Lonely Planet İstanbul Guide

BOUTIQUE HOTEL €€ BOUTIQUE HOTEL €€ VAULT KARAKÖY ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 212-244 6434; www.thehousehotel.com; Bankalar Caddesi 5, Karaköy; s €109-209, d €134-234, ste €159-959; aiW# ; m Şişhane, j Karaköy) This flagship property of İstanbul’s fashionable House Hotel group is a stylish and evocative meld of old and new. Occupying a grand bank building complete with vaults (hence the name), facilities include a gym, hamam, lobby bar/restaurant and rooftop lounge. Rooms are comfortable and well-equipped (opt for a deluxe if possible, as classic and superior rooms are slightly cramped). ISTANBUL PLACE APARTMENTS ( % 0506 449 3393; http://istanbulplace.com; apt 1-bed €80-121, 2-bed €109-230, 3-bed €115-270; aW ) Operated by a British-Turkish couple, this apartment rental company has nine well-appointed and beautifully presented properties in historic APARTMENT €€ Budget and boutique aren’t concepts that sit comfortably together, but this recently opened hotel on the edge of Galata and Karaköy can legitimately claim to be both. The owners have a notable contemporary-art collection that is scattered throughout the building, and the 36 rooms are both stylish and comfortable. The cheapest options are cramped – upgrade if possible. HAMAMHANE ( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; % 0212-293 4963; www.hammamhane.com; Çukurcuma Caddesi 45, Çukurcuma; studio €110, f & ste €140; naiWc ; j Tophane) Çukurcuma is one of the few enclaves in Beyoğlu to retain an authentic neighbourhood feel, so it’s a great spot for a city sojourn. Each of the spacious studios and suites at this keenly priced hotel come with a fully equipped kitchenette and clothes washer/dryer. Decor is Ikea-stylish and there’s an extremely pleasant ground-floor dining room and terrace. It’s worth noting that the owners have plans to renovate and open the adjoining hamam. While this occurs, construction noise and dust may be a problem.