Situated on the European shore of the Bosphorus in a historic 1930s building in the heart of the financial and entertainment district of Besiktas, the magnificent SHANGRI-LA BOSPHORUS, Istanbul is a timeless elegance of a miniature masterpiece inspired by palatial Ottoman glamour and sophisticated Asian design.
Inspired by the legendary land featured in James Hilton’s 1933 novel, Lost Horizon, the name Shangri-La encapsulates the serenity and service for which all brand’s hotels and resorts are renowned worldwide. Internationally acclaimed, SHANGRI-LA BOSPHORUS, Istanbul boasts numerous awards for its legendary Asian hospitality.
The hotel’s snow-white facade overlooks the blue waters of the Bosphorus, and the rooms offer stunning views of the famous waterway. The close proximity of SHANGRI-LA BOSPHORUS to the famous Dolmabahce Palace is reflected in the interior of the hotel, designed in a classic style with a predominance of beige and soft pastel colors, where European, Asian and Turkish motifs are perfectly combined — marble columns, twisted table legs, massive crystal chandeliers, panoramic window.
You are greeted by a grand staircase that leads down a three-story atrium to the elegant ground floor accommodations. The dome of the atrium is illuminated by natural light and a massive Bohemian chandelier, which fascinates with its beauty — its crystals flow in a golden waterfall almost two floors high.
The hotel’s interior features more than 1,000 works of European and Asian art, but the most impressive are the 18-meter-long silk painting “Peach Blossom Garden”, created especially for the hotel, and a lacquer panel by master carvers from southern China depicting a scene from life on the Bosphorus.
It’s important to note the experienced and dedicated hotel staff, who sensitively understand how essential comfort, safety and good rest are for guests.
ROOMS & SUITES
The hotel features 186 rooms, including 23 suites, elegant style of which is inspired by Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts’ Asian roots and, of course, the beauty of the Bosphorus.
The interior is dominated by both warm cream and blue tones, and cold turquoise blue, emphasizing the water theme. Unique works of art by various artists from the West and East, inspired by the water views of Istanbul, as well as minimalist Chinese graphics decorate the interiors of the rooms.
Staying in one of the best suites of the hotel, Junior Suite with terrace and Bosphorus view, we received true pleasure and complete relaxation.
The room has all the necessary amenities: modern technology, free high-speed Internet, flat-screen TV, full-size work desk, Nespresso coffee machine, tea station, luxurious living room and a spacious terrace with magnificent views of the Bosphorus, where you can enjoy your morning coffee or glass of wine while admiring the sunrise or the sunset.
Marble bathroom with heated floors, a built-in TV in the mirror, cozy Asian-style bathrobes, Acqua di Parma toiletries — luxury and comfort that can be felt in every detail.
DINING DELIGHTS
The hotel’s restaurants and bars are waiting for gourmets to introduce them to exquisite tastes in their best atmospheric places.
Lush and extensive breakfasts are served in the main restaurant of the hotel, where the abundance of assortment is just stunning — classic cold cuts, local specialties, hot stations, exotic fruits, fresh pastries, desserts, and magnificent oriental sweets.
You can enjoy breakfast not only in the restaurant but in-room.
All suite guests are provided with an extra option (once per stay) that should definitely be taken advantage of: a gourmet breakfast in the room.
Turkish specialities are one of the favorites to try, and it makes sense: Hot Menen eggs, Pide with Cheese and Sujuk, Mihlama, local cheese selection, and of course, Bal Kaymak to be enjoyed with Turkish tea or coffee.
Shang Palace
Of all the hotel’s restaurants, our priority this time was given to the award-winning, elegant signature restaurant Shang Palace, bringing to life the heart of Shangri-La’s Asian heritage, which celebrates its half-century anniversary in 2021.
The restaurant features authentic Cantonese cuisine, where a highly trained team of six Chinese chefs create a wonderful palette of oriental flavours.
There is a tasting-menu ‘Shang Palace’ sharing experience menu for two, with specially designed wine pairing.
However we still decided to go for A La carte menu and selected some bestsellers, all of which were just excellent:
- “Lo Hei” Salmon — Salmon Sashimi with shredded fruits, vegetables and peanut-tahini dressing
- Steamed shrimp har gow (3 pieces)
- Steamed chicken xiao long bao (3 pieces)
- Deep-fried shrimp rolls wrapped with kataifi
The next course here deserves the highest praise, both how it cooked and served, and has undoubtedly become our favorite to come back for.
- Roasted whole Peking duck — Sliced crispy duck skin served with pancake — absolute bestseller of the restaurant
Sommelier’s suggestion:
Corvus Vineyards, Cruturk, 2007, Aegean, Türkiye
Corvus Vineyards, Corpus, 2018, Aegean, Türkiye;
Noodles are also a highlight here, since they’re had-pulled and made in the restaurant, and sometimes even in front of the guests to add a bit of “show-time” entertainment.
- Dry-braised hand-pulled noodles with bean sprouts and soy sauce with vegetables
- Wok-fried string beans with minced beef
Of all the sweet things we decided to choose the fanciest one, which actually looked better than tasted, but honestly we were satisfied enough with the whole experience even without a dessert.
- “Mango-Mango” — choux pastry swans with mango cream and mango salad
CHI, THE SPA
Staying at this hotel, it’s impossible not to visit the equally fabulous Spa center.
Here at SHANGRI-LA BOSPHORUS, Istanbul is Europe’s first spa, CHI, where all treatments, inspired by traditional Asian healing philosophies, are based on the principles of restoring balance and harmony of mind and body.
Highly trained massage therapists provided us with a superb signature massage based on centuries-old Turkish spa rituals and authentic natural massage techniques found in many Asian cultures.
CHI also offers signature Hammam rituals — Luxury Hammam and Ultimate Organic Hammam, a total body delight.
Rituals include different treatments depending on the option selected: Turkish bath with foam massage and scrub for total relaxation, body scrub for total body relaxation, moisturizing with milk and honey, organic masks and rose oil and salt based body and hair moisturizing.
Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul
Address: Sinanpasa Mah, Hayrettin Iskelesi Sok, No.1, Besiktas, Istanbul 34353 Turkey
Instagram: @shangrilahotels
@shangrilaistanbul
Text: Marina Timo
Photo courtesy: EATWEEKGUIDE
