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December 1, 2023updated Dec 14, 2023

Raffles Istanbul: A Destination Within a Destination

The hotel blends luxury with rich heritage and culture.

By Elite Traveler

Raffles Istanbul is a unique destination with unparalleled views of this thriving metropolis. The stunning panorama stretches all the way from the Black Sea in the north to the Marmara Sea in the south as it embraces the quaint waterfront mansions, the recently restored Maiden Tower elegantly gracing the Bosphorus, the historical peninsula and the Old City, and extends beyond the Princes’ Islands.

And atop one of the city’s prominent hills sits Raffles Istanbul, situated in a prime location on the European side and neighboring the city’s prestigious districts Levent, Ulus and Etiler.

Adjacent to the hotel is the vibrant Zorlu Center, where the heart of the city beats to the rhythm of an array of dining outlets, high fashion retailers, luxury brands and a performance arts center, hosting world-class entertainment. 

Raffles Istanbul
The lobby is adorned with several works of contemporary art / ©Raffles Istanbul

Raffles Istanbul features 185 rooms & suites and 66 residences – some of the largest in the city – all with floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies overlooking beautiful views of the city.

The sleek modern interiors are enhanced with a large contemporary art collection, much of it specially commissioned from local artists. Bosphorus Lounge offers the residents and guests a space to meet, work, and spend time as they enjoy the magical views of Istanbul with exclusive privileges. And the authentic Raffles touch is embodied by the legendary Raffles Butler Service, which currently extends from Singapore to the company’s hotels around the world. 

The outdoor swimming pool embraces breathtaking views over the Istanbul skyline, while the indoor swimming pool, drawing in daylight, welcomes guests every season. Raffles Spa, designed for the mind, body and soul, offers signature treatments and wellness options with a range of amenities, including traditional Turkish bath and saunas, wellness pools, and sensory showers.

Raffles Bosphorus Suite
The Bosphorus Suite / ©Raffles Istanbul

With multiple access points to the terrace, Raffles Spa features nine treatment rooms, including seven single and two dedicated couples rooms, and a private jacuzzi room. Guests seeking to pamper themselves and rejuvenate in the calm and serene ambiance of Raffles Spa may prefer exclusive treatments such as Hydrafacial, Plasma Light Therapy, Ozone Sauna, Detox Days Program and gülsha hammam. 

Raffles Istanbul’s exceptional dining offering includes numerous bars and restaurants from casual dining to world-class gastronomy experiences. Lavinia, located at the heart of the lobby and surrounded by stunning works of art, offers a rich menu of healthy snacks and sweet indulgences displayed in an aesthetic buffet, elevating the traditional afternoon tea experience.

Sakhalin Istanbul, a White Rabbit Family restaurant, will soon arrive with its authentic seafood menu to the lobby of Raffles Istanbul. Directly accessible from Zorlu Center, the terrace is home to several of the hotel’s excellent dining options, each promising to delight the guests.

One such dining establishment is İsokyo, which offers a delightful fusion of Pan-Asian flavors, encompassing the culinary traditions of China, Japan, Korea, and Thailand. Chef de cuisine Şafak Erten’s culinary expertise infuses the menu with creativity, while an open kitchen concept engages diners.

Raffles Spa treatment
Raffles Spa features nine treatment rooms / ©Raffles Istanbul

İsokyo also boasts a unique interior design and a spacious terrace bar, providing a captivating dining experience. Another restaurant is Rocca Grill & Terrace, serving delicious Mediterranean grill varieties in the lush setting of the terrace. It also houses the Long Bar, a contemporary reinterpretation of the iconic Long Bar in Singapore.

Situated between İsokyo and Rocca Grill & Terrace, Champagne Bar is the place to be for meeting in style and experiencing special moments with an exclusive champagne collection presented with a touch of sparkle.

Writers Bar, drawing from the concept of a gentlemen’s club and inspired by the literary geniuses of the century, creates memorable experiences for a limited number of members. Featuring a sophisticated architectural design that blends classic and modern elements, Writers Bar offers an exclusive environment to its members and their guests with the impeccable service and luxury approach of Raffles Istanbul.  

Raffles Istanbul features a variety of event venues, including a grand ballroom and conference rooms, with capacities ranging from 10 to 1,200 people. Raffles Ballroom, spread on a total area of 13,000 sq ft, provides a magnificent space to host local and international social events, galas, ceremonies, and prestigious conferences.

Raffles Istanbul also offers eight conference rooms in different sizes for corporate events and company meetings. And being adjacent to Zorlu PSM, where the heart of Istanbul’s culture and arts beats, comes with benefits such as easy access to some of the city’s most popular event venues, including Turkcell Stage, Turkcell Platinum Stage, Sky Lounge, %100 Studio, Cheers, and Touché. 

Once the seat of the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires and home to many civilizations over the course of history, Istanbul is unlike any other city in the world. And Raffles Istanbul, overlooking the beautiful Bosphorus, is a modern oasis at the heart of this timeless city, blending modern luxury with rich heritage and culture for the discerning world travelers. 

raffles.com/istanbul

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