• Login
Hotel Sumahan On The Water Hotel 3 star
Easyexperts
Kuleli Cad. No:51, Cengelkoy 34684 Istanbul, Turkey -
See the map
Amy Adejokun Section editor

As its name indicates, the Sumahan on the Water is a little world on the water. Inside, it displays a balance of lines and shapes that create a modern style and is never cold. This is a bit of a surprise given the exterior aspect of the building, which management wanted to keep as nondescript as possible.
This effort to go unnoticed speaks of the attention afforded to the guests, in terms of welcome, service, and cuisine. The Sumahan blends luxury and attention to detail together with know-how, efficiency, good taste, and quality.
It also commands one of the finest views of the Bosphorus there is. It really is in a league of its own.

+
  • Family
  • Well located
  • Rest
  • Charm
  • Our pick
  • Flight
    Compare all the prices

    Price per night - Find at 1 partner(s)
    • - booking.com - View prices
    Show more offers

    Location 3.0 /10

    The hotel is located on the Asia-side of the river, which you get to by crossing the spectacular bridge that connects the two banks. The hotel stands on a road with little traffic that runs through a couple of central neighbourhoods before continuing on towards Cengelkoy (5 minutes away from the establishment).
    It is in a highly residential neighbourhood with a lot of greenery and a suburban look about it. The nearby centre of Cengelkoy is home to a colourful market, whereas the port from which you can catch a boat to the other bank is only 20 minutes away by public transport.

    Accommodation 9.45 /10

    Spacious and peaceful, the guest rooms at the Sumahan consist of two categories: deluxe rooms and suites (the latter come as junior, loft, family loft or executive): they offer all sorts of amenities, without being overdone, and will make your stay at the Sumahan extremely enjoyable.
    Just like the common areas, the interior decorating in the rooms features a mix of materials (in the one we visited there was mainly steel and marble) and clever perspectives.
    Once again, the lines point upwards and converge towards a single point that divides the space and shapes the light as it sifts through the large windows. The splashing sound of water is also an added pleasure for guests. You just need just choose if you'd rather sleep in a ground floor room (with a small private terrace) or one on the upper level.
    Most of them also come with a fireplace and a Turkish-style bathtub.

    Overview 9.20 /10

    The Sumahan offers a mix of architectural and esthetic qualities but never becomes too conceptual.
    The hotel's new look is the work of the Butler family (one of the most famous family of architects in Istanbul): it's a marvellous 5 star hotel that boasts a harmonious organisation of its different spaces and superb renovations.

    This former 19th century Raki distillery overlooking the Bosphorus is a fine example of post-industrial architecture and an interesting model of renovation.
    We were impressed by this ability to let emotions be expressed through architecture. The materials (wood and marble, steel and bricks, linen and embroidery) and the colours (green, grey, and blue), blend in with the pure lines that cut through the space and point upwards, offering a modern interpretation of traditional architecture.

    The heart of the Sumahan is the central area next to reception, a place to relaxation and to read (with a nice bookshelf with numerous works on architecture) where you can enjoy the warmth of the fireplace in winter. It's a calm, well-lit, and simple area.
    The same simplicity marks the corridors in the brick walls leading to the rooms. Outside (Bosphorus-side), their style is a little more classic: this is where the hotel's private ferry is moored. It does two crossings to the European bank per day.

    Food and drink 9.20 /10

    This hotel is beyond reproach. The restaurant is decorated in light colour shades and offers a spectacular sea view. The food served is a rather elaborate nouvelle cuisine, but it's not overdone and the helpings are tasty and copious.
    The room is located on the ground floor (next to reception, the stairs, and the lift) and looks out directly onto the Bosphorus: through the bay window you can see the jetty where the ferry is moored, and where a few deckchairs and tables have been placed to create an extra relaxation area in the sun.
    You won't be disappointed by the menu, nor by the service. We particularly liked the risotto, which is served with mushrooms or with herbs: in both cases, it's delicious and perfectly well cooked.
    The wine list offers a large selection and includes some international bottles.

    To know

    This hotel occupies a former Raki distillery that was in operation in the 19th century but has since been renovated.
    It was designed and renovated by the Butlers, a famous family of architects in Istanbul, and it has rapidly become a reference among the capital's luxury hotels

    Equipment

    • Shuttle bus
    • Car park
    • Handicap access
    • Restaurant
    • Internet access
    • Air conditioning
    • Spa

      massage, beauty salon, sauna, hammam, keep fit, spa, Turkish bath

    • Sports equipment

      tennis, gym, fitness

    • Safe
    • Non-smoking rooms
    • Meeting room

    advantage

    • The beauty of the place
    • The architectural interest of the renovations

    disadvantages

    • The desire for exclusiveness: no signposting seen from the street

    Traveller Reviews

    • Overall Score nc/10
    Hotels near to Istanbul
    • Aziyadé Aziyadé Aziyadé
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.01
      • Location -

      An unpretentious hotel, friendly and comfortable, mainly visited by French people, near the main historical sites in Istanbul.

      From
      See the offer
    • Hilton Hilton Hilton
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.21
      • Location 5.0

      The Hotel Hilton in Istanbul offers all the standard comfort of large business hotels, but this place is also suitable for tourists and anyone who wants high-quality services. It is rare in Istanbul to find a hotel with a large landscaped garden.

      From
      See the offer
    • Divan Divan Divan
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.11
      • Location 5.19

      Strange mixture! The Divan offers modernism and the services of a large hotel in a slightly 70's atmosphere. A functional, comfortable address a few minutes' walk from Taksim Square.

      From
      See the offer
    • Hilton Conrad Hilton Conrad Hilton Conrad
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.16
      • Location -

      The Conrad hotel is one of the major international hotels in Istanbul. A place away from the hustle and bustle of the old town, but close to the Bosphore, the Ortaköy and the Dolmabahçe Palace.

      From
      See the offer
    • Çiragan Palace Çiragan Palace Çiragan Palace
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.31
      • Location 8.35

      Like the phoenix, the Çiragan Palade has risen from the ashes to produce a high-ranking and very charming hotel. An exceptional location by the Bosphorus in order to stay in the same place where sultans lived.

      From
      See the offer
    • Ciragan Palace Kempinski Ciragan Palace Kempinski Ciragan Palace Kempinski
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.33
      • Location 6.0

      This is a prestigious hotel offering the services of large European hotels combined with oriental charm. The setting is incredibly romantic, making the Ciragan Palace an ideal location for any honeymoon and all types of celebration. It is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Istanbul.

      From
      See the offer
    • Ant Ant Ant
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 6.79
      • Location 5.0

      Located in the lively area of Aksaray, Ant hotel is close to the city's main historical monuments. It is also very conveniently located for public transport.

      From
      See the offer
    • Les Ottomans Les Ottomans Les Ottomans
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.09
      • Location -

      The fact that nothing about this hotel really grabs your attention from the outside could persuade you to simply walk on by, but that would be a mistake, because it conceals an interior that is sure to leave an impression.
      Whether you find Les Ottomans exquisite, eccentric, dreamlike, or simply odd, it is unlikely to leave you indifferent. Opened in 2007 as a boutique hotel, it is full of decorative items and features that leave little empty space and give the place a cosy feel.
      An intimate, original hotel designed according to the exact wishes of the current owner, it is perfect for couples looking for a special place for a break and anyone who likes staying in cocoon-like settings.

      From
      See the offer
    Top Hotels Istanbul
    • Ciragan Palace Kempinski Ciragan Palace Kempinski Ciragan Palace Kempinski
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.33
      • Location 6.0

      This is a prestigious hotel offering the services of large European hotels combined with oriental charm. The setting is incredibly romantic, making the Ciragan Palace an ideal location for any honeymoon and all types of celebration. It is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Istanbul.

      From
      See the offer
    • Çiragan Palace Çiragan Palace Çiragan Palace
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.31
      • Location 8.35

      Like the phoenix, the Çiragan Palade has risen from the ashes to produce a high-ranking and very charming hotel. An exceptional location by the Bosphorus in order to stay in the same place where sultans lived.

      From
      See the offer
    • Four Seasons Istanbul Four Seasons Istanbul Four Seasons Istanbul
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.31
      • Location 9.01

      The Four Seasons is indisputably the most charming place in Istanbul. Nothing is left to chance in this old restored prison: neither decor, nor service. An excellent place to enjoy top-class service in the heart of one of the most beautiful historical sites in the old town.

      From
      See the offer
    • Eresin Topkapi Eresin Topkapi Eresin Topkapi
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.29
      • Location 4.48

      This luxury hotel is of a very good standing. This hotel is made for those seeking excellent comfort as well as numerous and impeccable services. Its only downside is the distant location.

      From
      See the offer
    • Hyatt Regency Istanbul Hyatt Regency Istanbul Hyatt Regency Istanbul
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.22
      • Location 5.25

      An elegant, quality international hotel for business people and holidaymakers. Great food too.

      From
      See the offer
    • Hilton Hilton Hilton
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.21
      • Location 5.0

      The Hotel Hilton in Istanbul offers all the standard comfort of large business hotels, but this place is also suitable for tourists and anyone who wants high-quality services. It is rare in Istanbul to find a hotel with a large landscaped garden.

      From
      See the offer
    • Intercontinental Ceylan Intercontinental Ceylan Intercontinental Ceylan
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.19
      • Location 5.38

      Located close to the business quarter and the best bars and nightclubs in Istanbul, the Intercontinental Ceylan offers all the services of a top international hotel. A practical and comfortable place with no unpleasant surprises.

      From
      See the offer
    • Hilton Conrad Hilton Conrad Hilton Conrad
      • Easyopinions nc
      • Value for money 7.16
      • Location -

      The Conrad hotel is one of the major international hotels in Istanbul. A place away from the hustle and bustle of the old town, but close to the Bosphore, the Ortaköy and the Dolmabahçe Palace.

      From
      See the offer