The St. Regis Istanbul made quite the splash when it debuted back on March 1. We're back with a look at the hotel's Art Deco-inspired design by Turkish architect Emre Arolat.
The 118-room property overlooks Maçka Park and the Bosphorus, and is located in the Nişantaşi neighborhood on the European side of the city, surrounded by designer boutiques, art galleries and dining and entertainment venues.
The hotel aims to channel the spirit of the Art Deco era in Istanbul during the 1920s, blending it with contemporary Turkish art. The hotel houses a selection of artworks from the Demsa Collection of Art – a private collection belonging to the Demsa Group, which also owns the St. Regis Istanbul.
A chandelier designed by Lasvit welcomes guests in the hotel lobby. Titled “Supernova,” it is made up of 343 glass panels pieced together to create a cloud-like sculpture that envelops the reception area in a shimmering glow.
The lobby also has a high-gloss veneer wooden cabinet wall accentuated with bronze and beveled glass. Showcasing a curated selection of objets d’art, it is inspired by display cabinets that were commonly found in Turkish homes at the turn of the 20th century. This element is also incorporated into the design of the guestrooms and suites, where it appears as part of a buffet that serves as a mini-bar.
Set in earthy tones, the Art Deco influence is pronounced throughout the hotel’s interiors, including: mocha leather wall coverings, walnut paneling, tactile silk chandeliers and extensive use of marble. The façade, with its shutter system that reacts to natural elements, transforms as the day progresses and creates a changing pattern within the hotel.
Each room and suite has floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Maçka Park and Bosphorus or début-de-siècle buildings of the Abdi İpekçi Street. Local Marmara marble is used in the bathrooms, while the rooms are embellished with artwork from Demsa Collection and furnishings designed by Emre Arolat Architects.
Top Suite
The Bentley Suite draws inspiration from the Bentley Continental GT model. The suite has handcrafted finishes and one-of-a-kind furnishings throughout.
Guests enter through a foyer with mirrored ceilings and a marble floor inset with details that reflect the Continental's wheel design. Glass windows envelop the space. Crafted in bespoke Bentley leather, a built-in sofa anchors the space and follows the curves and lines of both the suite's architecture and the Continental itself. Other elements include: the wet bar in olive ash with accents of bright engine spin, anthracite and claret; three Breitling clocks keeping time across Istanbul, London and New York; a rug that captures the detail of the car in wool and silk with an abstract interpretation of the automobile's iconic matrix grille; custom-made humidor and his-and-hers jewelry boxes crafted by Bentley; day sofa specially equipped with two champagne bottle coolers; and Bentley Home chaise in the bedroom.
Hotel Restaurants
In partnership with chef Wolfgang Puck, the St. Regis Istanbul is home to the first international location of the Spago restaurant, which is the hotel’s signature dining venue. Located on the rooftop, Spago offers seasonal menus, contemporary design and views of Maçka Park and the Bosphorus. The fine-dining restaurant has a barrel vaulted ceiling that unfolds onto floor to ceiling glass. The space is defined by a wood plank and mosaic patterned inlay floors, black stone fireplaces and seating areas. Materials include local matte stone, alongside zinc, marble, suede, wood and leather. There are also fine art and photography available.
The focal point of the Spago lounge is its outdoor terrace and circular bar. The lounge has Mediterranean accents with pine trees and florals between tables.
For ground-level dining, there is the St. Regis Brasserie, designed to be reminiscent of a Parisian brasserie. Also available is Petit “O” Bar, which offers Bedri Baykam’s “Bosphorus Breeze” mural above the bar’s champagne lounge.
The design of Iridium Spa takes its cue from nature with its tectonic and textural qualities. A stone scene is accompanied by the sound of water at the entrance. The spa features seven massage rooms, indoor pools and a Hammam.
The Astor Ballroom, with onyx stones set in a bronze structural grid and glossy ebony wood, can accommodate up to 160 people. The hotel also has seven meeting rooms with conference technology for business gatherings.
Rui Reis is the GM of the St. Regis Istanbul.