The Sofa Nisantasi

Chic venue in Istanbul's art and fashion district with sprawling rooms and suites, a contemporary gallery, and impeccable personal service

Imagine locking the best and brightest veterans of the travel and hospitality sectors in a room to dream up the perfect hotel - industry moguls and feet-on-the-ground managers all trying to top each other's ideas with no holds barred, nothing out of bounds. That’s exactly how The Sofa was born.

Personalised service? Names of repeat guests will be embroidered on their own set of bed linens. Cutting-edge design? Install a gallery showcasing contemporary art and sponsor important exhibitions. A spa? Make it 800m², with everything from a fitness centre to a traditional Turkish bath. Central location? Of course! But with some rooms facing a Zen garden instead of the street. And, trust us, that’s just the beginning. The Sofa pushes the envelope on almost every level. Expect loads of space in the 82 rooms and suites, A-to-Z luxury, trip-over-ourselves-to-serve-you gusto and a strong chance you’ll rub shoulders with emerging artists at in-house exhibitions. It tries - with amazing success - to be everything to everyone, giving new meaning to your bedside 'Anything, Anytime' button.

Highs

• The plum location is in the heart of trendy Nisantasi, a gourmet and nightlife destination which is home to local jetsetters and cognoscenti
• The rooms and suites are extraordinarily spacious (some with kitchenettes and terraces) and there's a separate non-smoking floor
• You'll get fabulous service: free garment pressing, preference-based extras for repeat guests and immediate assistance offered at all times
• There's contemporary art everywhere - watch geometrics on the back wall of the elevator come to life
• There's a generous roof terrace and state-of-the-art business facilities for exhibitions and events

Lows

• The minimalism may not suit those looking for traditional Turkish architecture and character; this is one for the style-conscious
• The hotel sets itself such a high bar, even the smallest glitch can seem glaring - e.g. not all staff are proficient in English
• WiFi is only available in the lobby, though you'll find a high-speed internet cable in your room
• The rooms, especially the street-facing ones, can be noisy; ask for a Tranquility Room or one on a higher floor and bring earplugs
• Breakfast is not included in the rates