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| Every now
and then a hotel comes along that not only ticks all the boxes, but
does so with flair, and using the right colour ink! Conveniently located
in Sultanahmet, Hotel Arena oozes old world charm. It boasts
a fascinating family history and has a naturally refined charisma that
many hotels try to emulate but few achieve. It's proprietor Ms Gul
Kucukserim (pictured below right) has converted her grand
old 19th century Ottoman mansion, in which she has lived her entire
life, into this beautiful boutique hotel, with an unmistakably
feminine touch and a keen eye for detail. Family air looms and photos
decorate the lobby, even the furnishings have stories that Ms Kucukserim
is only too happy to share. Carpets are handmade, guest rooms have
original hardwood flooring, bathrooms boast hand painted ceramics.
This is not simply an attempt at period decor, it is the real McCoy,
even the elevator has a parquet floor.
Overall, it is the service that impresses most here, even guests
arriving in the middle of the night will find a wholesome meal waiting
for them. Cakes are baked for birthdays and
honeymooners are showered with all sorts of surprises. It really
is little wonder that Arena's guests return time and time again.
Istanbul Tours and City Breaks |
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Great
Cuisine |
| In the aptly named Delight Restaurant, Arena's
talented chef, Mehmet Yildirim, serves up a selection of local and
international dishes. At tea time you can sample complimentary home
made cakes and pastries that would take pride of place in any patisserie.
In summer the pretty courtyard garden is the setting for breakfast
and lunch. |
| In keeping with mansions
of the time, there is an Hamam in the basement decorated with original
hand painted tiles and marble basins. Massage and other therapies
are available upon request. |
Booking |
| Please
contact
us to check availability. The hotel can be booked independently or
as part of our Istanbul City Breaks and Tour Packages. Rates start
from
£130 per night and vary with season, please contact
us
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