mahmut anlar revamps the W hotel istanbul as a layered jewelry box

mahmut anlar revamps the W hotel istanbul as a layered jewelry box
image courtesy of W hotel istanbul

in 2006 the first W hotel opened in europe — destination? istanbul. located in beşiktaş, it found itself at home within the district’s historic akaretler row houses which had been constructed in 1875 under the reign of sultan abdulaziz; and served as living quarters for high ranking officers of the dalmabahçe palace — a symbol of the 19th-century ottoman empire’s magnificence. conceived by renowned turkish designer mahmut anlar / geomim, the space draws influences from the ottoman empire, in which he wanted to express the motifs and history of the distinctive culture to bring life to the accommodations. recently renovated, anlar has remixed his original scheme with more contemporary elements, revealing the revamped W hotel istanbul as a layered jewelry box, with many surprises and details to uncover during your stay.

designboom was invited by starwood hotels and resorts to experience the remixed interiors. we were left to discover what the new W hotel istanbul has to offer…

tunnel leading into the W hotel istanbul has been realized as a fashion runway
image © designboom

immediately at the entrance, guests are met by the highlight of the renovation — the ‘leading tunnel’ that has been envisioned as a fashion runway of sorts. a collaboration realized with thierry dreyfuss, who was responsible for illuminating the passageway, the hall is defined by a layered lattice motif rendered in mirror, in which you can see yourself in reflection with panoramic shots of istanbul viewed from behind. the dramatic statement is a visual play of light and shadow — important elements in ottoman architecture — immediately drawing you in to see what is in store.

W lounge
image courtesy of W hotel istanbul

anlar translates the details of ottoman empire structures into the specialized furniture as well, conceiving an custom seating area that is characterized by domed forms often seen in ancient period mosques. it offers an intimate area for gathering over a drink or a small bite to eat with friends in the W lounge.

an intimate seating area reflects the architecture of the domed mosques found in turkey
image courtesy of W hotel istanbul

previously a largely open space, which also served as the main entrance to the hotel, the W lounge has been transformed into a cozy, hip and happening place for party goers and has become the place to see and be seen in istanbul. here, sophistication meets relaxation in an all encompassing experience. hinting at the art and treasuries of the golden age, anlar combines ultra-modern details, with rich textures, fabrics, colours and custom furnishings to create a rich and lux place to hang-out.

W lounge ‘destination bar’
image courtesy of W hotel istanbul

the ‘destination bar’ stands at the heart of the W lounge where one can order handcrafted cocktails that are signature to the W hotel istanbul. the monolithic setting is wrapped in a gold ribbed structure, reflecting the diamond patterning found on the partition screens and walls.

general view of the W lounge bar and restaurant
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the W lounge offers gastronomic delicacies that are fusions of the new world and far east. its a place to mingle and relax, where you can enjoy the rhythms of some of istanbul’s best DJs, with chill-out tracks played by day, and funky, electric and eclectic beats heard into the evening; transforming into an entertainment destination by night.

the W lounge includes eating and sitting areas which provide more privacy while still remaining open
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view of the lounge and main dining area of the W lounge
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great dining table
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traditional motifs adorn the wall of the dining area
image courtesy of W hotel istanbul

as is standard for W hotels, there is a whatever whenever desk service available 24/7 for guests, literally delivering whatever you want, whenever you want it. be it in-room dining, information on the top tourist attractions of istanbul, or where to buy a pair of fashionable sneakers, whatever whenever is always there for you.

whatever whenever desk where guests can receive information about anything 24/7
image courtesy of W hotel istanbul

the W hotel istanbul features a total of 140 guest rooms: 46 wonderful, 15 spectacular, 8 marvelous, 28 fabulous, 12 mega, 15 studio suites, 11 fantastic stuites, 1 spastudio suite, 1 marvelous suite, 1 cool corner suite, 1 WOW suite and 1 extreme WOW suite.

extreme WOW bedroom suite
image courtesy of W hotel istanbul

the ‘E WOW’ suite is accessed by a private lift which leads you up to the top floor of the building. a sophisticated dining room and bar, are accompanied by two living areas with generous seating, where you can make yourself at home. kickback further with your own personal traditional turkish bath and hamam after a day out and about in the city. skylights flood the room with sunlight and views of the starry night, while an exclusive terrace allows you to take in stunning views of the bosphorus.

the ‘E WOW’ bedroom suite is equipped with its own private hamam
image courtesy of W hotel istanbul

two living areas can be found in the E WOW bedroom suite
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WOW suite bedroom
image courtesy of W hotel istanbul

the ‘WOW suite’ is an airy duplex complete with a separate mezzanine-level bedroom that has skylights above the in-room spa bath, a large massage shower and four-poster W signature bed. boasting seven-meter high ceilings and tall windows, it feels like your own luxurious apartment away from home. amenities include a customized living room, dining room, kitchen, 1 1/2 bathrooms and modern luxuries.

marvelous room
image courtesy of W hotel istanbul

the eight marvelous rooms each feature a walk-out terrace that leads you to a private cabana where you can escape from the bustling city. each equipped with a daybed, you are welcome to spend your entire day, lounging on well into the evening.

the marvelous rooms each have their own walk-out terrace with a private cabana
image courtesy of W hotel istanbul

view of the private cabanas by night
image courtesy of W hotel istanbul

private cabanas allow guests to enjoy the warm weather in a quaint garden atmosphere away from the busy city
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entrance to the W hotel istanbul
image courtesy of W hotel istanbul

the W hotel istanbul is ideally positioned close to many bars, cafés, restuarants and gallieres, while within close proximity to the bosphorus strait and nişantaşı, the city’s most fashionable shopping district. just a stone’s throw away from the dalmabahçe palace, istanbul modern art museum; and just a quick drive to the blue mosque, sultanahmet and hagia sophia, the W hotel istanbul is a place where you are immersed in cosmopolitan style, while simultaneously surrounded by a deep history.

dusk falling on the W hotel istanbul
image courtesy of W hotel istanbul