Sumahan Hotel

Istanbul, Turkey

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OVERVIEW

This spectacular former Ottoman distillery was transformed by Mark and Nedret Butler into a boutique retreat back in 2005. Located on the Bosphorus Straits, which divide Europe from Asia, the establishment comes complete with a spectacular waterfront and Istanbul skyline views.

Sumahan’s small size and location lends a unique feeling of privacy and tranquility. The original building that today houses Sumahan was constructed in 1875. The name of the property comes from its use as a distillery that originally produced suma, the basis of the Ottoman liquor Raki.

The minimalist design of the hotel and its rooms incorporates materials like marble and stone that merge delightfully with exposed beams and underscore the Butlers’ architectural talents, extending to the twenty smart, modern rooms, all of which enjoy unique decor, waterfront views and either a fireplace or - in the case of the several twin level suites – a Bosphorus-side garden. (Hamam fans will love the fact that many rooms also come with their own Turkish-style baths).

Large windows means the rooms are usually flooded with light during the day - if your room is one that looks across the glistening waters of the straits you’ll immediately understand why The Guardian chose the Sumahan as the only hotel amongst their pick of Istanbul’s Five Best Waterside Views.

Apart from the Sumahan’s obvious visual allure, the hotel also offers guests an array of enticing facilities. There’s an extensive and cultured library featuring books on local art and history; a public computer gives free internet access to guests; and the expansive waterfront terrace is a fantastic place to enjoy the hotel’s traditional cuisine – the lush continental breakfasts will set you up for the day, while the award-winning Kordon restaurant serves very good seafood and Mediterranean cuisine at lunchtimes and evenings.

And while the hotel is deliberately set away from Istanbul’s pulsating center, you can immerse yourself easily and quickly via a ferry and/or taxi. Or you can explore Çengelköy, the village closest to the hotel, which exudes an authentic neighorhood atmopshere with its charming wooden houses, fish restaurants and seaside promenades. The village is not only well known for its fruit orchards and market gardens, but also boasts the royal palace where the last Ottoman Sultan was raised.

Whatever your sightseeing itinerary, you’ll be happy to know the hotel has a compact but bijou spa offering everything from four-handed massages to aromatherapy.

HOTEL FACILITIES

  • Internet access

  • Library

  • Meeting room

  • Private tennis court

  • Transportation

HOTEL Detail

  • Summary:

    This spectacular former Ottoman distillery was transformed by Mark and Nedret Butler into a boutique retreat back in 2005.

  • Property Type:

    ----

  • Location:

    Istanbul, Turkey

  • Nearest Airport:

    35 km from Atatürk and Sabiha Gökçen Airports