Review: Istanbul hotel
Istanbul's Blue Mosque (photo: Natasha von Geldern)
Saturday, 10, Jul 2010 11:47
Kate Walker reviews a stylish and authentic hotel in the Turkish capital for Travelbite.co.uk.
Tucked away in the bustling Istanbul neighbourhood of Sirkeci, amongst cherry sellers, kebab carvers and kilim auctioneers; you'll find the Orka Royal Hotel (or more commonly known as Royal Orsep).
On entry you're met with marble, stone and leather features - cooling especially if you've just come in from a summer day of bazaar spree spending.
The Liquid Bar in the lobby is where most folk meet, be it hotel guests or business partners post their wheeling and dealing; and if lobby gatherings are not your thing, head on up to the rooftop terrace with bar and mini pool to boot.
With 360-ish degree views, the roof terrace is really the key hotel attraction. Parked out on a chequered deck chair with a Bira in hand, it's easy to resign yourself to a good hour of scene absorption. To the East lies Gulhane Park, lush with foliage and Topkapi Palace cradled within. To the South East - the famed Blue Mosque/Sultanhamet Mosque; and to the West - Eminonu Mosque stands tall; adding to a skyline of minarets.
Come evening, views over the Bosphorus include the coming and going of ferries, fishermen sprouting off Galata Bridge and floating fish vendors. Istanbul really comes alive in the twilight hours and to sit on high and watch the hustle and bustle take place, is most enjoyable.
For those of you keen to get amongst it all, locally, minutes' walk from the Orka and you have an array of restaurants, street cafes, curio shops and the real deal when it comes to carpets, lamps and ceramics. Wrap your lips around a Turkish Moussaka at Faros Restaurant on Hudavendigar Cadessi (street) and just opposite you can sip cai (tea) with the owners of Ottoman jewellery, ceramic water jugs and stunning fabric shops.
Come kip time, rooms at the Orka are standard and equipped with all necessary facilities one would normally need - air conditioning, bed lamps, satellite TV, mini bar and complimentary soaps and hairdryer in the ensuite bathroom. Décor varies from earthy greens, pastels to vibey orange hip furniture with textures that allude to a clean and fresh environment!
Before heading out the following morning, make sure you tuck into the lush buffet - offering an array of Turkish and Western dishes. Tahini smooshed in with local honey and soured yogurt is a delicious option!
If you have days in between all the planned touring and ambling, and you just fancy chilling at the hotel; then choose from an in-house hammam, massage, swim, sauna, steam bath, gym work out.or just wander on up to the roof and survey the scene, absorb the sounds and smells; all with a cool Efes in hand.
Kate Walker
For more information and for reservations see the Orka Royal Hotel website.
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