Sumahan Hotel

Sumahan on the Water Kuleli Caddesi No:43, Çengelköy, Istanbul Turkey

It’s said that in Istanbul your status is determined neither by the size of your terrace nor the sleekness of your car, but by your view – or lack thereof – of the Bosphorus. And while the sultans of Topkapı Palace may have been up to their eyeballs in panoramas, for most citizens of this enormous city, waterfront space is as rare as it is enviable. Sumahan, however, is right on the strait. Once a family-run distillery, it’s now the most exclusive haunt on the city’s Asian shore. With just 24 rooms, it showcases the blue ribbon of waves that slosh through the Turkish capital. Swish double rooms have entire walls of windows, with beds and couches facing out so you can watch boats come and go, and the sun rise or set. You’re even given binoculars through which to gaze at the ant-like cars that speed over Bosphorus Bridge, or watch guests arrive at the hotel’s new Tapasuma restaurant via its private dock.
That private dock, by the way, is where you can board Sumahan’s own shuttle boat, which will take you across the Bosphorus to Sultanahmet or Taksim throughout the day – a blessing given Istanbul’s gridlock streets; plus it’s great fun. You can come back to explore the quaint local fishing village, Çengelköy, or laze in the private hammam before dining at the hotel restaurant, Tapasuma. Opt for Turkish-style tapas, or moreish lamb shoulder, washed down with cocktails, as the Bosphorus laps at your feet. AM. Doubles from £278.