FOUR SEASONS I S t AN b U l A t S U lt ANA hm E t

An intimate retreat of just 65 rooms and suites located in a former prison in the centre of Istanbul’s Old Town – this is what you call a unique hospitality experience. Hadag stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet to take in all of the property’s neo-classical glory…

THIS THREE-STOREY, neo-classic building wraps around a landscaped, courtyard garden – formerly the prisoners’ exercise yard – and neighbours some of the city’s most impressive historical monuments. The UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Topkapi Palace, Haghia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are just a couple of minutes stroll from the Hotel. In keeping with this privileged location, the Hotel’s interiors and decoration pay homage to the city’s rich Ottoman heritage. Shuttered windows and arched doorways open to reveal well-lit, uncluttered spaces; decorative Ottoman artefacts and antique rugs are incorporated amongst neoclassical furniture and welcoming Turkish sofas. The result is an easy, homely ambience that brings the guest close enough to the city bustle yet retains the exclusivity of the address. The Hotel building was first constructed as a prison between 1918-1919. Its original structure is best preserved in the southwest wing, which now houses the lobby, bar and reception. The front façade of this wing features original stone and woodwork as well as decorative tiles by respected Turkish artist, Hafiz Mehmed Emin of Kutahya. Sensitively preserved details throughout the Hotel recall its fascinating history: from the courtyard watchtowers (now housing the elevators) to torque-like brass rings and an inmate’s poignant engraving on an old marble pillar. The use of local materials and decorative geometric motifs further evoke Turkey’s rich history and link the regenerated interiors to the traditional artefacts on display.

عقوملا عم اًيشامتو .قدنفلا

ثارتلل اًيفو قدنفلا يف مدختسملا روكيدلاو يلخادلا .ينغلا ينامثعلا

ىلع جرفنت ةرطنقم لخادمو عيراصم تاذ ذفاون

،ةجيتنلاو .ة ّ يكرت تابنكو ة ّ يكيسلاكوين

نم فويضلا برقت ةطاسبلاو ةيميمحلاب

ناونعلا درفتب ظافتحلاا عم

The use of local materials and decorative geometric motifs further evoke Turkey’s rich history...

The interior layout and design varies from room to room, covering a range of standard, corner, splitlevel and duplex arrangements.

Light and airy interiors are decorated in warm, natural tones, which defer to the vibrant beauty of the landscaped courtyard and historical monuments beyond. Three-dimensional mosaic artworks by local artist, Hulya Vurnal Ikizgul, bring a simple yet powerful beauty to alcoves and walls both within the Hotel and courtyard, providing an appealing synergy between the indoor and outdoor areas.

The 65 guest rooms and suites at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet offer a variety of views over the landscaped courtyard and surrounding city streets. The interior layout and design varies from room to room, covering a range of standard, corner, split-level and duplex arrangements.

Recurrent Turkish themes pass through all the guestrooms: headboards and bedposts resemble the dome and minarets of a mosque, whilst geometric designs and framed displays of decorative fabrics and marbled paper recall strong traditions of Turkish craftsmanship. Traditional kilims (flat-woven rugs) and mosaic detailing add local touches to the marble bathrooms, all of which feature deep-soak tubs and separate glass-walled showers. In addition, all rooms offer wired and wireless high-speed Internet access, 42 inch plasma screen television and DVD player.

The hotel’s restaurant, Seasons, is located within a glass pavilion that forms the focal point of the lush, courtyard garden; here, international and Turkish fine dining come together. Turkish traditions are also evident throughout the hotel in the warmth of the welcome and consistently high level of service – both exceptional, even by Four Seasons’ standards.

There’s also The Lounge which comprises three distinct areas: the cosy Blue Room, with relaxing sofas, and fireplace; the sophisticated Piano Bar and the bright Winter Garden, featuring potted plants and a pleasant garden view. The Lounge serves an all-day menu, afternoon tea and speciality cocktails. Outside, a pergola overlooking the garden offers relaxing seating areas surrounded by fragrant citrus trees. Adjacent to the pergola, a wood-burning oven cooks breads and pizzas for al fresco summer snacks.

An extensive health club and complimentary use of the spa at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus means that guests also have plenty of options for relaxation and working out. As far as central locations go, the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is the best in the city, add to that an old-world allure and an interesting back-story, and you’ve got yourself a pretty perfect 5-star hotel. www.fourseaons.com/istanbul

طسو ة ّ يروحم ةطقن لكشي يجاجز حانج

نم ة ّ يملاعلا خباطملا نم هريغ عم يكرتلا خبطملا جمدني

اًضيأ ةحضاو ةيكرتلا ديلاقتلا .ةلماشو ةعتمم ةبرجت لجأ ةيئانثتسلاا ةفايضلا مركو ءفد نمضو قدنفلا دادتما ىلع .يقرلاو ةماخفلل فدارملا زنوزيس روف مسا عم ةمئاوتملا :ةزيمتم قطانم ةثلاث ىلع يوتحي جنولا اًضيأ ىسنن نلو تابنكلا تاذ ةميمحلا ءاقرزلا ةفرغلا وأ ”مور ولب“ وأ ”ندراغ رتنيو”و ،ق ّ منملا ”راب ونايب“ ؛ةأفدملاو ةحيرملا

ةقيدحلا ىلع ةللاطإ مدقت يتلا ةئيضملا ةيوتشلا ةقيدحلا