Sumahan on the Water Hotel
Formerly an Ottoman-era distillery, this place was converted into an award-winning hotel by its discerning Turkish-American owners. As the hotel is situated on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait, guests arrive from Europe in the hotel’s own launch. There can be few finer ways to begin a visit to Istanbul.
Sumahan on the Water Location
The hotel is situated in Çengelköy, a pretty village once home to a mixed population of Greeks, Armenians, Jews and other non-Muslim minority groups. It’s renowned for its fish restaurants, some with fabulous views down the Bosphorus to the first suspension bridge and beyond, and Ottoman period, wood-built waterfront mansions known as yalı. Indeed there’s not a whole not to do in the immediate vicinity of the Sumahan bar watch the ships and flights of shearwaters glide up and down the strait – and that of course is a major plus in this often noisy, frenetic city.
The hotel launch will take you across to the European side of the Bosphorus at Kabataş – a wonderfully scenic ride in its own right – from where it is easy to pick up a tram into the old city, a ferry out to the Princes’ Islands, or ride the funicular to buzzing Beyoğlu.
- Address: Kuleli Cad. No:51 Cengelkoy, Istanbul, 34684, Turkey
- Phone: 0216 422 8000
- Website: sumahan.com
Style and Character
It’s hard to imagine a better mix of superb waterfront location, fascinating period building and sympathetic contemporary restoration. Inside there’s lots of exposed brick and stone work, steel girders and split-levels, whilst from the outside the simple, functional façade derives interest from its symmetrically arranged arched windows, and the greenery-fringed dining deck fronting it.
Sumahan also seems the ideal place to try the traditional Turkish spirit, rakı (best with a meze and fish meal), as for many decades the spirit used in the production of rakı, deriving from fig syrup, was produced right here. Co-owner Nedret’s ancestors were actually the owners of the distillery, so it seems very appropriate that she and her American husband, Mark, still preside over this grand old historic building. It’s also very handy that they are both architects by profession.
Service and Facilities
There’s an intimacy here that’s hard to imagine in a city of 15-million plus, and there always seems to be a member of staff on hand to see to guests needs. The fitness centre has the latest machines, and at the opposite end of the activity spectrum there’s a well-stocked library of over 800 Turkey-related books – ideal for finding out more about the art, literature, history and sites of vibrant Istanbul – and a relaxing wellness centre offering a variety of massages.
Sumahan on the Water Hotel Rooms
One of the best things about the Sumahan is that all rooms have magnificent views of the Bosphorus, and you can either lay in bed, or sit in a comfy armchair, and watch the sun play on the water outside. Light floods into the carefully designed rooms through floor to ceiling windows, illuminating the stylishly contemporary, but never austere, interiors. Think natural wood floors, neutral walls and plain drapes enlivened by tastefully upholstered soft furnishings, little vases of flowers, trendy Italian light fittings and the flickering flames of the real fires which are a feature of most rooms.
There are six different kinds of rooms here, with the split-level loft suites of particular appeal, especially as they open onto lawned gardens. The beds are extremely comfortable and bathrooms, most with bathtubs as well as showers, both elegant and functional.
Food and Drinks in Sumahan on the Water Hotel
Breakfast, taken in a cosy downstairs room, is a wonderful Turkish and international spread, with everything from home-made jams to fresh goat cheeses, crunchy muesli to freshly brewed coffee. The in-house Waterfront Restaurant is good for international dishes, including pasta, grilled meat and fish, though Turkish specialities are available – try the tasty kuzu sırtı külbastı (loin of lamb served with smoky aubergine purée, peppers, onions and sumac-infused pomegranate molasses). Delicious home-produced wines are available from around £18 a bottle.
Access for guests with disabilities?
Most of the hotel is wheelchair-accessible.
Family-Friendly?
The loft rooms are great for families, especially the four-bed loft suite, though with toddlers the waterfront location might be off-putting for some parents (Bosphorus currents are notorious). Babysitting services are available, as are extra beds.
Sumahan on the Water Hotel Review’s
Read More:
