W Istanbul - New City

W Istanbul is an uber-trendy, boutique hotel, situated in the Besiktas district along Turkey’s Bosphorus coastline. Part of the acclaimed W brand, known for its exceptional levels of service, this beautifully restored, adult-only property offers an outstanding collection of rooms and suites – some with private terraces or cabanas, an on-site spa and fully equipped gym. For dining, the sensational W Lounge is open all day for breakfast, fine dining, cocktails and partying.

The building in which the hotel is housed is notable for being part of the historic Akaretler Row Houses, each of which embodies a timeless elegance and once home to the nearby Dolmabahce Palace staff. The palace itself is a little over a mile away, set against the Bosphorus Strait and surrounded by magnificent gardens – it’s a perfect representation of the splendour and excessive wealth of the Ottoman Empire. The area around the hotel is charming and popular with locals strolling around the cobbled streets or filling the local galleries, boutique shops, bars and restaurants. It’s a world away from Istanbul’s historic centre of Sultanahmet, where tourists flock to visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Sharpen up your haggling skills and head to the Grand Bazaar, approximately five miles away. It’s an unmissable experience where you’ll be tempted to buy anything from lamps, ceramics and rugs to jewellery and clothing. The equally vibrant – and the city's oldest – Spice Bazaar is also in the vicinity. Expect your senses to be overwhelmed by the spectacular sights and mesmerising scents from the herbs, spices, oils, fruits and nuts on sale. Istanbul International Airport is 28 miles away, while Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is 25 miles away.

Rooms and suites are lavish in decoration, oozing a glam-chic vibe with a liberal use of carefully positioned mood lighting. Rich red fabrics and dark wooden furniture are combined with Turkish touches in the form of ottomans, marble hammam-style washbasins and a large mirrors surrounded by intricate fretwork. The signature W beds are dressed with crisp cotton linens and ruby-red satin duvets while the bathroom features rainfall showers and Davines Spa toiletries. The W MixBar is stocked with tasty snacks and refreshing beverages to curb any late-night cravings and some categories feature an exclusive terrace to take in the sunset over the Bosphorus, a private landscaped patio or a second-floor private cabana, connected to your room by a bridge.