THE PUNDITS' CHOICE -- MISAFIR SUITES
The verdict is in and the new in place to overnight while in Istanbul is MiSafir Suites.
Why?
It's just a block off hip, hectic Istiklal Avenue, in the heart of Beyoglu. This is historical Pera, where Agatha Christie dined and Ernest Hewingway wined. But from its architectural past Beyoglu's a thriving hub of chic thats' emerging to hold its own with the best of European capitals. And locales like MiSafir Suites, as well as voguish restaurants, bars and nightclubs, all add up to just why Istiklal Avenue's the new -- well, renewed -- cat's meow.
On first inspection I thought it expensive at 240 euros per night. But the seven rooms, at 50 to 70 square meters (that's huge!), are tastefully decorated with a collection of art Dutch owner Joost Rooijmans's amassed from local artists. Plus there's a copious breakfast -- complimentary, of course! -- served in room. That's novel. The beds are king-sized, dressed with down duvets and pillows -- an extra comfort only found at hotels costing twice as much. The slew of gadgets -- LCD TVs, DVD and CD players, as well as free WiFi -- will make techies go gaga and those who have to put in a couple of hours of work while they play toil in utter luxury. The ample and posh marble bathrooms -- with bathrobes and slippers, as well as a basket of luscious l'Occitane bath products -- are just the cherry on top of the colloquial sundae. And did I mention free airport pick up. This alone saves at least 40 liras taxiing into Beyoglu from the airportt on a day when traffic's particularly brutal!
Interestingly enough, MiSafir's extremely peaceful despite the surrounding hubbub. The windows are triple-glazed, I'm told, to keep out the din of the pedestrian thoroughfare below. But if you do opt for a livelier scene, you'll find it in the cosmopolitan restaurants and tantalizing terrace bar scene just nearby. And sightseers will rejoice in Beyoglu's historical churches, name-brand shopping galore, and the quarter's proximity -- about a half-hour commute down artisan-filled backstreets and along the Golden Horn -- to historical Sultanahmet.
MiSafir's 8 Istanbul, which opened in early 2008, continues to be hailed as one of the Istanbul's in night draw. It's a casual bistro, adorned in a British colonial theme. Its affordable menu mixes "world cuisine with a Thai twist". Turkish dishes with zesty Thai additions. DJs answer the call by spinning lounge-y soundtrack thats attracted a cool local crowd by word-of-mouth alone. Oh, and 8's menu doubles as MiSafir's room-service carte.
ESSENTIALS
ADDRESS: Gazeteci Erol Dernek Sok. 1, Beyoglu - Istanbul
TELEPHONE: +90 212 249 89 30
EMAIL: info@misafirsuites.com
STRICTLY SPEAKING
MISAFIR = GUEST (Pron. Meesafeer)