W Istanbul: About time

Posted in Projects on 13 August, 2015

W Istanbul recently unveiled a stunning new social scene that captures the energy of the cosmopolitan city. Hamish Kilburn explores the outcome of when history meets modern chic…

From the moment guests step foot in the door of W Istanbul, they will experience luxury accommodation like they have never seen it before. Guests enter the property and are immediately ushered through an interactive art installation that mixes light, videos, motion sensors and mirrors; a striking juxtaposition of interior images of iconic Istanbul landmarks and Turkish traditions with modern design. The contemporary concept of merging history and modern-chic designs comes from acclaimed designer Mahmut Anlar. Drawing inspiration from Ottoman art and treasures, the remixed W Lounge exudes an exotic vibe where guests can mix and mingle.

The refresh of W Istanbul also includes a new spacious and stylish Cool Corner Suite on the third floor. The one-bedroom retreat features a separate living room and spectacular Bosphorus River views from the balcony. Challenging conventional boundaries of hotel guestrooms, The Cool Corner Suite can also be combined with a Studio Suite and a Mega Room to create an exclusive area of more than 158sqm where guests can stretch out while enjoying the spectacular river and city views. The rooms feature beautifully carved mirrors, with intricate details that reflect the turkish heritage, which are modernised with with luscious-red backlighting.

The hotel has also introduced a new W Day Spa with two treatment rooms, a Turkish Bath, and hammam jacuzzi. Guests can be pampered before (or after) enjoying the new FIT®  fitness centre, which is located on the third floor. Offering verdant views  bathed in natural daylight, this part of the hotel is refreshing, clean and the perfect workout setting in.

Speaking about the reinvigorated hotel, Christian Hoehn, General Manager of W Istanbul said, “With the reimagining of W Istanbul, we want to be the freshest and hottest destination in this vibrant metropolis. The hotel is set on an historical structure, and we want to remix this context with the cutting-edge, design-led DNA of W Hotels to offer our guests an unforgettable experience in Istanbul.”

“When renovating this historical building, we wanted to continue to reflect its Ottoman past through carefully chosen patterns, furniture and décor while blending this with W Hotels’ cutting-edge identity. That’s why I liked to use the analogy of bringing an American bride to the Ottoman when describing this project,” said Mahmut Anlar.

Located in the centre of the historic Akaretler Row Houses, an upscale neighborhood filled with restaurants, cafes, and design and art galleries, W Istanbul was the first W Hotel to open in Europe and has since been one of the hottest places in the city. Guests staying in one of the hotel’s 140 stylish guestrooms and suites can easily explore the authentic and local area of Besiktas and the chic shopping district of Nisantasi.

www.wistanbul.com.tr