Recently in Turkey Category

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.

Jaime Gottlieb is the Manager of Online Communications for the Luxury Brands Group and thelobby.com's source on happenings at the W. Today, she takes us backstage at the W Hotels Jet Set Lounge at New York's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is here and W Hotels is set to create another iconic VIP backstage experience for insiders to mix, mingle and chill out before, during and after their favorite fashion shows. W’s backstage lounge has hosted an A-list roster of celebrities including Gwen Stefani, Demi Moore, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Heidi Klum and Lindsay Lohan as well as some of the most sought-after designers including Badgley Mischka, Diane Von Furstenberg and Betsey Johnson.

This season, W is shining its spotlight on its many upcoming global destinations by showcasing them backstage at the W Hotels Jet Set Lounge. VIP guests will get an exclusive sneak peek at the hot new designs of W Istanbul, W Santiago and W Hong Kong. The VIP W Hotels Jet Set Lounge is the place to sip cool cocktails and break open a bubbly at our champagne bar, or nibble on favorites like Pop Burger’s mini-sliders. VIPs can also groove to DJ tracks while remixing and mingling on iPods preloaded with W’s Warmth Of Cool CD. The stylish “dressing portal” offers a secret spot to get glam while experiencing all our new global destinations have to offer through LG’s latest flat screen TVs. At the touch of a button, the screens transform into mirrors, ideal for a quick wardrobe change in between shows.

Of all the cities I've ever visited, Istanbul is one of my top favorites. From the tantalizing scents of the Spice Market to the entrancing calls to prayer that emanate from the minarets dotting the skyline five times a day, Istanbul is the fulfillment of every serious traveler's desire for fascinating history, exotic adventure, and good old-fashioned fun. Istanbul is at once both modern and ancient, with cutting-edge technology and all the latest luxuries appearing side-by-side with relics from the Roman, Byzantium, Latin, and Ottoman empires. And if you've never made your way to Turkey's most populous city, there's no time like the present. That's because the Sheraton Istanbul Maslak Hotel 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. The Sheraton Istanbul Maslak Hotel is located in the city's new business district, just minutes away from Istanbul's greatest attractions by taxi or public transportation (which is both cheap and convenient). Start your day by exploring Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, Istanbul's two most famous landmarks, and then spend an afternoon seeing how the sultans lived with a tour through beautiful Topkapi Palace. Shoppers will enjoy a jaunt through the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world, with shops selling everything from clothing and carpets to jewelry and artwork. To end the day with a spectacular view, head back to the hotel for dinner at the Sky Restaurant & Bar. The fine Turkish cuisine and sweeping panorama of the city and sea might provide just enough inspiration to help you start planning your next Starpicks getaway.

Ankara is the second largest city in Turkey as well as the nation's capital, but it doesn't see as many visitors as its larger sibling, Istanbul. That's a shame, because this vibrant metropolis of nearly five million people offers travelers the best of east and west, from the ancient Ankara Citadel to the modern Atakule Tower. If you're feeling impulsive, though, there might be a weekend trip to Ankara in your future, thanks to Starpicks. That's because the Sheraton Hotel & Convention Center Ankara 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. Ankara's a big city, but it's surprisingly manageable. You could easily stroll through the more than 2,000-year-old Temple of Augustus and Rome or the classic third century Roman Bath in the morning and still have time for a visit to the renowned Anatolian Civilizations Museum after lunch. The Sheraton Hotel & Convention Center Ankara is a fine place to rest and recharge after a day of sightseeing. This Luxury Collection property boasts a world-class health club with a gymnasium, indoor pool, Jacuzzi, massage services, and more, while those who prefer to kick back and take it easy will enjoy the fine Italian cuisine of L'Angoletto restaurant followed by a refreshment at the Copper Club cocktail lounge. Ankara is just one of many Starpicks destinations this week, so check the list of participating properties today and see where your travel impulses might take you.