THE HOTEL:On the European side of the city almost opposite one of Istanbul's major tourist attractions, the beautiful Dolmabahce Palace, the hotel is one of Istanbul's long-established five-star properties – 2011 is its 20th anniversary - with 500 rooms/suites but now joined by the adjacent Swissôtel Living ‘residence concept’ which opened just in March. This offers 63 luxury studio, one-, two- and three-room apartments across 14 categories and is especially ideal for longer-term stays. The hotel is also conveniently close to the terminus of the city's modern tram service, which will often be the fastest way to get through the city.
THE CHECK-IN: Swissôtel Living has its own check-in desk where the brief procedure was fast and efficient. I was taken to the apartment and given instructions on how the many (complex) electronic devices – lighting, heating, A-C, etc. – all worked.
THE ROOM: Spectacular, both inside and for the stunning views of the Bosphorus from the three-room Swissôtel Living apartment. Furnishings are lavish across the bedroom, dining/work area, fully-equipped kitchen and exceptionally spacious living room. Amenities such as wide-screen TVs (two), Nespresso machine, walk-in shower etc. are standard.
THE BUSINESS: There’s a spacious work area with all necessary computer connections and some deals include free wi-fi connection in the room rate. The extensive business centre’s facilities include mobile phone rental. The hotel has a ballroom and theatre as well as more than 20 meeting room permutations for gatherings of all sizes – a total area of 5970 sq m.
THE FACILITIES: An ‘upgraded continental breakfast’ is served in the ground floor Swissôtel Living Lounge but residents can utilize all the other dining options in the main hotel, the Gaja Restaurant (plus roof-top Gaja Roof in summer), Cafe Swiss, Chalet for Swiss and Alpine cuisine and the Miyako Japanese restaurant. Like so much else in the hotel, Les Ambassadeurs Bar also offers spectacular Bosphorus views.
Swissôtel Living has a rooftop infinity pool and terrace and in the main hotel there's a 4000 sq m Amrita Spa & Wellness
THE VERDICT: Swissôtel The Bosphorus is an outstanding deluxe hotel where frequent renovations have kept it at the forefront of Istanbul's luxury hotel portfolio. Still more luxurious is the new Swissôtel Living that provides a 'residence concept' allowing guests to enjoy the full range of hotel services within the comfort of their own four walls. A high quality product and especially ideal for longer-stay business travellers.
THE DETAILS: Swissôtel Living is not a cheap option but perfect for those clients who demand the very best. Special offer rates currently available range from Ä450 to Ä3000. The hotel is at Bayildim Cad. No: 2 Macka, Besiktas 34357 Istanbul, Turkey T: 0090 212 326 1100 F: 0090 212 326 1122 E: reservations.bosphorus@swissotel.com
W: www.swissotel.com/istanbul
Alan Orbell
