Winter Weddings & Other Banquets

Description:

360 luxurious rooms and suites with views of Bosphorus and the city and modern amenities, such as high-speed internet and in-room kitchenettes, walk-in closets, dvd players and marble tubs, welcome you to the Hyatt Regency Istanbul. Located in the modern center of Istanbul, in the Taksim Square, Hyatt Regency offers convenience of transportation -thanks to the proximity of metro station and main bus stop. Hotel is also not very far away from the historic Old City Blue Mosque and other attractions, and is thus a comfortable choice for both business and leisure travelers. On-site facilities like the spa, swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant, business services and more, make every stay here a pleasurable one. Gaia Spa & Fitness Center, which "emerges from the fertile influence of a crossroads location and centuries-old bathing tradition to offer a truly modern spa and hammam in the heart of Istanbul (Hyatt Regency)," is also frequented by Istanbulites.

Description:

Conrad Istanbul stands high in the heart of Besiktas, with 14 floors of luxurious rooms of various categories. A flamboyant and grotesque entrance, nevertheless, radiating a warm welcome, hints right from the start, how the interior of the hotel is done up in soothing hues and how it pronounces elegance. All the guest rooms have their decor, get-up and style in perfect harmony with the elegance of the Conrad. Executive floors have an additional lounge with complimentary delicacies of Conrad, a welcoming aura and a bit of business emblem. The hotel houses upbeat amenities to make sure their guests enjoy their stay: fitness area that does not fail to meet the average needs of athletic clients, tennis court, ballrooms, conference rooms, a perfectly adequate beauty saloon among other facilities. The swimming pool is also very much liked for the summer season. This is a great choice for both business and leisure trips.

Description:

The two buildings of this hotel, once the former residence of the Ottoman Sultan, are nestled on the glowing shores of the Bosporus Strait. Just a short drive from the airport, all of the rooms are richly furnished and fitted with several amenities, and some offer magnificent views of the sea. The hotel boasts of many in-restaurants and bars to take care of your gastronomic needs, and excellent facilities to ensure the success of any corporate event. For sightseeing, there is the nearby Oratakoy District, where you will find that most eateries serve fish delicacies. The area is also popular for its antique stores, jewelry shops and handicrafts. The shopping zone of Akmerkez is also just a short drive away.

Description:

Versace china in the lobby's tea room along with Iznik tile fountains, black Italian marble bathrooms, intricate inlay on all the woodwork, and a massive winding lobby staircase with cracked-glass steps. Rooms tend to be on small side, but the luxury makes up for it, not to mention the standard voice mail and data jack in each room. Absolutely the best gym in the city, with 20-foot skylight domes, televisions to keep you entertained, and sleek Turkish baths. Has top floor restaurants along with City Lights Bar with some of the best waterfront views in town. Safran Restaurant has Turkish cuisine, elegant atmosphere with the softly played live Ottoman music. There is the Citronelle restaurant with French/Oriental cuisine and the Californian Brasserie on the main floor above the lobby. Similar in price to the other 5-star hotels, but a better buy.

Description:

Located on the southern bank of the Bosphorus, The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul offers a wonderful view of the strait. The hotel offers luxurious accommodation for travelers in the city that is located in two continents. The various club level rooms and suites are uniquely designed and equipped with modern facilities for the comfort of the guest. The Ritz-Carlton is minutes away from the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), the Bosphorus bridge and the Topkapi Palace. The hotel has 4 dining options to offer, where you can relish interesting cuisine. A spa that offers rejuvenating treatments in its 9 rooms is one of the highlights of the Ritz-Carlton.

Our Local Expert Says:

As always, the Hilton delivers on it's promises. Used by many visiting celebrities and VIPS.

Description:

The Hilton was the first high-rise block built to accommodate visitors to Istanbul. Although it provides its guests with beautiful, sweeping panoramic views of the Bosphorus, it's a bit of an eyesore to look at from the outside. Considering the prices, the rooms are not exceptional. The décor however, is pleasant and the hotel provides a vast range of facilities for families and businesspeople. For sporty types, there is a kilometer-long running track winding through the lush 13 acres of gardens. Not all of the rooms have Bosphorus views and they are therefore priced accordingly. One of the hotel's claims to fame is that Ian Fleming stayed here in 1955 when he was working on From Russia With Love.

Our Local Expert Says:

Certainly luxury, this hotel also has a beautiful sauna attached. Well worth the splurge if you have the money!

Description:

Whether you are here for work or play, the Swissôtel Bosphorus has something for you. Situated centrally on a beautiful hilltop with a view of the Bosphorus River, it is conveniently close to the shopping areas and many attractions. The 600 rooms and suites come equipped with fine amenities like high speed Internet access, minibar, safe deposit and more; there are special rooms for business travelers. On-site fitness facilities, a swimming pool, a solarium, and the traditional Turkish bath keep you well occupied. The hotel also boasts not less than 16 restaurants and bars, as well as 23 function rooms!

Our Local Expert Says:

Chic and elegant lounge area

Description:

Despite a fairly good French-influenced menu, most of the moneyed clientele come here to be seen rather than eat. The well-heeled customers enter through a narrow corridor -a.k.a VIP-, walk over colorful old carpets and bright kilims (traditional Turkish rugs) into a wide saloon with an incredible view of the Bosphorus. Ulus 29 is located right above, on the same hill as the, Sunset Grill Bar & Restaurant. The two restaurants share the same aura, clientele and the view; and have slightly influenced menus, yet differ by the fact that Ulus 29 is a bar, restaurant and club. Even though dinner may end around midnight at 29, the 29 club is usually just starting by that time. The ostentatious décor of both restaurant and the club area makes the whole place resemble a gigantic Bedouin tent. In summer, everyone prefers to dine on the open-air garden terrace with fabulous views of the Bosphorus. The menu covers a wide array of cuisines, but is fairly influenced by French, Ottoman Classics and Italian.

Description:

The Marmara Esma Sultan is an ideal location for weddings, events, shows, private parties or even for business meetings. Dating back to 1873, this hall exudes a charming history. This place was gifted to Esma Sultan as her wedding gift and was her home for several years. Later on, after depletion and change in ownership and management, the mansion was finally taken over by Marmara group and is now considered a prime and chic location for events and functions. The sheer grandeur and the beauty of this place merits a visit for the tourists who are looking to explore the history of the place.

Description:

1001 Direk Sarnici (Cistern of 1001 Columns) is the second largest Byzantine cistern in Istanbul after the Basilica Cistern. It is deemed to have been built sometime during the 4th cc, after Byzantine Emperor Constantinus I summoned certain Roman Parliament Members to Istanbul -named as Constantinople back then. When the parliament members arrived, the Philoxenus palace was built next to the Hippodrome as home to these members; and the cistern was built to provide for the Palace's water demand. The Palace did not survive to date, but the cistern, which is also called the Philoxenus Cistern by some, remains. It too was closed until a few years ago. Since it has been re-opened, it is also being used to host cocktail parties, wedding ceremonies and other types of formal events as well. It is interesting to see, but not as overwhelming as to see the Basilica Cistern, which is underground. There is a small buffet to grab a coffee or tea -first tea comes as free with your entry ticket- and a small-scale exhibition inside as well.