Istanbul is a city that keeps on fascinating me. It is a bridge between East and West and boosts with a contrast of tradition and the modern. Feeling home in such a big city, can be quite a challenge. However, after visiting the luxury boutique hotel Tomtom Suites with my partner, I can honestly say that I found my home away from home in Istanbul. Here is the full review of my stay at the Tomtom Suites in Istanbul!
A Quick Overview
The Tomtom Suites are situated in a beautiful restored historical building that used to be a Franciscan nunnery. Being a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, guests can expect luxurious modern interior and vibrant paintings and other pieces of art throughout the hotel and in the 20 enormous suites. The helpful staff speaks English fluently and is available 24 hours.
Location
You will quickly realize that Istanbul is a huge metropolis, so location is key! Tomtom Suites are conveniently located in the heart of Istanbul, tucked away in the Galata district that offers its visitors restaurants, galleries and nightlife entertainment. Due to the quiet surrounding, it is hard to believe that the main pedestrian street Istiklal Caddesi is only a couple of minutes away. Overall, this location offers a local experience, that is still close enough to Istanbul’s sights and attractions.
The Room
After taking the glass lift to the second floor, we were shown to our Deluxe Suite, where we stayed for two nights. When entering the suite, you first step into the spacious common area that includes a big wardrobe, a working desk and a minibar.
The suite had high-ceilings, natural-wooden floor, large windows and a contemporary and elegant look with soft and natural colors. The modern art work like the paintings, the handmade rugs and ceramics had traditional Turkish touches, which I really liked. It was the warm tones of the interior and the apartment-like suite that made this stay feel so homely.
The suites at Tomtom come equipped with a comfortable king size bed, LCD television, a DVD player, complimentary Wi-Fi, a well-appointed minibar and coffee and tea making facilities. I was also impressed by the pillow menu that offers several pillows for each of their guest’s needs.
It was nice to have complimentary water that was restocked each day in the room. When we returned in the evening, we were surprised to find a tray with homemade chocolates as a welcome gift on the table. They know me too well!
The impressive bathroom was my personal highlight of the suite! It is as modern, stylish and spacious as the rest of the suite. White marble covers the whole room and floor heating is available. In addition to a big bathtub that also functions as a jacuzzi, the bathroom features a rain shower. Toiletries from Molton Brown, fluffy white robes and slippers are provided to ensure a relaxing stay.
Breakfast with a View
Breakfast is being served on the stylish roof terrace that overviews the Bosphorus and the Old city. While gazing upon the Topkapi Palace, a friendly waiter will bring you freshly brewed coffee or tea of your choice. In the mean time, the cook will prepare your favorite egg dish. I chose the Turkish speciality menemen, which is a tasty version of scrambled eggs with tomatoes, pepper and onion. On the table you will find freshly squeezed orange juice, water and milk. The open buffet offers a selection of Turkish and Western dishes like local cheeses, fruits and vegetables, pastries, jams, olives, cold meats and cereals. Yummy!
Facilities and Services
If you’re in for a little afternoon treat, then you have to join the hotel’s complimentary tea time at its cosy library, which offers books of art, history and culture of Istanbul and also some DVDs.
The roof terrace that offers breakfast in the morning turns into the fine dining restaurant Nicole in the evening. There, guests can enjoy Turkish and Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist.
The Tomtom Suites serve as the ideal base for exploring Istanbul and simultaneously as a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle in the city. The friendly staff and the intimate atmosphere in this boutique hotel made my stay truly enjoyable. Tomtom Suites does exactly what a small boutique hotel should concentrate on: it makes you feel like it is your luxurious home away from home.
Thank you to the Tomtom Suites for hosting me! The photos and opinions expressed on this blog are always my own.