Ajia Hotel
Kanlica, Istanbul, Turkey
A historic waterside mansion transformed into a contemporary boutique hotel offering fab rooms, a terrace restaurant and cool bar
On the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, this uber cool hotel is a
slick conversion of a 19th century yali – the palatial
summer mansions of the Ottoman elite. The location is a little off
the beaten track (a half-hour drive, north of Sultanahmet, in a
green sub-urban village best known for local yoghurt), but that
was, and still is, the general idea: to provide an escape from the
heat and hurly-burly of the old city. And this place, all stylish
modernism and crisp clean lines, has helped make out-of-town
Istanbul fashionable again.
Behind an original façade (a dazzling white confection of
neo-classical pillars and pediments), the interior is a geometry of
dark wood and creamy marble, glass and steel, light and shade.
There is a vast lobby, almost bare but for arum lilies, white
orchids, off-white chairs and sunlight; there is a romantic
restaurant right on the waterfront; and 16 rooms on three
floors (most of which have wonder-ful views). A private boat waits
to ferry you across the blue water, but, really, why go anywhere?

Reviewed by Lesley Gillilan
Last updated
03 September 2010
Highs
- A grandstand view of life on the Bosphorus waterfront – an endless procession of fishing boats and ferries, tankers and cruise ships en route from the Marmaris to the Black Seas
- Glamorous dinners on the terrace at sunset
- A skilful combo of historic architecture and contemporary design
- Light spacious rooms in soothing shades of neutral
Lows
- It’s a long hike to Old Stamboul, the hub of the city, though the location is a plus for those who want to see its cleaner, greener side
- Popular with party throwers, it can be a little rowdy on the terrace at weekends
- The air conditioning is not as efficient as it should be
Comfortably blending old and new, the exterior and surrounds are traditional while inside you’ll find a tasteful modern, almost minimalist style...
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