Hotel Les Ottomans

Hotel Les Ottomans

The Hotel Les Ottomans is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the Kuruçeşme neighborhood on the European side of Istanbul, Türkiye, along the Bosphorus. Housed in the historic Muhsinzade Mehmet Pasha Mansion, it blends Ottoman heritage with modern luxury, offering an exclusive and opulent experience. Below is a detailed overview based on available information:General Overview

  • Location: Muallim Naci Cd. No:68, Kuruçeşme, Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Türkiye, 34345. Positioned 1.6 km from Ortaköy Mosque and 4.2 km from Dolmabahçe Palace, it’s 24 miles from Istanbul Airport (IST) and 31 miles from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW). The hotel is right by the Kuruçeşme bus station and a short walk from attractions like Galatasaray Island.
  • Style: Set in an 18th-century Ottoman mansion, the hotel features intricate ceilings, crown moldings, chandeliers, and handmade İznik tiles, combining Ottoman opulence with modern technology and elegance. It’s described as a “film set” for its glamorous ambiance, attracting Turkey’s elite.
  • Rooms: The hotel offers 10 uniquely designed suites, each reflecting Ottoman tradition and modern luxury:
    • Features: Large bathrooms with jacuzzis and rain showers, two LED Smart TVs (with 3D glasses, HDMI, USB, Blu-ray), AMX remote control system (lights, curtains, TV, music, AC, doors), minibars, safes, hairdryers, and Hermes bathroom amenities.
    • Additional Amenities: Pillow menu (anti-allergic options), luggage packing/unpacking service, complimentary daily newspapers, turndown service, and free Wi-Fi.
    • Notable Suite: The Hürrem Sultan Suite, named after the wife of an Ottoman Emperor, features regal decor with rich fabrics, ornate mirrors, and gilded moldings.
    • Views: Many suites offer panoramic Bosphorus views; some include patios or dressing areas.

Amenities and Services

  • Dining:
    • Restaurants: Two on-site restaurants, including Park Şamdan, serving international and Turkish cuisine with a modern twist. Guests can enjoy traditional Turkish breakfasts with coffee and fruit desserts. Nearby dining options include Kuruçeşme Kahvesi (Turkish, 5-minute walk) and G By Karaf (Turkish).
    • Bars: A lounge bar and poolside bar offer wines, spirits, and cocktails.
    • Breakfast: Continental or à la carte, served in the restaurant or bar.
  • Spa and Wellness:
    • Caudalie Vinothérapie® Spa: Spanning 2,400 m², it offers massages, body treatments, facials, a traditional hammam, and a hot tub. The spa uses grape-based products inspired by Château Smith Haut Lafitte vineyards.
    • Pools: Indoor and outdoor pools, with the outdoor pool featuring a sundeck overlooking the Bosphorus, transforming into an intimate disco in summer evenings.
    • Fitness: A fitness center with modern equipment is available.
  • Other Facilities:
    • Free valet parking (on-site, reservation required).
    • 24-hour front desk, concierge, and room service.
    • Complimentary Wi-Fi and newspapers.
    • Dry cleaning and laundry services (surcharge).
    • Airport shuttle (surcharge, available 24/7).
    • Meeting rooms, banquet halls, and conference facilities for events.
    • Private boat for 12 people for Bosphorus cruises.
    • Nightclub and entertainment options, including satellite TV programming in rooms.
    • Babysitting services available.
    • No pets allowed.
  • Languages: Staff speak English, Arabic, and Turkish.

Guest Experience

  • Ratings: Rated 4/5 on Tripadvisor and highly praised for its luxurious experience, though specific scores vary.
  • Feedback Highlights:
    • Positive: Guests love the spacious, beautifully decorated suites blending Ottoman and modern styles, the attentive staff (e.g., Mustafa Bey), and the stunning Bosphorus views from the pool terrace and rooms. The Turkish breakfast and spa are frequently praised. “It felt like staying in a luxurious palace.”
    • Negative: Some guests reported issues with the air conditioning system affecting all rooms, leading to early departures. The high price tag and occasional service inconsistencies (e.g., slow response to issues) were noted.
    • Ambiance: Described as a romantic, glamorous retreat, ideal for those seeking exclusivity. “The ultimate romantic address to impress… utterly gorgeous.”
  • Awards: Received Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice award for being in the top 10% of properties.

Nearby Attractions

  • Cultural Sites: Ortaköy Mosque (1.1 miles), Beylerbeyi Palace (2.7 miles), Dolmabahçe Palace (3.1 miles), Taksim Square (3.9 miles), Hagia Sophia, and Topkapı Palace (accessible by car or public transport).
  • Local Spots: Suada Club, Oligark, and Galatasaray Island (0.2 miles). Nearby restaurants include Sunset and Ulus 29 (3 km). Nightlife options like Reina and Sortie are 500 meters away.
  • Activities: Guests can take the hotel’s private boat for a Bosphorus cruise or explore the Grand Bazaar and Taksim Square’s lively bars.

Booking and Policies

  • Check-in: From 14:00 or later (varies by source).
  • Check-out: Until 12:00.
  • Cancellation: Free cancellation until 6 PM on the day of arrival; other policies vary by booking platform and room type.
  • Payment: Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Diners, American Express, and other major cards.
  • Children: One child under 2 stays free in a cot; one child under 6 stays free using existing or extra beds.
  • Special Requests: Subject to availability and additional charges.
  • Pricing: Rates vary, but the hotel is positioned as a high-end, luxury option. Check Kayak, or Hotels.com for deals, including potential Genius discounts.

Comparison with Bosphorus Palace Hotel and Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus

  • Location: Les Ottomans is on the European side (Kuruçeşme), while Bosphorus Palace and Vakko are on the Asian side (Beylerbeyi and Çengelköy). Les Ottomans is closer to Taksim Square (3.9 miles) and nightlife but further from Beylerbeyi Palace (2.7 miles vs. 0.4 miles for Bosphorus Palace).
  • Style: All three emphasize Ottoman heritage, but Les Ottomans leans into regal opulence with a “film set” vibe, Vakko offers Parisian-inspired elegance, and Bosphorus Palace focuses on neo-Ottoman decor with gold-leaf accents.
  • Rooms: Les Ottomans has 10 suites (larger, tech-heavy), compared to 12 rooms each at Bosphorus Palace and Vakko. Les Ottomans’ suites are more tech-focused (AMX systems, 3D TVs), while Vakko offers private terraces and Bosphorus Palace has Sleep Number beds.
  • Dining: Les Ottomans’ Park Şamdan and second restaurant focus on Turkish and international cuisine, similar to Bosphorus Palace’s Mediterranean menu. Vakko stands out with three distinct venues (Caviar Kaspia, Italian, patisserie).
  • Amenities: Les Ottomans has both indoor and outdoor pools, a nightclub, and a renowned Caudalie Spa, surpassing Bosphorus Palace (no pool or spa) and rivaling Vakko’s hammam and gym. The private boat for Bosphorus cruises is unique to Les Ottomans.
  • Price and Exclusivity: Les Ottomans is pricier and more exclusive, targeting a glamorous clientele, while Bosphorus Palace is slightly more affordable, and Vakko balances luxury with accessibility.
  • Guest Feedback: Les Ottomans scores high for ambiance but has AC issues; Vakko has a perfect 10/10 but some staff complaints; Bosphorus Palace (9.2/10) is praised for tranquility but lacks an elevator.

Additional Notes

  • Unique Selling Points: The hotel’s Caudalie Vinothérapie Spa, private Bosphorus boat, and exclusive, celebrity-favored vibe make it a standout for romantic and high-profile stays. Its proximity to nightlife (Reina, Sortie) adds to its appeal.
  • Considerations: The high cost and occasional AC issues may be drawbacks. The lack of barrier-free access could be an issue for guests with mobility challenges.
  • Contact: Visit Hotels.com or Expedia for reservations or inquiries.