The celebrities of the world have lounged, wined & dined and slept here as did the Pashas of the great Ottoman Empire. Hotel Les Ottomans is, as Julio Inglesis, Kate Moss and Sex and the City’s Chris North have said, “an experience unlike any other”.
Kevin Costner and Paris Hilton have endorsed Les Ottomans as the rare gem that it is in a country that straddles two continents – Asia and Europe, depending on which side of the river you’re on.

Located in the finest section of Istanbul on the Bosporus, The Muhsinzade Mehmet Pasha Mansion (its original name) was one of the most prestigious architectural expressions of its time. Bette Midler once sang, “let’s get preposterous on the Bosporus”. The idea of flaunting your wares here would not be considered de classe nor out of place. Rather, the opposite. Packing your finest glad rags and glittery jewels would be de rigor.

The Mehmet family resided in this palace from 1790-1929. During their reign they enjoyed splendid architecture – gardens , pools, marble chiseled fountains – from the Ottoman period. The Garden of Muhsinzade built on this property was among the most beautiful and richest examples of 18th century garden architecture that Turkey has seen. It survived until early last century. The Ottoman period lasted a walloping 600+ years from 1299 – 1923 and Turkish culture takes it’s cues from the greatness of it’s reigning empirical years.

The mansion fell into disrepair until the Aysal family who operate Unit Group properties reclaimed the grandeur and elegance of this stately building. The proprietress Ms. Aysal, who is herself endowed with an esthetic and artistic eye,d revamped the interior remaining faithful to the origins of lavishness bestowed by the court of the Ottomans. She chose some of Turkey’s top designers to invigorate the old property with modern infusions and cross-cultural sensibilities. This smart universalist approach appeals to an entirely new generation of international high end world travelers.

The sultry shapes and silhouette of the Muhsinzade Strand had all but disappeared on the Bosporus, lost in the tides of history. Yet the proud structure defies time and casts its spell to all who visit. Istanbul, a city of vast contrasts can reclaim one of it’s grand dames once again.

Ottoman Luxe to High End European Design Sensibility

The 10 suites that comprise this hotel are each an experience unto themselves. The honored art historian Zeynep Fadillioglu, known for her blending of Ottoman elements to the east and dreamy light and space contours taken from the west was chosen to conceptualize the lobby on the ground floor, the restaurant, the Has Room (a private room and not for has-beens!), stairs, halls, elevator, bedroom floor and the outside Waterside Restaurant and Bar. She also redesigned the ballroom. She won the Andrew Martin International Designer of the Year Award and happens to be the cousin of internationally acclaimed fashion designer Rifat Özbek. Talent definitely runs in this family.

The Metex group of Italy http://www.metexdesign.com/ did the interiors of the bedrooms. The wall textiles and textures were painstakingly worked on by local artists. In one, a tent-like ambiance was painted with tromp l’oeil using Ottoman motifs by Professor Tayfun Erdogmus, the Head of the Painting Department, Fine Arts Faculty of Marmara University. Seljuk 1workmanship typical of the Islamic culture which influenced the majority of Ottoman art became a point of reference in the designs Together with Tayfun Erdogmus a casting baluster inspired by the ancient Islamic art of calligraphy was created. Yet French, British and Italian accents, furniture and architectural features abound offering the guest quite a curriculum of design.

The Restaurant

The Ottoman kitchen was once one of the world’s, if not the world’s greatest. As Turkish military might stretched from Asia to Europe, the importance of it’s cuisine ranked as high as the military. Turkish cuisine, was adopted by the kitchens of the occupied provinces ranging from the Balkans to Southern Russia. The result being a rich hearty mix of pilafs, kebabs, vegetables, dips and soups.

A sample of the delightful cold starters cannot be missed. Try the Ottoman Symphony consisting of eggplant salad, yoghurt & mint, spicy minced salad, Circassian chicken and phyllo pastry and cheese for 32 YTL (New Turkish Lira). On the hot appetizer side the Turkish Meat Dumplings in yoghurt and tomato sauce with sumac and dried mint are sizzling at 25 YTL.

For the main events Turkish cuisine relies heavily on meat. Grilled Lamb Loin on beet root and potato puree with mint jelly and French beans is a winner, 50 YTL as is the Yoghurt Kebab consisting of lamb chops and minced meatballs on pita bread slices brushed with tomato sauce accompanied by charcoaled eggplant, grilled pepper and shallots. 38 YTL. For fish lovers the Swordfish on a Skewer is presented with tabbouleh (grain similar to bulgar wheat mixed with chopped tomato, onions, green pepper, parsley, lemon juice and mint) and rocket salad. A fantastic walnut and sour pomegranate sauce puckers your mouth. 48 YTL

People often mistakingly compare Turkish cuisine to Greek. Nothing could be further from truth. Although there are plenty of similar ingredients and methods of cooking, eating at the Hotel Les Ottomans is a far cry from ordering shish kebab on the beach.

Amenities

As with any grand property, a spa and therapeutic center on premise cater to every whim and treatment you may seek. Jacuzzi, hot tub, fitness center, Turkish bathing, pool, indoor sauna and a gorgeous outdoor and indoor pool await you. The French Caudalie Vinotherapy Spa (wine based products) – an amazing 2400 square meters dedicated to relaxation and wellness of body-mind-soul will confirm what excellent individual service is all about. Boutique shopping is available plus 24 hour butler service.

Rooms

All rooms include the Pasha breakfast. There is no difference on single or double occupancy. The rates are exclusive of 8% VAT. As there are only ten rooms in the entire palace you will need to book way in advance. Each room is named and has a particular artistic style. The Hurrem Sultan Suite 110 offers a view of the Bosphorus and the pool, is 146 m2 and winter rates2 are 3,000 euro. In summer rates3 are 3,500 euro per night. The Kosem Sultan Suite 108 faces the Bosphorus, is 148 m2 and boasts 2 bedrooms in a duplex shape. It costs 2,400 euro in winter and 3,000 in summer. The smallest room at 51 m2 is the Devlet Hatun, Suite 102 which faces the garden and costs the same in winter and summer at 800,00 euro. The Bazmialem Sultan Suite 105 has a Turkish Hammam styled bathroom and is 82 m2. It costs 1,000 euro in winter and 1,200 in summer. Hotel Les Ottomans is part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

For more information and reservations please contact:

Hotel Les Ottomans
Muallim Naci Cad. No:68, Kurucesme,
Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: 212-359-1500
Web: http://www.lesottomans.com •
Email: info@lesottomans.com