T
his is Ali Babas treasure house doubling up as a hotel: a fantastic menagerie of oriental kilims, antique armchairs, calligraphic plates, bronze candle stands, old Turkish door panes and a piano that fills the maze-like recesses of two historic townhouses. The lobby is lit by a thousand and two individually crafted lamps of antique glass - one better than the proverbial nights. Best of all it has grown organically, and the slick touch of the designer is nowhere to be felt.
The owners are three marvellously smooth brothers whose collective CV includes many years of dealing in antiques and carpets, an engineering degree, an officers commission with the Turkish army and three years experience in an Australian circus. They speak English and Japanese and several other languages fluently, play a mighty backgammon, and are disarmingly gallant toward their guests.
The hotel is located at the heart of exotic Istanbul - opposite the Hagia Sophia and above the Yerebatan cistern, a 6th century underground reservoir held aloft by more than 300 marble columns.
Facilities:credit cards accepted • traditional architecture • nice garden • phone in room • AC in room • internet present • open off season
Location:in the city • in a historical setting
Restaurant:Mediterranean cuisine • Italian cuisine • Custom • Southeastern cuisine • Seafood • Vegetarian
Child policy:children welcome
Net connection:free of charge • available everywhere
Activities:guided tour
Last review
Many many quality potins there.