Pera Palace Hotel

Pera Palace Hotel is the grand hotel of old Pera, built in the 1890s to receive passengers arriving on the Orient Express. Designed by the architect Alexandre Vallaury, it blends neoclassical, Art Nouveau and oriental styles, and it was among the first buildings in the city to have electricity and an electric lift. After a long restoration it reopened in 2010, and it remains one of the most atmospheric places to stay in Istanbul.

Rooms are divided into deluxe rooms, studio rooms, legendary rooms and legendary suites. The legendary rooms recall famous guests, and the best known is the room associated with Agatha Christie, who is said to have written part of Murder on the Orient Express while staying here. A room linked to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk is preserved as a small museum. Rooms combine period details with modern bathrooms and comforts, and some look towards the Golden Horn. The hotel's position in Pera means that galleries, theatres, bars and restaurants are all within a short walk of the front door.

The public rooms are a large part of the experience, even for non-guests. Afternoon tea is served every day from 15:00 to 18:00 under the dome of the Kubbeli Lounge, the Orient Bar is a classic setting for an evening cocktail, and the Agatha Restaurant serves contemporary dishes. The Orient Terrace, the Patisserie de Pera and the Pera Palace Spa complete the facilities.

The hotel suits couples, history lovers and anyone drawn to the romance of the grand hotel era. Book afternoon tea in advance if you are visiting, and ask about the hotel's history when you check in. Because the building is historic, room sizes and layouts vary, so check the room category carefully when you book. Spring and autumn are the busiest seasons.

The hotel is on Meşrutiyet Caddesi in Tepebaşı, a few minutes' walk from Şişhane metro station, the Tünel funicular and İstiklal Avenue. The Pera Museum is next door, The Marmara Pera and Mikla are across the street, and the Galata Tower is about ten minutes away on foot. Taksim is a short walk north, and Sultanahmet is reached by tram across the Galata Bridge from Karaköy.