T
his fancy baroque pile, which opened last summer, is a handsome 19th century remnant of the “belle epoque” of Beyoğlu. It was named after musician Giuseppe Donizetti, older brother of the famous Italian composer Gaetano Donizetti. Known in Turkey as Donizetti Pasha, Giuseppe came to Istanbul to teach European music to the Ottoman band and to members of Sultan Mahmut II’s family. He never left. He had no connection with the building itself, but lived in the same street. The neo-classical interior design avoids excessive flourishes. It is quite restrained. The entrance, in particular, has been left quite bare to avoid drawing attention away from the grandeur of the structure. The hotel boasts an inviting spa with an art nouveau decor. Its restaurant, called Kalamata, specializes in Rumelian and Balkan cuisine. A jazz bar and a North Shield pub also figures among the hotel’s attractions.
Facilities:traditional architecture • phone in room • tv in room • AC in room • open off season • credit cards accepted
Location:in the city • in a historical setting
Restaurant:Mediterranean cuisine • Italian cuisine • Meals served on request • Vegetarian cuisine • Seafood cuisine
Child policy:children welcome
Net connection:available everywhere • free of charge
Activities:spa/turkish bath • sauna