Witt Istanbul Suites

Avant-garde lofts with all the comforts of home in Cihangir, an artists’ haven close to the throb of Taksim Square

“Heaven, I’m in Heaven...” The croon of the 1930s classic—a refreshing break from the standard techno-pop—aptly sets the stage for an experience as suave and inventive as the debonair Mr. Astaire. In fact, “heaven” is the word guests reach for to describe their stay in one of 17 loft-style suites. Quartered into living room, kitchenette, bedroom and sybaritic bathroom, the 60 m² open spaces are sparkling and snazzy, yet so seductively comfortable you may find yourself staying in. A lot.

Linger beneath 6 (count ‘em) showerheads. The afternoon sun bounces tiny rainbows off bevelled mirror-tiles. The view of night-lit mosques in Old Istanbul from your rocking chair could make your whole trip. New to the hotel business, brother and sister Tuncel Toprak and Seçil Erdoðan trusted the bold genius of their fresh perspective to trump their lack of hands-on experience. Classic materials—thick slabs of Marmara marble and gleaming French subway tiles—blend with the custom handcrafted furnishings and sleek fixtures of leading-edge designers. The result: a true original.

Highs

• Ideal for long-term stays; space to spare, a nicely equipped kitchenette and real closet—with shelves, drawers and shoe racks, not just a few hangers
• Magical views of the Bosphorus and Old Istanbul from some suites
• Uber-style emphasizing comfort; everything you need from microwave popcorn to a Bose dock for your iPod
• Tucked into a quiet residential neighbourhood dotted with corner markets and outdoor cafes—yet close to the business centre, citywide transportation and Beyoglu shopping
• 1:1 employee-to-suite ratio; genuine warmth and a spate of personal services, from shopping assistance to unpacking service

Lows

• Outside walls are soundproof, but there’s no separation of sleeping area from living areas inside the suite
• Minimalist, monochrome design may not suit those looking for traditional Turkish architecture and colour
• Residential setting may be too far from sightseeing for first-timers and too tame for club-hounds; some taxi drivers need directions (you’ll get a Turkish “cheat-sheet”)
• No on-site restaurant or spa, although you can order meals from local restaurants, and enjoy a massage in your room