Vakko Hotel & Residence Sumahan Bosphorus
The Vakko Hotel & Residence Sumahan Bosphorus is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the Çengelköy neighborhood on the Asian side of Istanbul, Türkiye, set in a renovated 19th-century Ottoman distillery right on the Bosphorus waterfront. Below is a detailed overview based on available information:General Overview
- Location: Kuleli Cd. No:43, Çengelköy, Üsküdar, Istanbul, Türkiye, 34684. Situated 2.5 miles from the 15 July Martyrs Bridge, it offers a serene escape from Istanbul’s bustle, with stunning Bosphorus views. It’s approximately 27 km from Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport and 35 km from Istanbul Airport.
- Style: The hotel blends Ottoman heritage with modern luxury, featuring neo-Ottoman architecture, tall arched windows, and elegant interiors curated by Vakko, a renowned Turkish fashion and luxury brand. The design emphasizes understated elegance with rich textures and striking objets d’art.
- Rooms: The hotel offers 12 spacious rooms and suites, all with Bosphorus views:
- Rooms Bosphorus: Five rooms on the second floor, each 30 m², featuring king-size beds, fireplaces, and marble-clad bathrooms.
- Suite Bosphorus: One suite on the second floor, 55 m², with a spacious bedroom, separate lounge with fireplace, marble bathroom, steam bath, and rain shower.
- Maisonette Bosphorus: Six two-floor suites, 60 m², with a lounge and fireplace on the lower floor, a bedroom and bathroom (with steam bath and rain shower) on the upper floor, and a 15 m² private garden terrace with dining and sunbeds.
- Amenities: Air conditioning, coffee/tea makers, flat-screen TVs, safes, bathrobes, free toiletries, Wi-Fi, and electric kettles. Some rooms include patios.
Amenities and Services
- Dining:
- Caviar Kaspia: A Parisian institution since 1927, offering a luxurious dining experience with high-quality caviar, seafood, and signature dishes like twice-baked potato topped with caviar, paired with champagne or vodka. The restaurant features iconic blue tablecloths and wood-paneled walls for a private club-like ambiance.
- Vakko L’Atelier: A Parisian-style patisserie on the lobby floor, serving artisanal pastries, gourmet chocolates, macarons, cakes, ice creams, sorbets, and breakfast options in a chic setting.
- Vakko Le Specialità: A modern Italian restaurant using fresh, seasonal ingredients, offering beautifully presented dishes celebrating Italy’s culinary heritage.
- Breakfast: À la carte or continental, with vegetarian and vegan options available.
- Spa and Wellness:
- Private Turkish hammam with traditional relaxation rituals, exfoliation, and pampering treatments, available in-suite or at the spa.
- Exercise room with Technogym equipment; in-room workout options with smart equipment and training videos.
- Other Facilities:
- Free private parking (reservation required) and valet parking.
- 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, room service, and concierge services.
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the property.
- Garden and terrace with Bosphorus views.
- Bar and in-room personal shopping or tailoring services.
- No pool or pet-friendly policies.
- Children under 18 cannot book independently and require a parent or guardian for check-in.
- Event Services: Suitable for intimate events, with customizable dining and tailored experiences.
Guest Experience
- Ratings: Highly rated, with a 10/10 score from recent guests on Booking.com. Guests highlight:
- The stunning Bosphorus views and serene location.
- Exceptional service, with personalized butler service (e.g., praised staff member Bilal for professional and warm service).
- Luxurious, spacious rooms with modern yet cozy design.
- High-quality dining, particularly at Caviar Kaspia and Vakko L’Atelier.
- Feedback Highlights:
- “Truly a quintessential Istanbul experience—to travel back in time and stay in a historic building by the famous Bosphorus, reengineered once more recently and curated in detail by Vakko.”
- “The property is incredible! The rooms right on the sea are stunning and have a comfortable yet modern touch.”
- Some negative feedback includes a report of disrespectful staff behavior (e.g., a staff member named Ceren Saraç) and restrictions on photography, which disappointed some guests.
- Mixed reviews on food quality, with one guest noting “bad food” alongside staff issues.
Nearby Attractions
- Beylerbeyi Palace: 1.0 mile
- Kuleli Sahil: 0.3 miles
- Beylerbeyi Hamid-i Evvel Camii: 0.7 miles
- Maiden’s Tower: 3.9 miles
- Dolmabahçe Palace: 5.5 miles
- Ortaköy Mosque: 4.8 miles
- Restaurants Nearby: Rainbow Cafe & Restaurant, Çengelköy Tarihi Çınaraltı, Del Mare Restaurant, and Deniz Yıldızı (5-minute walk).
- Transport: Çengelköy bus stop (250 meters away); boat services every half hour from Kuruçeşme to Çengelköy for Bosphorus cruises.
Booking and Policies
- Check-in: From 15:00
- Check-out: Until 12:00
- Cancellation: Varies by room type and booking conditions; some rates offer free cancellation within 14 days, per Turkish consumer laws.
- Payment: Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Diners, American Express, and credit card payments. Buyers must confirm payment details with their bank.
- Special Requests: Can be made via the booking platform or by contacting the hotel.
- Pricing: Room rates range from ₺32,518 to ₺62,765, with the cheapest deals typically in June and January, and Tuesdays or Thursdays offering better rates than Saturdays.
- Genius Discounts: Available on Booking.com, subject to booking and stay dates.
- Restrictions: No bachelor/bachelorette parties; no cribs or extra beds; no pets.
Additional Notes
- Unique Selling Points: Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus stands out for its European-inspired dining (Caviar Kaspia, Le Specialità, L’Atelier), private hammam, and tailored services like in-room shopping and spa treatments. Its location in Çengelköy offers a quieter, more exclusive retreat compared to central Istanbul.
- Considerations: The lack of a pool and restrictions on photography may disappoint some guests. The negative staff feedback suggests inconsistent service, so confirming staff professionalism during booking may be wise.
- Contact: For reservations or inquiries, visit Booking.com or Hotels.com for discounted rates.