Swissôtel Living, Istanbul – Turkey

It’s Christmas day and I’m sitting comfortably in my beige corner sofa while staring out of my balcony window. I’m slowly dreaming away to the beautiful view Maricel and I had of the Bosphorus strait when we were in Istanbul, Turkey. We had the privilege of spending a weekend in one of the Leading Hotels of the World – the five-star luxury Swissôtel The Bosphorus.

The hotel won the “Europe Luxury Hotel” award by World Luxury Hotel Awards in 2013. This beautiful property is located in the heart of Istanbul, only a few minutes walk away from the beautiful Dolmabahce Palace. One among many tourist attractions that should be on your to do list when in Turkey. I personally recommend that you take the public transportation instead of taxi. You’ll then get to avoid the horrific traffic during rush hour. If you’re a travel bug like me you will understand that it’s more convenient to explore the city by foot. I loved blending in with the locals. Not only did I get to see more of the city, but I also got to feel how it was to walk around the streets of Istanbul alongside cheerful locals who helped me with directions when I looked lost.

The hotel is close to the Kabatas tram station which takes you easily to the Grand Bazar, the Blue Mosque and Galata Tower. If you get off at the Eminonu station, you will find a pier full of ferries that will take you right to the Asian side of Turkey. The ferry ride is an experience in itself, I got to see the beautiful Istanbul by night.

If you’re into panoramic views of the city like I am, the hotel is not far away from Sapphire – the tallest Skyscraper in Istanbul. You can get there easily in 15 minutes by subway. The district of Nisantasi is located close by the hotel, where you’ll find all sorts of designer boutiques, chocolates shops, pubs and bars, fancy restaurants and chic cafés.

The Swissôtel The Bosphorus has all together 497 guest rooms and suites, many of which offer a beautiful view of the Bosphorus. It also features an indoor swimming pool, a well equipped gym, an award-winning spa and health club.

The hotel has a new exclusive lifestyle experience called Swissôtel Living, a five-star residential hotel that offers a private entrance leading to 63 elegant suites. It also features an outdoor pool, a spa and a tennis court. Each morning guests can enjoy a rich and healthy breakfast buffet in the Lobby Lounge.

For your information, the hotel is upgrading the rooms and suites in the West Wing, so the outdoor pool and Gaja Roof will be closed in 2014.

THE JAW DROPPING TWO BEDROOM SUITE.

Upon arrival Maricel and I were greeted by a bellboy who kindly helped us with our luggage. When we made our way to the reception desk of the hotel Mr. Gökgöz, the Front Office Supervisor and Night Manager took good care of us and gave us the information we needed. After checking in the same bellboy lead us the way to the Swissôtel Living which is located a few meters away from the main hotel building. Little did we know what was waiting for us. As we entered the private entrance of the Swissôtel Living we were warmly greeted by a warm smile from the receptionists, and two sets of card keys.

While Maricel and I were waiting anxiously in the elevator to get to the fifth floor, we discussed whether or not to stay in and order room service or go out and find a place to eat. Our decision was made the second we entered our room.

My jaw literally dropped when I saw our two bedroom suite with an overlooking view of the Bosphorus. It made me feel like I won the lottery! I think it took me about an hour to realize that the beautiful suite was our home for 3 nights!

I must humbly admit that I didn’t expect to live in a huge suite with a fully equipped kitchen, a big living room with a working desk. Or a dining area where a welcome card, fruit bowl and a chocolate platter was awaiting our arrival. This has been the most exclusive room I have ever had the pleasure of staying in, in my life! With our own personal butler who always took care of all our needs.

The spacious air conditioned suite is decorated with earth toned interior and parquet floors. It’s approx. 100m² and has two bedrooms. The first room has a single bed and a working desk with a view the Bosphorus bridge. The second room is a master bedroom with a king sized bed, featuring a closet, a flat-screen TV with a DVD player, free Wi-Fi, a master bathroom, a bathtub and a shower.

I hope all of you who made our stay a memorable one will read this. Thank you for your warm welcome and thank you very much for taking good care of us during our stay in Istanbul. I haven’t had any single less fortunate experience during my stay at the hotel, Swissôtel Living made me feel like a princess!

Phone: (0212) 326 8181
Email: reservations.bosphorus@swissotel.com

Swissôtel Living
Bayıldım Cad.
No:2 Maçka Beşiktaş Istanbul
Turkey