AJWA Sultanahmet
Istanbul, Turkey
Sultanahmet
Vibe
Handcrafted walnut furniture, gold leaf ceilings, and original Azerbaijani paintings set a stately Seljuk and Ottoman palace tone.
“Artisanal Ottoman showpiece”
Damascus mother-of-pearl inlays, Tabriz silk carpets, and curated Azerbaijani masterworks adorn the interiors.
Attentive hospitality paired with motorized blackout blinds, M Line bedding, and radiant underfloor heating.
An opulent marble Turkish hammam anchors the Afiya Spa, complemented by an indoor pool.
In historic Sultanahmet, a short walk from the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar.
“This luxury hotel strongly reflects the identity and aesthetic sensibilities of its Azerbaijani ownership, evident in the prominent presence of cultural and artistic elements…”
Rooms
Rooms pair hand-knotted silk carpets and mother-of-pearl inlays with heated marble bathroom floors and motorized blackout blinds.
Wellness
Afiya Spa centers on a heated marble Turkish hammam, accompanied by an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.
Backstory
Opened in 2017, the hotel was built to revive classic Ottoman architecture while showcasing an extensive collection of Azerbaijani master paintings.
Eat & drink
Rooftop Zeferan serves Azerbaijani specialties against Marmara Sea views, while Sukkari Patisserie pours Turkish coffee paired with fresh baklava.
The neighborhood
Set on the historic peninsula, the hotel is a short walk from the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar.
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The St. Regis Istanbul
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Lively
The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.