If you ever decide to visit the city of seven hills, the perfect times are between mid-May and late-June. That is when Istanbul starts preparing for the hot summer days. The famous Bosphorus trees called Ergüvan blossom with all their strenght, displaying some of the most beautiful pink and white flowers in the world.
All the outdoor nightclubs and the restaurants with outside terraces are just beginning to welcome their first customers. Here are my hotel recommendations from my hometown:
1. Radisson SAS Ortaköy
This considerably small (compared to other immense luxury hotels in Istanbul) hotel opened up recently in one of the oldest, yet still the most popular neighborhoods in Istanbul. Ortaköy, which directly translates to “Middle Village” stands as its name suggests in the middle of all the social beat on the European side of the city. You shouldn’t be fooled by the cheap and convenient image of Radisson in North America. Unlike its American relatives, this hotel is decorated with luxury and finished with modern touches. It stands right next to the Bosphorus saluting one of the two bridges that connect the European side with the Asian side. It is a walking distance away from famous restaurants such as House Cafe and Xuma Restaurant (yes the one from London) that just opened up. It is also two doors away from one of the most popular house music nightclubs in Istanbul called Anjelique.
2. Çırağan Kempinski
If you can afford a more expensive stay and are looking for all the best features a luxury hotel can provide you with, Çırağan is the place you are looking for. Also located in Ortaköy , this immense five-star hotel is named after the Çırağan Palace, which served the rulers of the Ottoman Empire. The hotel is actually connected with the palace, which was renovated a few years ago after a big fire that completely destroyed its interiors. Now the palace houses some of the most exclusive weddings, conferences in the city and also welcomes wealthy individuals who can afford the few suites located inside. Definitely a fan of the outdoor pool at this hotel.
3. Les Ottomans
If you are ready to pay even a little more than Çırağan and are looking for an all-exclusive, small luxurious palace right next to the Bosphorus, Les Ottomans is the hotel for you. This hotel of less than 10 guestrooms was fully completed in 2007 and welcomed international fame such as Kevin Costner, Paris Hilton and Kylie Minogue. The owner of the hotel and its land initially wanted to build herself a private residence, but when she couldn’t get the approval from the government, she came up with the idea of Les Ottomans. She resides on the top floor of the hotel.
