Reviewed by Lesley Gillilan
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MISAFIR SUITES - REVIEW
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.
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