A perfect mixture of heritage and fashion, the19 th century features of this former row of Akaretler Row shop houses are retained and complemented beautifully throughout its 140 rooms and suites. A true sense of luxury is achieved through Marmara marble, Ottoman patterns and lighting that can be tailored to your mood. If you ever feel like leaving the comfort of your signature W bed the heart and soul of Istanbul is just steps away Besiktas, the authentic local area close to the upscale shopping district of Nisantasi.

INTRODUCTION

Is Istanbul safe?

For me, I feel perfectly safe! This is my 3rd time in Istanbul and will always love it! The other day, we had a food tour with istanbulite and we highly recommend them! On their last day, Ryazan and JP went on a tour with Authentic Turkey Tours and had a farewell dinner at Meyhane Yare. This place is insanely awesome! The food!

Related article: World Tourism Forum 2016 in Istanbul with Two Monkeys Travel Group

Jonathan and I stayed at the W Istanbul which was all arranged by the World Tourism Forum. The hotel was amazing in all aspects, from the modern and adventurous decoration of our room to the buffet breakfast. The hotel’s vibe is modern and sexy with its dark lighting and although it is in a bustling location, the excellent soundproofing means you feel completely removed from the world outside.

You can check details and latest rates on Booking.com | Expedia | Own website

Don’t just take our word for it though, check out their reviews on TripAdvisor

ACCOMMODATION

The W enterprise has one very particular trademark, its décor! Here it is moody, lounge-like and trendy with dark woodgrain details and adjustable pink-hued lighting. Once accustomed to the ambiance our attention was taken by the huge signature bed, which was honestly like jumping into a cloud! After a long day attending the World Travel Forum this was like heaven to return to, made even more perfect by the enormous shower head that envelops you under its cascade. Depending on the room guests can enjoy a patio, garden or balcony or even a cabana attached by private balcony while the public spaces are equally enjoyable to relax and spend time in.

There are some other really unique features to the rooms that really make the W Hotel stand out in terms of service, particularly the in-room Iphone station which includes a smartphone for guests to use freely throughout their stay in the city to benefit from data and necessary apps to navigate.

Related article: Ultimate List of the Best Luxury Hotels in Turkey

AREA GUIDE

This W branch benefits from an impressive and convenient location, only a few minutes’ walk to Besiktas where ferries and boats await to take you along the Bosphorus. Also just up the hill is the Nisantisi shopping area known for its luxury products as well as great food and night life options. Other areas of the city are easily accessed by metro with a station 10 minutes’ walk away while Uber is also widely used here to reach areas such as Taksim.

We highly recommend trying a delicious Turkish dinner courtesy of Meyhane Yare who offer a great selection of food from appetizers to dessert!

How to wrap up this trip? Jonathan and I had a very authentic Hammam treatment (Turkish Bath) at the Kılıç Ali Paşa Hamamı!

Related article: 7 Awesome Things to do in Istanbul, Turkey

Local attractions:

• Dolmabahçe palace
• Karakoy local district
• Maçka park

TIPS

Light-sleepers may prefer a higher floor.

Depending on your preference of view/ personal space to relax and enjoy a drink, be sure to request your choice of room based on outdoor space or balcony.

To be given a true culinary experience by the experts take the Food Tour with Istanbulite, we tried so many things like:

• a popular yogurt drink and Raki (traditional Turkish drink)
• the best kebab in Istanbul in an awesome local restaurant!
• a well-known dish in Turkey that is made from goat or lamb’s intestine called Kokoreç or Kokoretsi. For adventurous eaters this is a must try in Istanbul. We all loved it!
• Stuffed mussels, another tasty street food to try when you are in Istanbul! It actually tastes like Paella!
• the famous Turkish coffee in a Kahvesi (coffee shop). Istanbulite took us to a local coffee house in Taksim called Mandabatmaz

Related article: Food Trip in Istanbul, Turkey: A Savory Journey with Istanbulite

AMENITIES

No service is spared here; even the rooms are checked by housekeeping twice-daily while the light menu has a selection of mood lighting depending on how you’re feeling!

Other facilities:

• Check in 3:00 PM Check out 12:00 PM
• Valet Parking: 10 €
• Pets Allowed ( Dog / Pet Friendly )
• Wheelchair access
• Restaurant & Bar/Lounge
• Room Service
• Spa
• Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
• Tennis Court
• Suites, Non-Smoking Rooms, Family Rooms
• Free High Speed Internet ( WiFi )
• Meeting Rooms
• Banquet Room
• Shuttle Bus Service
• Dry Cleaning & Laundry Service & Self-Serve Laundry
• Concierge
• Multilingual Staff
• Babysitting

The breakfast was a very welcoming buffet with a traditional Turkish flair, while the Hotel’s restaurant and bar, The W Lounge, offers New World and Far East inspired cuisine as well as signature handcrafted cocktails.

PEOPLE

Famed for their whatever/whenever service, the staff here W Hotel with excellent English and professional while also friendly attitudes succeeded in attending to all of our needs and exceeding our expectations! We definitely recommend consulting the concierge for any queries about planning your time in Istanbul.

Note: This is a sponsored hotel stay with the W Hotel Istanbul (all opinions and text are all mine) Thank you to everyone we’ve met and those who’ve helped us to make this such a special experience.