Recently in Turkey Category

Soft white sand. Turquoise waters. Languid palm trees swaying in the tropical breeze. No, we're not talking about some Caribbean or Hawaiian island, but rather the Mediterranean coast of Turkey, and if you've never had the pleasure of a beach vacation in Antalya, here's a perfect chance. The Sheraton Voyager Antalya Hotel, Resort & Spa is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next six weeks. When it comes to seaside luxury, it's hard to top the Sheraton Voyager Antalya, which boasts just about every amenity you could dream of. From a pristine beach, a pampering spa facility, and a state-of-the-art fitness center to the largest outdoor pool in the area, it's an oasis of tranquility under the Mediterranean sun. So spend your days splashing in the water and catching some rays, and when it's time to dry off, head back to the resort for an evening of fine food and good times. With no fewer than nine restaurants and lounges, you're sure to find a dining experience that suits the moment, whether it's the casual atmosphere of Greens Sports Bar or the lively Maritime Restaurant, where Mediterranean cuisine and live music are always on the menu. An after-dinner walk through the resort's lovely botanical garden will have you vowing to return to this Turkish paradise soon. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list for the latest deals.

Istanbul is one of my favorite cities on the planet, because every stroll through town, no matter how brief, feels like a foray into a world of fantasy. From the mouthwatering aroma of the kebab stands to the chilling sounds of the call to prayer from the müezzins, a visit to this gem of a city always provides plenty of fond travel memories. If you're ready for an Istanbul adventure, now is a perfect time. The brand-new W Istanbul is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends. Located in the Akaretler Row Houses, the hotel is convenient to Istanbul's finest attractions. Whether you want to take a tour of world-famous Hagia Sofia or the Blue Mosque, see how the sultans lived in Topkapi Palace, or go shopping at some of the most stylish designer boutiques in Europe or Asia, you'll find a wealth of options just minutes from the hotel. And when you've marveled at the eclectic mix of cultures and influences that make this city great, head back to the hotel for a refreshing drink of raki at the W Lounge, followed by a gourmet meal at Jean-George's Spice Market restaurant. Istanbul might just become one of your favorite cities too. New Starpicks properties are posted every Tuesday, so check the list for the latest deals and start packing.

The W Istanbul is housed in a handsome landmark building that dates back more than 130 years, but design elements from some of the 21st century's most talented artisans give it an air of modern luxury and elegance. The timeless experience begins as soon as guests enter the hotel, as their first view is of a Marmara marble check-in area where crystals, jewelry, carved stones, and curtains create an atmosphere of mystery, eroticism, and glamor. The front desk itself (pictured) is a work of modern art. Designed to resemble a jewelry box, it features original crystals under a cut-glass table top, an emerald tree pattern, and distinct mood lighting to strike the right note with arriving guests. The nearby SIP and Living Room lounge areas, meanwhile, feature the long, plush Ottoman-style seating areas preferred by the sultans along with contemporary flourishes like brass-clad columns, portable black partitions, and elegant wooden side contours. And of course, you're in for a feast for all the senses at the Spice Market restaurant. Light-colored leather seats and tables, oak wood trim, and a patterned ceiling ensure that your eyes will take in almost as much as your taste buds. It simply must be seen to be believed, so take advantage of one of the hotel's special offers and visit the future of hospitality in Istanbul.

The new W Istanbul represents the very best of classic and modern styles, with roots in the Ottoman Empire and flourishes from the most forward-thinking minds of the 21st century. The hotel is located within the Akaretler Row Houses, a carefully restored series of buildings constructed in the 1870's by Sultan Abdülaziz to house the workers of the nearby Dolmabahce Palace. The hotel's exterior reflects the pervasive western influence felt in Istanbul in the early- to mid-19th century, with a neoclassical design, intricate stonework, and majestic wood accents. On the inside, designers created a space of unparalleled beauty, with the latest technology and amenities set against a backdrop of Ottoman sophistication. From the welcome area - with furniture upholstered with quilted turban material and classical handicrafts along the walls - to the Living Room Lounge, which resembles a harem with its romantic screens and sedir seating, no detail was neglected in creating an oasis of luxury and relaxation. Naturally, guest rooms and suites are fit for a sultan, with W Signature Beds, goose down pillows and duvets, flat-screen televisions, and marble bathrooms. But don't take our word for it, come see the W Istanbul for yourself and experience the best of Istanbul's past, present, and future.

Jaime Gottlieb is the Manager of Online Communications for the Luxury Brands Group and thelobby.com's source on all happenings at W Hotels. Earlier this week, she took us to Doha for a sneak peek of a new hotel. Today, we travel to Istanbul, Turkey...

When thinking about Istanbul—the most populous city in Turkey with settlement dating back to 5500 BC—one would hardly imagine contemporary designs or upscale dining and shopping. With its first move to Europe, W Hotels is bringing its edgy design and social flare to the 4th largest city in the world with W Istanbul.

Scheduled to open in April, the W Istanbul will serve as the centerpiece of the redevelopment of the landmark Akaretler Row Houses in Besiktas. The historical Row was constructed by Sultan Adbulaziz in the l870’s to house workers of the Dolmabahce Palace, a symbol of the magnificence and decadence of the 19th century Ottoman Empire. Located in the Besiktas district of Istanbul, known for its destination restaurants, bars and cafes, the W Istanbul will be in close proximity to the Bosphorus Strait and Nisantasi, the SoHo of Istanbul. The hotel will also be a stone’s throw away from the Museum of Painting and Sculpture and a short drive to the Old City, the Blue Mosque and the Istanbul Modern art museum.