Where to stay

The House Hotel is known as the Simon Kalfa building, named after the celebrated architect who created it. He was part of the prestigious Balyan architectural team, who created many of the most admired mosques and Ottoman palaces. The building was a Yali, the waterside home to a diplomat or wealthy merchant. It has been preserved as a Grade A listed building and is one of the defining landmarks of the Ortakoy district.

Elixir guests will stay in the Deluxe Bosphorus suites or the Superior Bosphorus rooms on the upper floors, which have superb views of the ancient Strait and the glinting Asian shoreline. The Deluxe Bosphorus Suites are corner suites, so you have the added panorama of the city as well. Where available, you will be offered a free upgrade when you check in. All rooms have a king size pillow-top bed; marble bathroom with rainforest shower; 42" flat screen LCD Satellite TV with international channels; goose down duvet and pillows; L'Occitane bathroom toiletries; air-conditioning; safe; complimentary WiFi internet access; minibar and complimentary espresso/tea facilities.

The interior concept is the essence of modern comfort and classic styling, with gilded furnishings, enveloping fabrics and amazing views from wrap-around balconies. Brass, walnut and marble are all essential to the Autoban architectural tradition which has shaped the hotel.

Where to eat

The Lounge bar and restaurant serves an international menu and, as an Elixir guest, you can lunch or dine there with our compliments on one day of your stay (drinks not included). But of course, you also have your pick of the countless places to eat scattered about the square and the surrounding streets.

Where to swim

The metropolitan setting of the House Hotel means that, like many city-centre hotels, it does not have a pool of its own. We would also advise against taking a dip in the busy shipping lanes and city-fed waters of the Bosphorus.

But as a guest of the House Hotel, you can hop aboard the hotel's courtesy boat to the only populated island in the strait, Suada. Like the Venetian Lido, this is one of the playgrounds for the city's wealthiest residents and you have personal access to one of the island's private swimming pools. It's a privilege afforded to few who visit Istanbul.

Boat trips to Suada run after 2pm and are subject to availability.

The House Hotel is just a couple of minutes' walk along the Strait from the Ciragan Palace and a short taxi ride from the world-famous sites of this great city. If you want to experience Istanbul in all its restless glory, past and present, then the House is your Home.

23 rooms and suites, 20 minutes from Istanbul Airport