Istanbul’s Top Sights - Istanbul - page 337

BOSPHORUS NIGHTS
If you're in İstanbul to relax rather than indulge in an orgy of sightseeing, you should consider stay-
ing in one of a growing number of glam boutique hotels in the Bosphorus suburbs. Most of these are
housed in painstakingly restored yalıs (waterside timber mansion), have chic fitouts and offer excel-
lent restaurants. They're a long way from the sights of Sultanahmet and the entertainment district of
Beyoğlu, but are perfect places for a romantic retreat. Our two favourites are the elegant Sumahan
on the Water OFFLINE MAP ( 216-422 8000; www.sumahan.com ; Kuleli Caddesi 51, Çen-
gelköy; r €175-325, ste €225-615; ; 15. 15F & 15P from Üsküdar) and the stylish
A'jia ( 216-413 9300; www.ajiahotel.com ; Cubuklı Caddesi 27, Kanlıca; r €150-320, ste
€300-470; ; Kanlıca, 15, 15F, 15P from Üskudar) . Both are located on the Asian
side of the strait and have waterside terraces, in-house bar/restaurants and hotel launches to transport
guests across the water; Sumahan also has a hamam.
Beyoğlu
| BOUTIQUE HOTEL
WITT ISTANBUL HOTEL $$$
OFFLINE MAP
( 212-293 1500; www.wittistanbul.com ; Defterdar Yokuşu 26; ste €160-390; ; To-
phane) Showcasing nearly as many designer features as an issue of Monocle magazine, this
stylish apartment hotel in the trendy suburb of Cihangir has 18 suites with fully equipped
kitchenettes, seating areas, CD/DVD players, iPod docks, Nespresso machines, king-sized
beds and huge bathrooms. Penthouse and Sea View suites have fabulous views. The hotel
is conveniently located near the Tophane tram stop.
| BOUTIQUE HOTEL
BEŞ ODA $$
OFFLINE MAP
( 212-252 7501; www.5oda.com ; Şahkulu Bostan Sokak 16, Galata; ste €85-150; ;
Karaköy, then funicular to Tünel) The name means 'Five Rooms', and that's exactly what this
stylish and friendly suite hotel in bohemian Galata is offering. A great deal of thought has
gone into the design here - each suite has an equipped kitchenette, lounge area, custom-