city that will appeal to our business and leisure guests," said Jennifer Fox, President, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. "As well as complementing our other developments in the region, it is very exciting to be partnering with Viatrans on this amazing project blending hotel, residential and community space."

Turkey's largest city straddles the Bosphorus one of the world's busiest waterways, and is the country's economic, cultural, and historical heart. Istanbul served as the capital of three distinct empires, including Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, and is located at the edge of Europe and Asia, with one-third of its population living in Asia and its commercial and historical center in Europe. Today it is a thriving tourist and business destination rich with history and natural beauty, home to 13.5 million people in the second-largest metropolitan area in Europe.

Fairmont Quasar, Istanbul is the most recent project to be announced by the brand in the region and joins Fairmont Kyiv, Ukraine; Fairmont Baku, Azerbaijan (2013) and Fairmont Pekin, Moscow (2016).