W Istanbul

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W Istanbul
Suleyman Seba Cad No: 22 • Akaretler, Beşiktaş





One of many fine distinguishing characteristics about the W brand is its unashamed lack of cultural authenticity. Ws are a recognition that what's important when traveling is a base of good design, gourmet food, and a place to partayy - and that not everyone wants to spend their nights at some quasi museum or art exhibition, or a plain and impersonal box. But it's even better when design hotels go one step further and attempt to reinvent, rejuvenate and reinterpret local culture. Beyond merely incorporating some aspects of the host culture, the W Istanbul is whimsical style meets Ottoman Empire chic.

Situated amongst designer shopping in the fasionable district of Besiktas, the W Istanbul is adjacent to the iconic Akaretler Row which comprises high end boutiques, such as Jimmy Choo, Paul Smith, Marc Jacobs, Mandarina Duck amongst others. Perfect for shopaholics like myself! Nightlife in Taksim and more shopping in Nisantasi are a mere < 10 minutes' drive away, whilst a 15-20 mins cab ride takes you to various cultural attractions in Sultanahmet.

Because the W Istanbul is part of a restored complex, the Aklaretler Row Houses – there aren’t any vast public spaces. Instead, the Welcome Desk and Whatever/Whenever Desks, the W Lounge (what the Living Room is called here) and the in-house restaurant Jean Georges’ Spice Market are each housed in different rooms quite separate from each other. Complimentary internet in the W Lounge as well as the ground floor. The distinct spaces detracts from the overall iconic W atmosphere somewhat as you don’t feel like you’re immediately walking into happening party central upon entering, OTOH it has a rather cozy and intimate boutique hotel feel to it. YMMV.






Welcome Desk/ground floor foyer


Whatever/Whenever

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W Lounge


one of my 2 fave drinks here – the mango bellini; the other being the kumquat mojito



Spice Market by Jean Georges

I paid EUR180/night for a Wonderful Room but was upgraded to a rather good sized Studio Suite, which is actually, like most junior suites, a large room with sitting area. Perhaps I’ve been spoilt by the W Hong Kong, but the lack of huge surround-sound stereo systems here was a bit disappointing and seem rather un-W in this day and age. The sounds of Wonderlust just didn’t sound the same with the pathetic CD player they had in the suite. I loved the v minimalist yet practically designed showers and basin area. The toilet was separate from the showers which is handy if travelling with someone else. The Wonderful Bed was comfy as usual. Ottoman touches enhanced the sensuality of the room with splashes of red. I also had a little balcony which looked out to Akaretler Row. There’s also nightly turndown service.



The lifts


Sexily dark hallways

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Different lighting modes – all at the touch of a button

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Welcome platter for PLTs – green apples and bottle of water - a bit pedestrian IMO


comp mojito


indeed

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Service was nothing short of awesome at this property. Apparently I had a note in my profile stating that I liked mojitos (i suspect from the W Hong Kong), and was offered a mojito on the house at check in which was sent up to my room. There’s an Aveda spa here rather than Bliss. My casual comment to the Welcome Desk agent about how much I’m a fan of Bliss bath products prompted the appearance of a nice little bag of Bliss goodies in my room along with a lovely note from the W Insider who “heard” that I’m a Bliss fan. Whatever/Whenever, as I’ve come to expect from Ws, excelled at nightlife recommendations and bookings; not only were they efficient but you do feel the wuv’ when they start giving tips and suggestions to enhance your experience. For instance, I had a daily club list guide sent up to my room every day totally unprompted, with helpful handwritten notes by the concierge.

Food at Spice Market was delish, though I was a little apprehensive at first as IME Jean Georges’ establishments lack quality control sometimes and can vary wildly. Asian fusion served here at rather reasonable pricing – though choice of wines v uninspired.

Wednesday nights are a big party night in Istanbul, and the W Lounge also revs up with their own Wednesdays@W Lounge party. Great mix of W guests, tourists and glamourous locals at the party, and it was totally packed to the rafters. Superb DJing, always a plus. Bookings for tables are taken but I was simply content to mingle with the crowd.










Summing up the W Istanbul in one word? Hotness...

[medhead]

You've definitely done the hard sell on W - I'll have to try them sometime.

Not sure about the pink brothel-esque lighting in the hallways and lifts

[Evan]

You've definitely done the hard sell on W - I'll have to try them sometime.

Not sure about the pink brothel-esque lighting in the hallways and lifts

Speaking from experience are we ?
The light shows at W's are something behold at the 2 hotels i have seen so far. Maybe a bit bright at some hotels like HKG if your a bit tired from a late flight in but its all good once your in the living room.
E

[QF009]

Speaking from experience are we ?
The light shows at W's are something behold at the 2 hotels i have seen so far. Maybe a bit bright at some hotels like HKG if your a bit tired from a late flight in but its all good once your in the living room.
E

I'm not sure I like the trend towards bright hallways at the new or refurbed Ws, eg W Hong Kong and W San Francisco. Seems v un-W and more like the conventional hotels to me. And can be a shock to the system in the morning. Dark hallways are much more hip and funkier. I totally dig the hallways at places like the W Istanbul and the W NY-Union Square.

[serfty]

... And can be a shock to the system in the morning. ...

Coming in or going out? (or both?)

[Febs]

I love W's, but one thing I really don't like about them is how everything is usually so dimly-lit. I don't see it as "cool", more like "we're trying to save on our electricity bill".

Mexico City, Dallas and Seattle are good examples. Cool hotels, just too dark!