The Ritz Carlton, Istanbul

Turkey
Europe

The Experience

If you think you prefer trendy, hip hotels, this Ritz Carlton may just convince you otherwise. Firstly, arriving at here is like touching down on an urban island. The hotel imparts a sense of place like no other in Istanbul, partially because of its hillside location away from traffic. The very personalized experience begins the moment the valet opens your door--decked out in stylish garb that would impress even the most jaded fashionista.

The Rooms

Among the 244 guestrooms are 57 suites whose guests are privy to the Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge on the 12th floor, where a more private check-in is staged. The Ritz Carlton Suite will resonate with those who expect nothing less than perfection such as an Aromatic Pillow Menu to anti-allergic and orthopedic bedding, should you require this option. From the meticulous placement of personal toiletries around the sink in the marble bathroom to sumptuous bed coverings, each room is a classic expression of the Ottoman Empire as interpreted by the Ritz-Carlton lifestyle.

The Service

“We are ladies and gentleman serving ladies and gentleman” is the Ritz-Carlton mantra and it’s in full swing from the moment you cross the threshold. Everything from room service, expedited laundry service and late night dining is problem free thanks to a high guest-to-staff ratio.

The Highlights

While guest rooms, cuisine and service are over-the-top, it's the Laveda Spa that seals the deal here. Products derived from three Japanese, French and British traditions offer the weary traveler a remedy. Try the jet recovery treatment, or visit their traditional Turkish hamman, or bath. During the summer, the spa moves to the roof terrace and becomes “open air” with million-dollar views of the wooded shores of the Bosphorus. No wonder the Sultans treasured this corner of Istanbul so dearly.

 

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