Historic Hotels of Istanbul

Istanbul is an ancient and magical city with thousands of years of glorious history. This city is full of old buildings and the texture and historical spirit can still be felt in it. Watching these old buildings and imagining who lived in them is definitely with a strange feeling.

Istanbul is an ancient and magical city with thousands of years of glorious history. This city is full of old buildings and the texture and historical spirit can still be felt in it. Watching these old buildings and imagining who lived in them is definitely with a strange feeling.

 

As you know, Istanbul hotels, like this old city itself, have different stories from the past. Hotel rooms that have hosted guests even for a short time have always witnessed many memories, events and happenings. These historic hotels, which have long hosted famous guests and their mysterious and fascinating stories, continue to operate today and are among the tourist attractions of Istanbul. In the continuation of this article, we will introduce some of the most famous of these historical hotels.

 

Pera Palas

 

When it comes to Istanbul's historic hotels, the first place that comes to mind is undoubtedly the Pera Palas. Opened in 1895, when the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul was called "Pera", it was the first hotel in Turkey to meet European standards with a glorious celebration. The reason for the opening of the hotel was to host guests who came to this city by the famous "Orient Express Train", which was one of the most luxurious trains in the world. Among the most famous guests hosted by the Pera Hotel, are Ernest Hemingway, Agatha Christie and Ataturk.

 

 

Istanbul is one of the best and most beautiful historic cities in Turkey, attracting millions of tourists from around the world each year. If you're looking to book hotels in Turkey online and instantly, especially in Istanbul, you can easily do so. Additionally, you have the option to reserve rooms at historic hotels around Taksim Square in Istanbul, allowing you to dive into the city's rich history and vibrant culture

 

 

The hotel was designed by Alexander Valerie from Istanbul in the architecture style of: Neo-Art, Neoclassical and Orientalism. The Pera Hotel, which was closed for a while, was later reopened by the luxury hotels of Jumeirah, preserving its originality and atmosphere. In this historic hotel, Room 101 is Ataturk's residence and is now preserved as a museum room. Agatha Christie is also said to have written the famous novel "Murder on the Orient Express" in Room 411.

 

When visiting the Pera Palace, do not forget to see the 124-year-old historic elevator. The Dome Hall, Agata Restaurant, Patisserie de Pera and Orient Bars are beautiful places that will take you to the golden years of Istanbul and taste the delicious flavors of all kinds of drinks.

 

Grand Hotel London

 

This hotel, which is located almost in the neighborhood of "Pera Palace", was opened to welcome travelers to the Orient Express. Upon entering the lobby, you will see a six-story building that has almost never changed since it was built; the Grand Hotel London, which has witnessed the turbulent and glorious periods of Istanbul, in the lobby you can see a wooden bar, an antique piano and a variety of interesting objects, and if you go up the stairs to the upper floor, you can see the golden sheets used for decorating along with the red carpet spread out along the way. The end of this staircase (of course you can also use the elevator), leads to the terrace with a magnificent view of the bay. The American author Ernest Hemingway stayed at this hotel in addition to the Pera Palace.

 

Splendid Palace

 

The Splendid Palace is one of the most luxurious buildings in Büyükada and perhaps even Istanbul, with its silver domes and modern red shutters. In the architecture of this hotel, a combination of east and west style with a bright inner courtyard and columns around the courtyard can be seen. The Splendid Palace Hotel opened in 1908 and is arguably the only hotel in Turkey to be a first-class monument that retains its originality and features of its first day.

One of the most important guests of the Splendid Palace Hotel was "Mustafa Kemal Ataturk" at the dinner party in 1929; the hotel has also hosted numerous parties, including the "Republic Party".

When you enter the Splendid Palace Hotel, it is as if you can hear the music of the 1930s and see the guests walking around in the clothes of that period. This hotel offers special accommodation packages for the weekend, but you can even come here just for breakfast or tea. You can even relax and have a coffee in the cafe with red and white cushions and iron chairs on the entrance porch. If you ask the staff, they will show you the magnificent courtyard and lobby with a grand piano.

 

Çırağan Sarayı

 

As great as living in a real palace can be, Çırağan Palace provides just as much satisfaction for its guests. Çırağan Palace, one of the most luxurious hotels in Istanbul, today run by the chained hotel of Kempinski, was built in 1857 during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecit based on the models of Western culture palaces. This hotel, one of the incredible benefits of being located on the shores of the Bosphorus, today hosts many distinguished domestic and foreign guests. Also, the menus prepared in its restaurants reflect the splendor of the Ottoman Empire on special occasions in a unique atmosphere and leave unforgettable memories with the incredible view of the

 

Bosphorus.

 

Four Seasons Sultanahmet Hotel

The history of this hotel, which is located on a peninsula, is slightly different from the previous hotels. In fact, it was first built as a prison in 1919 in the neo-classical style, and even the famous poet Nazım Hikmet was imprisoned there for some time. Then the building changed its use in 1996 and started working as a hotel, and its cells were turned into rooms and the prison yard was turned into a dance hall, so that the past could be forgotten.

Sultanahmet Four Seasons Hotel is located a short distance from the historic beauties of Istanbul, and recently, according to its management, considers the tranquility of the COVID-19 period as an opportunity to start the process of the comprehensive renovation. Hence, the reconstruction process was inspired by the rich cultural heritage design of Istanbul as well as the main story of the hotel. Now the hotel is ready to receive guests with its new design.

 

Fuat Paşa Yalısı

 

This mansion, named after the residence of "Keçecizade Fuat Paşa" during the period of modernization and reform in the political-legal, cultural and social structure of the Ottoman society and in the 19 century, building it was started in 1218 AH (1839), and ending with the term of the first constitution in 1876. It was built in the 18th century in the Büyükdere, one of the most beautiful parts of the Bosphorus, and was used for a time as a residence place, which was finally renovated in the 1930s, during the Republican era and used as a hotel.

The hotel, which has been operating as the Fuat Paşa Hotel since 1991, combines Ottoman architecture with modern management and hosts its guests. Its mesmerizing atmosphere is like a story, making it a popular place for couples who want to start their life in a special place.