Witt Istanbul Hotel, Istanbul

Hotel Introduction
Investor Tuncel Toprak spent years tracking down the right location for his first hotel project – Witt Istanbul Hotel. He finally settled on a corner block in Cihangir. In spring 2008 this former headquarters of Ogilvy & Mather was nipped, tucked and stylishly reshaped into a luxurious all-suites property, showcasing furnishings from designers around the world.

From the outside, Witt Istanbul Hotel’s traditional Turkish sandstone facade looks like a nondescript apartment block. But kitted out exclusively in bespoke furniture by Autoban, Turkey’s top interior designers, and with bathroom and mini-bar fixtures from Ross Lovegrove, Witt Istanbul Hotel is far from ordinary. The end result is domestic luxury rather than hotel swank. The non-chain, non-banded 17 suite luxury boutique hotel is diminutive, discreet and designer without being garishly so. It all makes for the perfect pied-a-terre in the vibrant Beyoglu neighborhood.

Dining
Witt Istanbul home cooked breakfast consists of local organic or at least chemical free products. No efforts are spared to serve guests the highest quality available. For example, all jams are handmade and honey originates from Bodrum. Choices range from Turkish standbys to more international fare including dry cereals, a range of egg dishes, breads, pastries and fresh seasonal fruits.

With some of Istanbul’s finest restaurants literally only minutes from the hotel and a handful even within walking distance, there is no need for an on-site restaurant. The front desk will be happy to recommend restaurants in the neighborhood or farther afield, and make reservations or arrange to have dinner delivered to your room.

Hotel Features
The 17 generously proportioned, open-plan airy suites feel more like loft apartments than standard hotel rooms. All suites are 60 square meters (600 square feet) and showcase hip retro-modern design, yet come with the price tag of a small room in a standard hotel. They are sparkling and snazzy, yet so seductively comfortable you may find yourself staying in.

Every conceivable comfort has been considered. Laser-cut perforated floral motif walls and pale marble juxtaposed with black tile, hardwood floors, organic wood furnishings, plywood Magnolia lights, king-size wardrobes, a boxy leather sofa, a rocking chair for lounging, and mirrored well-stocked kitchenettes equipped with a Nespresso machine and microwave create a luxury loft vibe.

Location
The Witt Istanbul Hotel is situated on a steep hill in Cihangir, a trendy neighborhood with a bohemian flair. Its narrow streets are home to a thriving arts scene and a jumble of local designer boutiques, trendy cafés and some of the finest restaurants in the city – all within walking distance from the hotel. It also offers magnificent views of the skyline’s domes and spires – even better than being in the shadow of them. It’s a bustling gentrified quarter only Istanbul insiders know about and the ideal spot if you want to experience what it is like to ‘live’ among the locals.

Cihangir offers an oasis of calm in this bustling city, without being isolated from all the action. Most of Istanbul’s main tourist attractions are just 5-10 minutes away from the Witt Istanbul Hotel. It’s within walking distance of famous spots such as Taksim Square, Istiklal Caddesi and Istanbul Modern. The Sultanahmet quarter – with among others the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern – can be equally quickly reached by a short tram or taxi ride.

Contacts
Defterdar Yokusu 26 - Istanbul - 34433 - Turkey

Tel: (+90) 212 293 1500
Fax: (+90) 212 310 2494