A haven for art and history lovers just moments from Istanbul’s key historic sights

The exquisite, five-star Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet located in the fabled Old City of Istanbul pays homage to the rich tapestry of Turkish history through its impeccable detail-oriented design. The hotel seamlessly blends the finest elements of Seljuk and Ottoman design and architecture with the highest international standards of comfort and hospitality to create a luxury hotel that feels as though it’s a gallery in its own right. For discerning travellers who appreciate beautiful art and design there can be few more remarkable places to stay in a city brimming with rich heritage than Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet.

Masterminded by local designers, Gulab Architects, the design brief for Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet was two-fold: to launch a truly home-grown luxury brand with all the features and services associated with this; and to create a “monument” that would draw the admiration and respect of guests and industry peers alike.

The first property within the Ajwa brand, it was imperative that the Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet convey an authentic spirit of place. The Old City of Istanbul, the area in which the hotel is located, gave designers the perfect palette to work from as it incorporates layers of history still visible today. Hence the hotel was totally inspired by the cultural landmarks of Istanbul.

The resulting artisanal gem that is Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet deftly combines some of the most exquisite cultural elements to convey the spirit of ‘Old Istanbul’. The hotel has been designed to showcase authentic elements of Ottoman and Seljuk architecture. Many of the hotel’s design details can be cross-referenced with their original, historical counterparts.

Wonderful pieces that have been lovingly collected by the hotel’s owner have been curated throughout the hotel and incorporated into the very fabric of its design, including precious Tabriz silk carpets and beautiful paintings by Azerbaijani artists. Most of the furniture (walnut furniture inlaid with mother-of-pearl), the work of master craftsmen, was imported from Damascus, Syria. Marmara marble, which adorned many Ottoman mosques, hammams and palaces was used throughout the project. All intricate, lattice-work carpentry is local and Ajwa’s own, branded tiles were specially made in Iznik, a town famous for hand-made tiles since the Ottoman era. The ceilings in the public areas and guestrooms were hand painted by experts in this field.

More than a five-star hotel, Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet offers serenity and gracious hospitality in settings that are not dissimilar to a private mansion. Guests can savour old-world splendour and understated glamour throughout the hotel’s spacious guest rooms and public spaces.

Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet offers a range of 61 curated rooms and suites with views of the Sea of Marmara, the hotels interior vertical garden or the cobbled Old Town below. The marble bathrooms feature handmade tiles that are inspired by their unique counterparts in Istanbul, providing guests with a vivid insight into the city beyond the hotel walls.

On arrival at Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet, guests are embraced in a lobby that is both welcoming and grandiose. Its fine selection of mother-of-pearl seating, cabinets and other elegant furniture set the tone for the entire property.

The hotel’s spa has a stand-out Turkish hammam and other luxuries including an indoor swimming pool, treatment rooms, gym, sauna, steam bath and relaxation area. This carefully planned and well-proportioned space offers a serene retreat for guests.

The property’s prime location, within the fabled Old City of Istanbul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, means it is only a short distance away from all the major mosques, museums and bazaars.

Also nearby is the Verni Art Salon, the newest addition to the Ajwa portfolio, which opened its doors in March 2019 and is located just five minutes from the hotel. The three-storey gallery is a window into Anatolian art, culture and artists of Turkish and Azerbaijani heritage. Its opening has added a novel cultural flourish to the area by offering a luxury arts and crafts space in a unique setting.

Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet provides a refined setting for guests to experience the many layers of Istanbul’s rich history, both inside and outside of the hotel, and to savour old-world splendour and hospitality at its very best.

Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet (www.ajwa.com.tr +90 212 638 22 00) offers rooms from £197/219 EUR per night based on two people sharing a double room on a B&B basis.