Istanbul is a wild city, rich in culture, history and night life and the only city in the world that straddles two continents, divided in two parts with such contrasting flavor. In Istanbul you can choose to accommodate yourself in an ex-palace of the Ottoman Empire, as well as an ex-prison. Istanbul can satisfy any tasteful or financial preferences. The starred hotels are from the 19th century. Recently, a lot of ancient buildings have been turned into hotels, which is why they do not provide a lift for example. They are called “special license hotels” and they also come in all varieties of space, luxury and price. Their standards are usually high.
All hotels in Istanbul are comfortable and affable. Reception usually speaks English. There is an air of Turkish hospitability unrivaled in the world. The hotel owners are available for advice and whims, some of them are archeologists, some of them guides, all of them – wells of wisdom on many aspects of the Turkish traditions and Istanbul life.
There are pretty, little Istanbul hotels, unusual hotels in which each room has its own atmosphere with unique décor, and breakfast is served on the terrace with a glorious view. Jasmine, Honeysuckle and Rose are actually hotel houses, painted with pastel colors, wherein you are welcome to reside. Decorations like frescos and ornate elements are almost always featuring the so-called Turkish blue color, which is such a good match with any nuance of yellow. All around the hotels are these friendly, faultlessly costumed men, with their smiles and willingness to serve the visitors to their best sojourn. Gem floors welcome your feet, rich arcs adorn the corridors, and red flowers give their warm welcome at the window panes. There is a huge fireplace in the restaurant, which serves international. In the spa center it feels like you are bathing in a sort of Turkish Louvre, with all this art on the walls and light coming as if from everywhere, while you are dipping yourself in the warm waters. In the gardens there are bushes of all sorts, nicely trimmed and well-maintained. The conference room has painted glass. All around are the traditional Turkish symbols used in the ornaments on the floor. Rooms are contemporary and with attractive furniture.
There is a cheep guesthouse, the backpacker’s heaven – resembling a dormitory full of other tired and friendly tramps. There is a small welcoming hotel for little girls, that is designed like a doll’s house with pretty, Barbie colors and light furniture. There is a hotel in which Empress Zoe allegedly lived, with a pastoral garden – it contains the remains of a bath built in the 15th century. Some rooms have balconies with sea and mosque panoramas. Some are furnished with rich textiles, carpets and wooden floors. In one of Istanbul hotels there are great live music shows, exhibitions and recurring tango evenings – probably the best kept secret in Istanbul.
Istanbul is the ideal place to spoil yourself. It’s subtle as a palace, frenetic like a lion and heady like red wine. Many things are pleasant for the soul, but Istanbul pleases it well.
