Istanbul: New Luxe Hotels in a World Class City

Just returned from Istanbul and spent a full day inspecting boutique hotels that had opened since my last stay, as well as two new 5 star properties, the Four Seasons Bosphorus and the Park Hyatt. Istanbul becomes more exciting and sophisticated every year. So many different neighborhoods from the historical Sulthanamet to the fashionable district of Nisantasi. This time, we crossed one of the spectacular suspension bridges and visited the Asian shores of this metropolis. There we found two delightful small hotels on the water that give you more of a seaside holiday experience while still be a short ride by boat to the heart of the city on the European side: Sumahan and A'jia.

Sumahan still reflects it's former life as a distillery, with a trendy industrial feel to the lobby, and 20 sleek rooms all with views of the Bosphorus below, and fireplaces to warm you in winter.Their private yacht goes back and forth 3 times daily to the Europe side. A delightful place for a fall weekend at the end of your Greek Island cruise.

A'jia has the architecture of the many old traditional wooden villas that line this side of the waterway and was in fact a pasha's palace in days past. A lovely terrace fronts this hotel which has been converted into 16 contemporary rooms. For good value and a cool view, try the ones on the top floor with their own terraces.
Next report: Les Ottomans and The W!