Sumahan Hotel

Sumahan is a Hotel on the Water
Sumahan sits on the very edge of the Bosphorus Straits which separate Europe from Asia and link the cold waters of the Black Sea to the warm waters of the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean beyond. The Bosphorus feeds the heart and spirit of the city.

Sumahan is a Hotel with a History
It was built in the mid-nineteenth century to produce “suma” the unadulterated spirit used to make raki, the Ottomans’ favourite tipple. Where today a motorised launch ferries hotel guests to and from downtown, barges laden with figs would arrive to keep the stills of the Sumahan busy.

Sumahan is Unique
It is a rare Bosphorus-front property that has remained in the hands of the original family. Turkish-American owner-architects Nedret and Mark Butler have transformed an unlikely family heirloom – a derelict late Ottoman alcohol factory, into special retreat for visitors to the modern city. Its aim is to provide the highest degree of service to the independent traveller in the intimacy of a family-owned hotel.

Sumahan has Spectacular Views
Status in Istanbul has long been determined not by the horsepower of your car but the magnificence of your living room view. Every bedroom in the hotel offers an ever-changing seascape of fisherman and ferryboats and ships gliding through the night. It’s a view of myth and of history. Odysseus, Jason and his Argonauts all passed in front of the Sumahan as did Soviet submarines. In a list that includes Topkapi Palace and the Maiden’s Tower, the Guardian newspaper cites Sumahan as the only hotel among Istanbul’s five best waterside views.

Sumahan is Elegant and Comfortable, Private and Convenient
The busy city of Istanbul is there on display – on a clear day, close enough to touch – but guests of the Sumahan enjoy this panorama from the quiet privacy of a secluded waterfront.

Sumahan Neighborhood
Sumahan is just outside Çengelköy, a part of the city that still preserves its air of an authentic Bosphorus neighorhood. It is a village of wooden houses, fish restaurants and seaside promenades. The Bosphorus-front mansions nearby are among the stately homes of Turkey, and include the residence of Abdullah Pasa, the son of a Çengelköy boatman who went on to become the Grand Vezir. Çengelköy is famous for its fruit orchards and market gardens and had the royal palace where the last Ottoman Sultan was raised.

Accommodation

The properties of light and water, different at every time of day and in every season provide the instant attraction of staying here. There is a choice of suites and bedrooms, each with its own personality, most with fire places, but all with magnificent views. The twin level suites have their own Bosphorus-side garden. In the purity of its conception, the choice of wood and marble, steel and brick, fabrics and linens, Sumahan sets a standard in restoration architecture and interior design. The furnishings are contemporary. The large bathrooms are well-appointed with thick Turkish towels and a choice of traditional colognes and special toiletries including rich natural soaps. Many of the rooms have their own Turkish-style bath or hamam.

Guest services

Afternoon tea, a snack to greet you off a late night plane, a cup of coffee if you choose to check your emails in the library (all rooms have internet access) – these are the sort of things we are delighted to offer not as an “extra” but as a matter of basic hospitality. We will press a pleated skirt, find a guide who specialises in Byzantine mosaics or arrange an experienced driver to get you through a busy schedule of meetings- and do just about anything to make your stay a pleasant one.

Waterfront Terrace Restaurant with sea side terrace serving lunch, dinner and beverages ,Kordon Restaurant, A la carte restaurant featuring seafood and Mediterranean cuisine, Wellness (hamam, massage and exercise),
Meeting Facilities The meeting room, overlooking the Bosphorus is located on the main floor and comfortably accommodates up to 35 people, Scheduled complimentary launch transfer across the Bosphorus, Hotel is handicapped accessible, Library, 24 hour room and daily turndown services, Same day laundry and dry cleaning (Mon-Sat).
From / to airport transfer on request, rent a car, sightseeing city tour, All major credit cards accepted.