Mesrutiyet Cad 98 100
Istanbul, TR 80050
Chain: I.T.S. Hotels
Written by lindalioness@hotmail.com.View lindalioness@hotmail.com's Blog.
Lovers of mystery, old fashioned opulence, history and good old fashioned romance will love this remarkable four star hotel located in Istanbul's most exciting district. Originally built in 1892 to accommodate the passengers of the infamous Orient Express, the hotel can proudly boast a guest list including everybody from Ernest Hemmingway to the Shah of Iran and of course, its most famous guest, Agatha Christie. Legend has it that the key featured in Christie's famous novel is actually located somewhere in Room 411. The other great thing about this hotel is its excellent location. It is situated in the heart of Istanbul's nightlife district, Pera, and is a two minute walk from the main shopping and cafe area, Istiklal Caddesi. During the late Ottoman period, these areas functioned as the commercial centre of the Empire and much of the original architecture still stands in the form of passages.
Does HotelsByCity recommend this hotel?
Absolutely! The Pera Palace is not simply a hotel. It has an important place in Istanbul history. It has the sort of faded charm that appeals to the romantic in us all and a great location. The little museum rooms also give it an added bonus. The restaurant, tea room and bar are excellent and the service is great. It is rare to hear a bad review about this hotel. If you are the type of person who prefers modern five star with spas and all the modern comforts, this may not be your preferred accommodation, but even the most difficult to please guests claim that it is excellent value for a four star hotel. Read our customer reviews?
The hotel is 6 floors of 145 rooms, stylishly decorated but not too over the top. All rooms have air conditioning, satellite television, private bathrooms, minibar and hairdryers. Depending on the particular room you stay in, you should have a spectacular view of the Golden Horn plus you may be confronted with the aura of a past guest. Anyone with some psychic ability would do well to check out rooms with some famous past guests. You may even discover where the key is located!!
The hotel has two bars, a terrace bar and also the Orient Bar, once the hangout of the rich and famous and favourite haunt of Turkish intellectuals. It has one the most atmospheric ballrooms in the world and meeting rooms which can accommodate up to 500 delegates. The patisserie is one of the most luxurious and beautiful in town. The thing that sets it apart from other hotels, however, is the little museum rooms. For a tip, you can view the personal effects of Ataturk, the father of Turkey, including a prayer mat, oriental carpets and furniture which were gifts from various heads of state. Room 411 has been dedicated to Agatha Christie and contain some of her personal effects.
This hotel is very easy to find once you are on Istiklal Caddesi.