Georges Hotel Galata

Georges Hotel Galata is a boutique hotel on Serdar-ı Ekrem Sokak, one of the most attractive streets in Galata. It occupies an apartment building constructed in 1882, once named after its first owner, an Ottoman doctor called de Castro. The hotel opened in 2011 after a careful renovation, with the façade restored by the architect Han Tümertekin, and it was created and designed by Alex Varlık and Eric Kamhi, who describe it as a luxury boutique hotel with a French touch.

Rooms range from Deluxe Doubles, some with balconies, to Deluxe Sea View rooms with balconies, a Garden King Room, the Galata Terrace Suite and the Panorama Bosphorus Suite. It is worth paying extra for a balcony or a sea view, which bring the city into the room. Room sizes vary with the shape of the historic building, so read the descriptions before choosing. Le Fumoir is also a good choice for a sunset drink on your first evening, to get your bearings over the rooftops of Galata and across the water to the old city.

On the roof, Le Fumoir is the hotel's restaurant and bar, with views over the Bosphorus, the Golden Horn, the Princes' Islands and the Asian shore. It is open to non-guests, and reservations can be made by phone. The hotel's concierge can arrange hammam and spa visits. Georges has featured on Condé Nast Traveller's Hot List and Gold List, and Wallpaper* magazine named it a world best business hotel in 2012.

The hotel suits couples, design lovers and travellers who want to stay in a lively, characterful neighbourhood rather than near the major monuments. Booking direct through the hotel's website gives access to its own offers. Galata's streets are steep and cobbled, so pack accordingly and ask about luggage assistance on arrival.

The Galata Tower is a couple of minutes' walk away, and the street itself is lined with cafés, bars and small shops. Şişhane metro station and the Tünel funicular are within walking distance, connecting to İstiklal Avenue and Taksim. Karaköy, with its tram stop, ferry piers, Istanbul Modern and restaurants, is downhill, and the tram crosses the Galata Bridge to Sultanahmet in a few stops.