Misafir Suites

A restored Ottoman apartment block in the throbbing heart of down-town Beyoglu, with 7 giant suites and a hip café-bar

Beyoglu, 'Paris of the Orient', was the city’s cosmopolitan epicentre; a wealthy community of neo-classical embassies and baroque hotels, where Jewish and Armenian traders rubbed shoulders with Christians, sultans, artists and eccentrics. By the middle of the last century, it had begun a slow decline. And when Joost Rooijmans bought a run-down squat of a building in one of its dingy back streets in 1997, his friends thought he was crazy. It was a risk, he admits; but he was captivated by the area’s history, believed in its future. Ten years later, the risk pays off.

Modern Beyoglu is Istanbul’s answer to Soho: still a little rough around the edges, but enjoying a cultural revival. In a labyrinth of narrow lanes are antique shops, galleries, jazz clubs, night clubs. And in the thick of it all, Joost’s handsome Ottoman building has been resurrected as a boutique hotel. A cantilevered staircase spirals up to 7 fabulous suites. Below, there is a lively colonial-style eatery (try Thai-style prawns, and an ice-cold beer). The city is right on the doorstep.

Highs

• You'd be pushed to find a more central location: between Taksim and Tunel and a few metres off Istiklal Caddesi (the former Grand Rue de Pera)
• Cool king-size suites: a welcome retreat from the heat and hubbub of the inner city
• 8 Istanbul: Misafir’s own lively restaurant bar
• Warm, cheerful staff
• Luxury and first-class service at an affordable price

Lows

• It can be very noisy round here at night, and although the windows are triple glazed, we advise you take earplugs; light sleepers will suffer
• Recent reports suggest maintenance and breakfast are on the slide
• There is no outside space
• With only 7 suites, you will need to book well in advance
• No room service on Sunday afternoons