Hotel review: A'jia, Istanbul
AOL Travel reviews boutique hotel A'jia in Istanbul, a luxury and romantic bolthole in Turkey
Written by: Roshina Jowaheer
Istanbul hotel A'jia
Date published: 05/13/2011
4 / 5 stars
What's to love?
This whitewashed 19th-century mansion is a retreat from Istanbul's busy city centre and is remotely located on the banks of the Bosphorus on the Asian side.
First impressions
If arriving from the European side, A'jia's hotel staff can collect you and your luggage with its own private boat service - a cool way to make an entrance while enjoying the Bosphorus! On arrival, the Ottoman-style exterior of the boutique hotel mixed with the chic, minimalist interior gives it a slick, glamorous feel.
This place is perfect if you...
...want to spend the night somewhere luxurious, trendy and elegant. It's ideal for a romantic weekend, with huge free-standing baths and extremely comfortable king size beds that come with oversized goose feather pillows - utter bliss! A'jia also hosts weddings, so you can book all the rooms for your guests to stay before getting married waterside.
Best rooms in the house
There are 10 deluxe rooms (five have their own private balcony) and six suites to choose from. Book the Bosphorus Deluxe Room for direct views of the Bosphorus and beyond. The room features a huge bed, shower, bath, flat screen TV and Acqua di Parma products in the bathroom.
Where to eat
A'jia's restaurant is one of the best in Istanbul and serves up fine Mediterranean cuisine. The award-winning chef's signature dishes include octopus carpaccio and lamb shank. The Sunday brunch is a must and is available until the late afternoon.
Things to do, places to see...
Nearby, check out the Beylerbeyi Palace for its beautiful Ottoman architecture and marvel at the Kucuksu Palace. The Rumelihisari Fortress is not too far, on the European side and dates back to 1452. For shopping, the Istenye Park mall has many luxury boutiques.
Top tip
Speak to the staff at reception to get ideas of where to eat, things to see and what to do nearby. It's a great way to get some inside info and find out where the locals go.
Score out of ten?
Ten. The hotel is perfectly located to see a different side to Istanbul and makes you feel like you're on your own private island.
Details
A'jia, Ahmet Rasim Pasa Yalisi, Cubuklu Caddesi, No 27 Kanlica, Istanbul. Visit ajiahotel.com
