Istanbul isn’t just about the Bosphorus anymore – like every other major city, there is a hipster neighbourhood vying with the old guard to draw travellers looking to get under the skin of the place. In the Turkish capital, this is Bomonti, with its edgy streets and select stores, yuppy feel and polished-glass-and-steel condominiums butting up against real-life, graffitied office-block walls and old shops that have been here for decades. There’s even an old brewery (of course) – Bomontiada, which is now one of the city’s top entertainment centres. And right next to it, the Design Hotel that is The House Hotel Bomonti
It’s no wonder that the cutting-edge House Hotels group decided to open a property in Bomonti. Styled like a modern condo-block with balconied garden and a basement dining room, The House Hotel Bomonti might at first seem like you’ve got on the wrong plane and landed in Scandinavia. But, in fact, the design was closer to home for us, with Conran and Partners taking the lead on the aesthetics.
Given the expansive communal areas, our room was just a tad smaller than we had expected, but gorgeously appointed nevertheless, with an effortless industrial vibe – concrete floors and walls, Gubi lamps and Tom Dixon terrariums. Basically, everything we want our home to be decked out with (a trip to The Conran Shop is pending). Contemporary local artwork also featured in all spaces, acting as a counterpoint to the factory-esque vibe.
The winning point of The House Hotel Bomonti? The staff. Young, trendy and ever-obliging, they helped us map a trip through this magical city that took in both the must-sees and the hidden gems.
| Perfect for | Fly into | Right on time |
| The Insider | IST | GMT +3 |
| While you’re Out There |
| Head to Bomontiada in the old brewery and dine at Kiva, for a modern take on Meze that will blow your mind. Wash it down with bottles of local beer. |
Photography courtesy of The House Hotels Bomonti
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