Just like the successful cafés that Canan Özdemir and Ferit Baltacioglu have opened across Istanbul, The House Hotel Galatasaray (their first foray into the hotel business) commands a privileged location. Tucked away among the antique stores of Çukurcuma, the bohemian neighborhood that?s inspired countless artists, this 19th Century mansion has been painstakingly restored to offer guests total inner-city tranquility. Acclaimed Turkish design studio Autoban won several awards for its work in restoring the five-story Zenovitch building and bringing out its original details.

A gray stone fireplace warms diners in the all-day roof lounge, which has views over downtown Istanbul and the Galata Tower, while studded leather sofas add a touch of urban sophistication. With their high ceilings and marble bathrooms, the 20 crisp white rooms and suites are an ideal base for exploring the winding streets of Çukurcuma and the rest of Beyo?lu. Guests looking for an inside track on the latest food, design and art can follow an expert from the exclusive guiding service Locally Istanbul, or spend a day with their own personal shopper. Mix with like-minded people in a tranquil and thoughtfully restored 19th Century mansion in Istanbul?s bohemian Çukurcuma quarter.