Istanbullux Suites, Luxury 5* Hotel

Location:
The suites are located on a quiet street in Galata, a historic and bohemian district in central Istanbul. Galata is just above the Bosphorus, with easy access to Beyoglu and ferry piers, and linked to Sultanahmet by bridge and tram.

Istanbullux Suites is a charming hotel in Istanbul. It sits quietly on the Golden Horn, connected to the bustling historic quarter by Galata Bridge. This trendy up-and-coming area boasts an eclectic mix of restaurants and bars, whilst providing easy access across the bridge to the Blue Mosque and vibrant Grand Bazaar. Istanbul Ataturk Airport is a 20-minute taxi ride away and there is a transfer service.

This boutique hotel’s award-winning facade invites guests into cool, contemporary interiors. Attentive staff deliver a highly personalised service including guided tours, reservations and recommendations. Start the day with a sumptuous breakfast in the lobby before setting out to explore this fascinating Turkish city.

Rooms:
There are 6 identical suites - 2 on each floor. Each is a mirror image of its neighbour, with plenty of floor space and natural light. The concrete floors, glass walls and exposed metalwork are distinctly contemporary, while dashes of gold, swirling artwork and cushions in sumptuous velvets and silks give a nod to Istanbul’s Ottoman grandeur. The building’s slatted wooden shell keeps the unforgiving sun at bay, and shutters offer privacy from any nosy neighbours.

All suites have a large open-plan living area with a couple of sofas (which can be used as additional beds), a sleek-looking kitchenette, and a breakfast bar and stools. A huge bookshelf divides this space from the bedroom, which is set at the back for a peaceful night’s sleep. The kingsize or twin beds are ideal for flopping out after a hard day of sightseeing (or night of partying!), and there are floor cushions for lounging. The bedrooms also incorporate an open-fronted glass shower, a double-size smooth concrete sink with Molton Brown products, and a frosted-glass toilet cubicle.

Guests will feel at home in Hotel Istanbullux amid a fusion of design and hospitality. There are just 6 deluxe suites that feature high-arched ceilings and rich wooden furnishings dressed in soft, opulent fabrics. Kitchenettes offer luxury living in the middle of the city, and should they wish, guests are given the opportunity to purchase some of the exquisite items that adorn the hotel.

Dining:
The suite kitchenettes have basic facilities for rustling up snacks: fridge, hob, kettle, toaster, Nespresso machine, dishwasher, crockery and cutlery. Complimentary tea, coffee and bottled water is provided, and there’s a local supermarket just around the corner for other supplies, but Istanbul is all about eating out, so you probably won’t self-cater.

Either way, a good buffet-style breakfast is included in the rates. It’s served at a communal table in the downstairs lobby, which also doubles as a lounge area displaying local crafts (all available to buy). Chilled music creates a nice, gentle start to the day, and cake stands are filled with a huge array of Turkish sweets, pastries, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes and various local breads (the spinach bread was excellent). Coffee and tea are served to order by the friendly staff.

There are a couple of funky bohemian cafés just around the corner for a caffeine fix or sweet Turkish tea (plus delicious cakes). You’re also well-positioned for some excellent restaurants. We ate at Kiva Han on the buzzy square directly underneath Galata Tower - a beautiful spot for an alfresco evening meal, with the tower walls lit by the moonlight and locals chatting away until the small hours. It has some good-value local dishes - spiced minced lamb, cheese-stuffed vine leaves, spinach and yoghurt sauce, Japanese plums stuffed with lamb, tomatoes and onions - and makes a great introduction to Turkish cuisine.

Another local restaurant which comes highly recommended is Karakoy Lokantasi, which offers up age-old Ottoman dishes in a blue-and-white-tiled 1930s dining room. It’s very popular (and, to our disappointment, closed on Sundays), so be sure to ask reception to book you a table.

HOTEL SERVICES & AMENITIES:
Air conditioning, Private parking, Reception, WiFi, Babysitting service, Airport transfer.

Taxes:
- Included in the Total Price: VAT 8%.
(Figures are indicative and may be subject to change at the hotel)
- Extra adult: extra bed USD 41.42/night Extra child, 12 years & under : extra bed USD 41.42/night Extra infant, 2 years & under : free

Hotel Policy:
Check-in: 13h, Check-out: 12h, 24-hour reception.

Prices: from EUR 145,- 

Hotel Information:
Istanbullux Suites
www.istanbullux.com
Müeyyedzade Mh.  Tatar Beyi Sk No:25, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: +90 212 293 2141

Find them on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/IstanbulluxSuites