Our choice hotel this month is the lavish and historical Pera Palace in Istanbul, a hotel combining heritage and modernity in one of our favourite cities in the world.

In a cultural gem such as Istanbul, a hotel that incorporates the city’s rich historical heritage will enhance your experience of the city even more. The Pera Palace opened in 1895 as the place where Orient Express passengers would stay when they stopped off in Istanbul. It was a place home to many firsts – the first and only building with electricty other than the Ottoman Palaces – and is today classified as a ‘museum hotel’.

Located in the old European district, it is in the heart of Istanbul’s shopping and nightlife centre. The hotel has been recently renovated in decor in keeping with late 19^th century Istanbul style: flowing fabrics, precious white marble and Murano glass chandeliers. The building has long been a symbol of the urban culture of the city.  Continue reading →