The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul opened in 2001 among the first international luxury hotel brands to open in the Turkish metropolis. The hotel occupies the first 14 storeys of a 32-storey building in the Besiktas district of Istanbul, steps from Taksim. Other floors include private residences as well as offices and several consulates. The split between the various utilities of the building was made from its early construction phase.
Its location on a hill means that although reception is on the lower ground floor, there are immediate views across the surrounding grounds, and some 80 per cent of rooms and suites have superb Bosphorus views. The hotel is located next to the Vodafone Arena, home to the Besiktas football club. It is one of the ideal spots in the city to capture its energy and variety of attractions.
Despite the relatively high accommodations inventory, 243 rooms, The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul has achieved excellent service standards early on from its opening. Over time, it has been striving to maintain this reputation, while in 2018, the property underwent extensive renovations of all its rooms and suites – which are among the largest in the city. It has a natural evolution, in keeping with staying competitive in the city but also maintaining the high standards of the The Ritz-Carlton brand.
The new interior design is elegant, with hues of blue and grey, rife with several exquisite Turkish traditional decor inspirations. Rooms and suites are brighter, with a deep sense of home-away-from-home. Comfort and functionality have been at the centre focus of the renovation and redesign works, with a lot of attention to details. Beds are exceptionally comfortable. Soundproofing and high-tech are among the features that were also addressed during the transformation.
To further ensure its competitiveness in Istanbul’s luxury sector, the hotel has been pursuing its quest for relevance and desirability to ensure that it also attracts discerning local patrons (non hotel residents) as a way of validation but also to ensure an ideal mix of guests. The Ritz-Carlton opened the first Nobu Restaurant in Turkey as well as a signature Nobu Suite. The restaurant has been a major success from opening, also attracting Istanbulers.
Reflecting a modern vision that mixes Japanese traditions with urban culture, the Nobu Suite opens up to a large terrace which includes a Jacuzzi, a rarity in the region, and a dining area.The bathroom décor is an essential aspect of the suite and includes an ofuro tub that is believed to cleanse the soul and to improve one’s well-being according to Japanese traditions. It is the first Nobu Suite which is not in a Nobu Hotel, hence the trust of Nobu Hospitality in the long term strategy of The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul.
From late summer of 2022, the owners of The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul, Süzer Group, has now opened a new Nobu Restaurant, this time in Bodrum (Nobu Restaurant Bodrum) at Bodrum Loft on the Turkish Riviera. The new dining venue has a capacity of 180, with an expansive outdoor seating and the already famous Nobu Restaurant menus. Bodrum has been established in recent years among the most in demand high class destination, along with Ibiza, St Tropez, Mykonos and Marbella.
The transformation saw the addition of an infinity lap pool with spectacular Bosphorus view, as well as a sun deck for those opting for a relaxing day sunbathing. The offering could not be complete with an exquisite Roof al fresco dining, with a Mediterranean menu and a chic colourful decor, an ideal choice that would not be too casual or informal. The venue is also ideal for special events, benefiting from the breathtaking views.
Atölye has been, for many years, the main dining venue of the hotel, with influences from Anatolian and Turkish food cultures to its menu – all dishes are prepared with the utmost care using local ingredients. The fresh produce grown at The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul’s own vegetable garden, brings a completely natural spirit to Atölye’s plates. The views of the Bosphorus Strait are truly exceptional, especially at dinner.
To complete its F&B offering, the hotel added another brand new venue, the Bleu Lounge & Grill with Mediterranean-inspired dishes, an innovative range of cocktails. The grill is rather more casual and addresses more business guests, although I have often spotted leisure guests. With such a wide new offering, The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul not only stays relevant but ensures its relevance for the years to come, no matter the arrival of new competitors.
Post pandemic, The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul has also been challenged by staffing, nevertheless its solid reputation and long term approach of the owners have ensured consistent investment in human resources to ensure a consistently high customer service – especially with such a complex and varied operation. For 2024, we are eagerly anticipating the full renovation of the heated indoor pool and Spa – one of the largest among luxury hotels in downtown Istanbul.
Oliver Petcu in Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul – Nobu Suite
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