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.

Luxury Yacht Charter Destinations From Marmaris

The most favorite place for yacht charter in Turkey is Southwest Coast known as Turkish Riviera or Turquoise Coast. Along its beautiful coastline there are many luxury yacht charter destinations to visit and explore. A very popular city to begin such relaxing holidays is from the diverse and exciting city of Marmaris. From here, travelers can embark, choosing from an array of itineraries.

Located on the border of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas of Turkey, Marmaris offers much that one can do before or after their luxury yacht charter holidays. Boasting 4 major marinas and a choice port of call by yachtsmen and blue cruise travelers, Marmaris is known to be the gulet heaven of the Carian coast. To see a small selection of yachts and gulets embarking from Marmaris, there is a Yacht Charter Show in the month of May where the harbor is lined with all sorts of yachts of different classes to board and look around.

One reason why blue cruise travelers choose Marmaris for their gulet charter holidays is because of its near proximity to the Dodecanese and Cyclades islands in Greece. The island of Rhodes is a very short cruise away and from there, most itineraries will follow the route to Symi island and Kos.

Symi island visit during 7 night yacht holidays from Turkey

Not limited only to the Greek Islands, the surrounding regions offer plenty of alternatives in routes. Traveling from Marmaris to the Eastern Mediterranean will lead you to discover the quaint and ever so popular port of Gocek and the 12 islands, the splendid city of Fethiye and all the other little bays in between such as Bedri Rahmi and Aga Port. There is also the ancient city of Caunos in the town of Dalyan.

Blue cruise pleasures do not stop there. Gulet cruising to the East will open even more routes to other fantastic destinations. Heading to the west a leading itinerary among travelers is from Marmaris on a 7 nights’ gulet cruise to Bodrum. The special part about this luxury yacht charter destination route also takes you to the islands of Rhodes and Symi as well as the Datca peninsula to see the ancient city of Cnidus (Knidos). Therefore you have the pleasure of seeing not only the magnificent Turkish coastline but also the historic country of Greece along the way.

Marmaris Yacht Marina in the night

Source : 5 Reasons To Choose Luxury Yacht Charter Destinations From Marmaris

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?

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.

Holidays to Turkey Villas Now Offered by Solmar

Luxury villa holiday specialist Solmar Villas has added villas in Turkey to its choice of European destinations – just in time for summer.

Holidaymakers can now choose from a number of holidays to Turkey, in luxury villas, in some of the best Turkey resorts.

Solmar Villas offers luxury villas in Spain, Italy, Cyprus and Tenerife, private villas in Lanzarote, Malta, Mallorca, and villas in Costa del Sol, Italy, Costa Brava, Algarve and Fuerteventura.

Now, Solmar has added holidays in Turkey to its growing list of destinations. “Turkey is an area of spectacular diversity,” explained Julie Blake, managing director of Solmar Villas. “It is a captivating region, where simplicity and sophistication rub shoulders in everyday life. Such endearing qualities are what make this stunning coastline so special, and what first prompted us to explore this dramatic destination.

Solmar Villas specialises in luxury villa holidays in a range of destinations in mainland Spain, as well as offering villas in Menorca, Mallorca, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura. In summer 2013, Solmar Villas added holidays to Turkey to its growing list of destinations. Each luxury villa is hand-picked, and comes with a private pool. Solmar Villas offers a range of villa holiday deals and cheap villa holidays throughout the year.

“Holidays to Turkey can be an educational and eye-opening experience – with rich history dating back thousands of years – or simply a great way to soak up sunshine in stunning surroundings.”

Turkey resorts offer plenty for tourists – with 20 major Lycian sites, including Lycia capital Xanthos, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Tlos, a fortress-topped acropolis offering 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Turkish scenery.

For more adventurous holidaymakers, Turkey is also home to the Saklikent Gorge – the second largest gorge in Europe which is scattered with tea rooms and restaurants; the Pinara, an ancient, mountain-top city above the Xanthos valley; and Letoon, a UNESCO heritage site with a Hellenistic theatre, a nymphaeum dating back to Hardian, and a series of Lycian inscriptions.

From June, luxury villa holiday specialist Solmar Villas will offer holidays at up to 25 different villas in Turkey, near popular Turkey resorts like Kalkan, Gocek, Kayakoy, Bodrum and Islamar.

If architecture, artefacts and adventure don’t suit, holidays in Turkey also offer plenty of relaxing activities. From Turkey’s rugged coastline to its stunning scenery, there’s plenty to sit and look at without breaking sweat.

From June, Solmar Villas will offer holidays at up to 25 different villas in Turkey, near popular Turkey resorts like Kalkan, Gocek, Kayakoy, Bodrum and Islamar.

There will be a mix of high-end luxury villas, specially-selected villas and private villas available. The Villa Selda, in Kalkan, is a great example of the type of villa Solmar has looked for in Turkey.

Villa Selda is just 200m from the beach, and offers great views of the surrounding Turkish landscape. The villa itself has contemporary furnishing, floor-to-ceiling glass windows providing a stunning view, and en suite bathrooms.

All Solmar’s Turkey villas will include air conditioning, Wi-Fi, flat screen televisions, satellite, washing machines, dishwashers, full cooking facilities (including barbecue), and are within walking distance of local shops and amenities.

“Our luxury villas in Turkey offer a great way to explore the region, or simply relax and take in its beautiful landscapes,” Julie added.

“We’ve handpicked some of the best Turkey villas, each with a private pool, to ensure your holidays to Turkey are relaxing, stimulating and memorable.”

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).

Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet Istanbul, Turkey

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet may be one of the best places to stay in Istanbul now but in the first half of the century it was indeed one of the worst! This beautiful sunflower yellow, 4-story building with guard towers enclosing an elegant courtyard was once constructed as a jailhouse in 1918/1919, in the last few years of Ottoman Empire. It has a contemporary concept and housed inmates who were awaiting trial or serving brief sentences. The design of the building is Turkish neoclassical style and it was built in the beginning of the "First National Architecture" period. After housing many inmates, including famous Turkish political political dissidents such as communist leaders Mihri Belli and Hikmet Kivilcimli, poets and writers like Nazım Hikmet, Rıfat Ilgaz, Orhan Kemal , Aziz Nesin and Kemal Tahir, the jail was abandoned on January 25, 1969 and has been neglegted until 1992. The building was later renovated and opened in 1996 as a deluxe hotel of the Toronto-based Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts chain and is now one of the best hotels in Istanbul.

The hotel, which has just 65 bright and comfortable guest rooms and suites, it feels like a luxury and warm boutique hotel although it is a part of a large luxury hotel chain. Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet is very centrally located in old city and is walking distance away from Istanbul's main tourist attractions like Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia,  Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace and offers great walks through the old city.  Hotel is famous for its rooftop bar called St. Sophia Terrace which has a stunning view of old Istanbul, its Ottoman cuisine at Seasons Restaurant.

Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet Rooftop Bar (Hagia Sophia behind) - Source : luxecityguides.com

The only problem is that this hotel, with its price in the range of 800+ USD per night, is quite an expensive place to stay although it will save some taxi money and significant time for leisure tourists. And there is no swimming pool in the hotel. which may not a problem in winter but a quite nice to have in hot Istanbul summers.

Sultanahmet is the old city center and is home to many historic sightseeing of Istanbul. There are many hotels in Sultanahmet catering tourists but you can also choose to look at hotels in Bosphorus, which has a great view especially in spring.

You can check the room prices and availability in Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet here:

Other hotels in Istanbul Sultanahmet (old city) and Istanbul

Hotels in Sultanahmet	... Bosphorus	... and other hotels in Istanbul