Istanbul in last years started to challenge Rome as tourists collector, it is not only a famous and big Turkish city, but it is a fascinating and mysterious city. It has a European and an Asian sides and it is able to attract each type of visitor with its history and culture. I really love Istanbul and in each trip I go deep in my knowledge with it, but there is always something new to discover.
Walking inside the Grand Bazaar among the sellers and to discuss with them about prices, contemplate the Galata Tower, enter in Blue Mosque or go around in the dark of Basilica Cistern full of water and ancient columns has no price. Everyone should go to Istanbul at least once in their life. Luxury, sometimes even exagerate is never missing, especially related to hotels.
One of my favourites hotels in Istanbul is Four Seasons Hotel Itstanbul at Sultanahmet. It is an Ottoman building, really a great example of the traditional architecture. It was used, till Sixties, as a prison, then in Nineties it became a five stars hotel. The location is perfect for the view, that is impossible to have in any other place, maybe except the Topkapi.
From one side you can see the mouth of the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara and from behind there is the Blue Mosque, but it is easy to discover Hagia Sophia watching better, even if the view hide it a bit. The walking distance with the main attractions of the city. The elegant setting of the hotel is the leitmotiv of all the structure, starting from the entrance, where the Ottoman style shows marbles, local tiles, woods and Venetian glass.
The western modern equipment is the perfect added value to give to the rooms and the different spaces inside the hotel the maximum comfort for guests. The design of the guests’ rooms is very well combined with a big space. In some cases there are nice balconies, from where to see the marvellous view and the bathrooms are a good example of luxury with large tubs and separate showers.
The breakfast, served under a tent in the courtyard is really superb, prepard with high quality ingredients, among them it is possible to taste specialities from Anatolian area. The restaurant on the roof is perfect for a great dinner, but in this case the guests can also choose to move along the Bosphorus where there is the other Four Seasons Hotel with a first-class restaurant, well known in Istanbul for the seafood.
The service offered by the staff is impeccable, as requested by the international standards of the hospitality. Enjoy the beautiful Turkish ciry staying in a prima class hotel is for sure easier.
Anasa