Raffles Istanbul — lostwithlina.com

When it comes to legendary luxury hotels, you know you’re in good company when you’ve chosen a Raffles brand Hotel.

As a soaring beacon above the Bosphorus, Raffles Istanbul is an oasis of beauty and serenity amidst the chaos of the buzzing city surrounding it. Raffles is the perfect embodiment of a new perspective on a timeless city; channelling the city’s Byzantine charm and mystery with gorgeous views from almost every guest room and luxe Turkish elements woven throughout the fabric of the hotel.

First impressions of this city high-rise is that it is remarkably impressive. From the limpid pools in the lobby to the spectacular crystal chandeliers, marble, mosaics, and massive Neoclassical faience wall panel; Raffles Istanbul is a fusion of dazzling interiors, contemporary design and true luxury, predominantly designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates. The 181-room hotel, perched atop one of the seven hills of Istanbul, overlooks the Bosphorus on the European side and features two swimming pools, a signature 3000 sqm Raffles spa, a speciality restaurant ISOKYO, a 24-hour butler service for each hotel guest, along with a full collection of original artwork.

The hotel is festooned with a large collection of contemporary art, based on "the dream of Istanbul" concept. Perhaps the most mesmerising piece is Dolmabahce by Parisian photographer Jean-Francois Rauzier, an enormous fantastical photographic composition inspired by the city's ornate, Ottoman Empire-era Dolmabahce Palace, with the artwork having been specially commissioned for Raffles’ generous-sized lobby lounge.

Set in the central Beşiktaş neighbourhood on the European side, Raffles Istanbul is located above the Zorlu Centre. A well established symbol of the affluent, cosmopolitan side of this ancient city, the Zorlu Centre is a striking, modern-day bazaar filled with designer boutiques and restaurants. As you pull up to the driveway, the retail setting might make you fear that the hotel will seem generic or contrived, but thankfully, Raffles Istanbul buzzes with locals and visitors, and Raffles’ signature service infuses the place with warmth and top-notch hospitality. Never, in all of our travels, have we been so amazed by the welcome we received, than what we experienced here at Raffles Istanbul. Our Suite was filled with wonderful surprises, such as the balloons with images of us attached to the strings that were hanging above the kingsized bed; the personalised bottles of negroni, the handbag and shoes made of chocolate and the Turkish tea set that was gifted to us. Raffles Istanbul truly went above and beyond.

LOCATION & HOW TO GET HERE

From the moment we touched down in Istanbul, we were provided with the extravagant Raffles VIP transfer service from the airport to the Hotel, which was unlike anything we have experienced before. We were collected by airport staff as soon as we disembarked the plane and were escorted through the airport, bypassing all queues, until we reached our 7 Series BMW which delivered us to Raffles Istanbul. This is a service that can be arranged through the hotel upon booking your stay and I would highly recommend it.

Raffles Istanbul rises above a vibrant business district that offers a genuine slice of contemporary Turkey; yet the historic old quarter, its skyline of domes and minarets visible from the hotel is only a few stops away on the M2 metro. The hotel is located on the European side of Istanbul, a mere five-minute drive to the Bosphorus and around 30km away from Istanbul International Airport. Guests at the hotel can enjoy being close to various recreational sites, such as the Zorlu Performing Arts Center, ozdilek Park, Bosphorus Bridge, Dolmabahce Palace and the Dolmabahce Clock Tower.

GETTING AROUND

Given its location, and Istanbul’s dreadful traffic, the best and fastest way to traverse the city is by public transport; with connections to the majority of the city, including the Old Town and the airport, being available in the Zorlu Centre. If you’re feeling impulsive and are in a real rush, Raffles does have its own helipad. We found the best way to get around the city was by Uber. I had read about the app BiTaksi being a popular means of transport around the city; but we tried it once and found it rather difficult to use and to communicate with the drivers.

LUXURY SUITES & ACCOMMODATION

All 181 guest rooms (including 49 suites) offer a contemporary feel with local flair, and have been decorated in soft tones of cream and brown with a distinct touch of Turkish turquoise. The carpets have been exclusively hand-woven for Raffles, and even the laundry bags have been embroidered with turquoise patterns.

While the interior decor of the rooms is restrained and modern, there are opulent splashes of pattern, texture and colour, adding warmth and ambience - as well as swish touches of modern technology, such as the espresso machines and tablet that lets you control everything, from adjust the lighting to ordering room service. To add to the luxury, the rooms are remarkably spacious, with even the entry-level Deluxe category rooms coasting walk-in closets and all enjoy service from a dedicated butler.

We were allocated one of Raffles Istanbul's 21 lavishly-equipped Horizon Suites for our three-night stay. With a wraparound balcony, floor to ceiling views offering panoramic views of the historic city and waterway, an in-mirror TV within the bathroom that’s swathing in marble, a library, a unique custom made mural as a bedhead behind an enormous king-size body-moulding mattress; I mean, surely this Suite has to be rated one of the world's best hotel rooms.

THE ULTIMATE SPA SESSION

The spa and wellness facilities at Raffles Istanbul are outstanding, so be sure to block out time during your stay to enjoy a treatment. Spread out over 32,300-square-feet, the spa is among the largest and well known in the city. With three Turkish hammams, nine treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, a fitness studio and gym, hair and nail salons, a water area with everything from, saunas and steam rooms to ice fountains and vitality pools; this place is a wellness wonderland.

CULINARY HIGHS

As the city where Europe meets Asia, the dining options at Raffles Istanbul certainly echo this. The recently launched ISOKYO is already known as a hotspot for Istanbulites. The restaurant features a pan-Asian menu inspired by Eastern traditions that span from Istanbul to Tokyo, hence the name ISOKYO. We were fortunate enough to try the set degustation menu which offers a wide selection of delicious Asian dishes, from tempura prawn tacos and bao bun sliders to pan fried gyoza dumplings and soy glazed beef tenderloin. It makes me salivate just reminiscing about it.

In addition to ISOKYO, there is the Italian-theme Rocca Brasserie, along with Lavinia, the hotel's main lounge and a popular destination for high tea. No Raffles experience is complete without a drink or two at the Long Bar, a tribute to the legendary bar of the first Raffles hotel in Singapore. Here the signature cocktail is the Bosphorus Sling, a local twist on the timeless Singapore Sling.

WHAT TO KNOW

LOCATION: The location is a little out of the way (especially if you like to explore on foot), but it makes the hotel all the more a sanctuary after a day spent exploring the frenetic city.

BUTLER SERVICE: All guests are assigned a personal butler. Service is attentive without being obsequious.

FOR THE FOODIES: You must not leave Raffles Istanbul without having a meal at ISOKYO. You can thank me later.

SPA: Don’t miss a chance to indulge in the swish spa. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, four saunas, four steam rooms, Jacuzzis and three hammams, so come early before your hot stone massage.

PARKING: There is free parking available on-site.

Visit https://www.raffles.com/istanbul/ to check their availability or visit their Instagram page @rafflesistanbul.

I was hosted as a guest of Raffles Istanbul, however, all the opinions expressed in this article are, as always, my own.