Located in the Asian Shore village of Kanlica, the sleek contemporary A'jia hotel is an excellent option for style conscious travellers. With excellent views of the Bosphorus and a speed boat service over to the European shore, Istanbul's attractions are within easy striking distance.
Telephone: +90 (0)216 413 9300
Price: from EUR 250
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Opened in summer 2005 A’jia is the latest and one of the most stylish additions to Istanbul’s hotel scene. Run by the Doors Group, who operate a slew of fashionable restaurants and nightclubs (among them Vogue, Wan-na and Angelique), the 16-room establishment occupies a fabulous yali (Ottoman wooden mansion) built by Ahmet Rasim Pasa on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus, near the village of Kanlica, famous for its creamy yoghurts.
Not that Ahmet Rasim Pasa would necessarily feel at home if he were to return. The interior has been given a sleek, contemporary and minimalist overhaul. White and beige predominate in the cool communal areas, cream furniture and dark wood in the rooms. And one wonders what he would make of the mod cons – LCD TV screens, DVD players and WiFi – throughout the hotel.
The hotel’s location could be either a major attraction or seriously off-putting, depending on your inclination. Although you can get to the Old City or Beyoglu by water (nearby ferry or the hotel’s own speedboat), or by taxi over the bridge, it’s clearly not ideal for efficient sight seeing. Conversely, the hotel is in a zone of calm, modern luxury away from the hectic city, with spectacular views of the Bosphorus.
