Hammamhane is the perfect place for a romantic city break for many reasons, from the location to the stylish modern interiors, staying here will relax and inspire in equal measure as you and your partner drink in the atmosphere and culture of the ancient and trendy Çukurcuma suburb that Hammamhane calls home.
Upon arrival we were made to feel instantly at home by the caring nature of the hotel owner, Bülent Tığlı. All visitors are offered a traditional cup of Turkish tea and Bülent is more than happy to share the story of the hotel from its beginnings as a 19th century bath house to its current incantation as a lovingly restored hotel and Turkish bath.
The history of the hotel is woven into the fabric of Hammamhane, whose name translated into English literally means Bath House. If you can, book for a session in the recently restored historic Turkish bathing area, reinstated to marble-clad greatness, and available for guests by appointment.
Hammamhane has 14 designer rooms that can thoughtfully cater for three to five guests, depending on your room choice. Each living space comes equipped with a full kitchen, washing machine, dishwasher, LCD TV, rainforest shower and a coffee machine.
For two people we would recommend the one-bedroom apartment as it has a private balcony with a table and two chairs and has been mindfully placed at the back of the building. If you need to catch up on work during your stay you will find a fast and reliable Wi-Fi connection and a working desk in each room.
The thoughtful design continues through to the shared areas of the hotel which are located at the back of the building. The courtyard has been adorned with tables, chairs and leafy plants to create an oasis of calm where we enjoyed a quiet, private coffee or meal, along with the other guests, away from the traffic of the road. Not that traffic is a worry, as the Hammamhane is located on a quiet street with antique shops and art galleries all within walking distance.
We can highly recommend visiting Orhan Pamuk’s Museum of Innocence, which is dedicated to the Nobel Prize winning author’s book by the same name that is located just around the corner from Hammamhane. Also within walking distance of the hotel are Taksim Square, Istikal Road, the Neve Shalom Synagogue and Galata Tower. The Beyoglu district, where Hammamhane is located, is known for its innovative artistic culture, its trendy restaurants and bars, as well as artisan cafes and homemade dining experiences.
Hammamhane is a B&B offering a home-cooked, in-house breakfast. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff from the open-style kitchen encourage guests to take their time and savour their meal. We were treated to delicious servings of home-made dishes alongside a platter serving of a simple Turkish breakfast, made up of fresh fruit and vegetables. The breakfast menu changes each day and the kitchen staff offer two or three extra homemade items for guests to try, such as Turkish pastries, omelette with Turkish sausage and traditional Turkish crêpes.
The luxurious and thoughtful design of the hotel is accentuated by the homely and effortless service offered by Bülent and his staff. It is these touches that make Hammamhane a home away from home, one we didn’t want to leave but will definitely return to on our next visit to Istanbul. The location of the hotel is the icing on the cake, it is perfect for us as we love sightseeing and with so many nearby options for lunch and dinner or a relaxing cup of apple tea in the evening.
The Details
Hammamhane, Firuzaga Mah., Çukurcuma Cad. No:45, 34425 Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey.
Tel: +90 212 293 49 63 / 64
Website: www.hammamhane.com
Email: info@hammamhane.com
The hotel is just a 7-minute walk from Tophane metro station and 3 km from the Grand Bazaar.
Type of Hotel: All Suite B&B Hotel
Number of Rooms: 14 suite apartments with fully-equipped kitchens and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Price Band: Medium
Insider Tip: Be sure to book a session at the adjacent and recently refurnished Turkish hammam.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9/10
Author Bio:
Liz Tecirli is a freelance travel writer specialising in adventure travel, extreme sports and luxury breaks.
Photographs courtesy of Hammamhane
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