W Istanbul
Suleyman Seba Cad No: 22 • Akaretler, Beşiktaş
One of many fine distinguishing characteristics about the W brand is its unashamed lack of cultural authenticity. Ws are a recognition that what's important when traveling is a base of good design, gourmet food, and a place to partayy - and that not everyone wants to spend their nights at some quasi museum or art exhibition, or a plain and impersonal box. But it's even better when design hotels go one step further and attempt to reinvent, rejuvenate and reinterpret local culture. Beyond merely incorporating some aspects of the host culture, the W Istanbul is whimsical style meets Ottoman Empire chic.
Situated amongst designer shopping in the fasionable district of Besiktas, the W Istanbul is adjacent to the iconic Akaretler Row which comprises high end boutiques, such as Jimmy Choo, Paul Smith, Marc Jacobs, Mandarina Duck amongst others. Perfect for shopaholics like myself! Nightlife in Taksim and more shopping in Nisantasi are a mere < 10 minutes' drive away, whilst a 15-20 mins cab ride takes you to various cultural attractions in Sultanahmet.
Because the W Istanbul is part of a restored complex, the Aklaretler Row Houses – there aren’t any vast public spaces. Instead, the Welcome Desk and Whatever/Whenever Desks, the W Lounge (what the Living Room is called here) and the in-house restaurant Jean Georges’ Spice Market are each housed in different rooms quite separate from each other. Complimentary internet in the W Lounge as well as the ground floor. The distinct spaces detracts from the overall iconic W atmosphere somewhat as you don’t feel like you’re immediately walking into happening party central upon entering, OTOH it has a rather cozy and intimate boutique hotel feel to it. YMMV.
Welcome Desk/ground floor foyer
Whatever/Whenever
Suleyman Seba Cad No: 22 • Akaretler, Beşiktaş
One of many fine distinguishing characteristics about the W brand is its unashamed lack of cultural authenticity. Ws are a recognition that what's important when traveling is a base of good design, gourmet food, and a place to partayy - and that not everyone wants to spend their nights at some quasi museum or art exhibition, or a plain and impersonal box. But it's even better when design hotels go one step further and attempt to reinvent, rejuvenate and reinterpret local culture. Beyond merely incorporating some aspects of the host culture, the W Istanbul is whimsical style meets Ottoman Empire chic.
Situated amongst designer shopping in the fasionable district of Besiktas, the W Istanbul is adjacent to the iconic Akaretler Row which comprises high end boutiques, such as Jimmy Choo, Paul Smith, Marc Jacobs, Mandarina Duck amongst others. Perfect for shopaholics like myself! Nightlife in Taksim and more shopping in Nisantasi are a mere < 10 minutes' drive away, whilst a 15-20 mins cab ride takes you to various cultural attractions in Sultanahmet.
Because the W Istanbul is part of a restored complex, the Aklaretler Row Houses – there aren’t any vast public spaces. Instead, the Welcome Desk and Whatever/Whenever Desks, the W Lounge (what the Living Room is called here) and the in-house restaurant Jean Georges’ Spice Market are each housed in different rooms quite separate from each other. Complimentary internet in the W Lounge as well as the ground floor. The distinct spaces detracts from the overall iconic W atmosphere somewhat as you don’t feel like you’re immediately walking into happening party central upon entering, OTOH it has a rather cozy and intimate boutique hotel feel to it. YMMV.
Welcome Desk/ground floor foyer
Whatever/Whenever
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Dark hallways are much more hip and funkier. I totally dig the hallways at places like the W Istanbul and the W NY-Union Square.
