Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus, Istanbul
More photosThe Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus is a breathtaking sanctuary set within a restored 19th-century Ottoman distillery in Istanbul’s peaceful Çengelköy neighbourhood. By blending the building’s industrial heritage with the refined, high-fashion aesthetic of the iconic Turkish brand Vakko, the property offers a unique and intimate getaway on the Asian side of the city.
With only 12 exclusive rooms and suites, the hotel prioritizes serenity and personalization. Each guest space features tall arched windows and sweeping, unobstructed views across the Bosphorus strait. For a truly memorable arrival, guests can skip the traffic and travel by the hotel’s private cabin cruiser, which provides a scenic water transfer that captures the glamour of Istanbul’s shores.
The property is a paradise for food lovers, hosting the first Istanbul location of the famed Parisian institution Caviar Kaspia. Guests can also indulge in Italian delicacies at Vakko Le Specialità or enjoy handcrafted pastries at the lobby-level Vakko L’Atelier. Relaxation is central to the experience, with an on-site traditional Turkish Hamam and bespoke in-room spa treatments.
Its location in Çengelköy offers a quieter, residential charm while remaining well-connected to major cultural landmarks. Visitors can easily reach the stunning 19th-century Beylerbeyi Palace, a former imperial summer residence, or take a short trip to see the iconic Bosphorus Bridge. It is the perfect blend of historical architecture and modern, tailored luxury for those looking to experience the city at a slower, more elegant pace.
Expert reviews
“Sumahan on the Water, a 24-room low-rise hotel in a former Ottoman raki distillery, now with its own marble hammam. A boat fetches guests on the European side and speeds them across the Bosporus. A buffet breakfast is served along the shore.”
Featured in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Istanbul.
“What was once a derelict distillery on the Asian waterfront of the Bosphorus is now one of Istanbul’s most chic and original places to stay, with comfortable rooms and suites—all with incredible views of the water and decorated in a contemporary style with a few Turkish touches.”
Featured as Fodor’s Choice in Istanbul.
“This elegant yet cozy little boutique hotel, so close to the continent-dividing Bosphorus strait that you can hear the splash as the cormorants dive for fish, is a great testament to the hard work and vision of architects and owners Nedret and Mark Butler.”
Featured as Frommer’s Exceptional Choice in Istanbul.
“Formerly an Ottoman-era distillery, this place was converted into an award-winning hotel by its discerning Turkish-American owners. As the hotel is situated on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait, guests arrive from Europe in the hotel’s own launch. There can be few finer ways to begin a visit to Istanbul.”
What guests liked
- Great views
- Top location
- Nice place
- Comfortable beds
- Boutique style
Location
Hotel facilities
Food & Drink
- - Restaurant
- - Bar
- - Breakfast in the room
- - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
General
- - Room service
- - Non-smoking rooms
- - Facilities for disabled guests
- - Family rooms
- - Lift
- - Safety deposit box
- - Car hire
- - Heating
- - Non-smoking throughout
- - Air conditioning
- - Shuttle service (additional charge)
Business facilities
- - Meeting/banquet facilities (additional charge)
- - Fax/photocopying
Reception services
- - 24-hour front desk
- - Express check-in/check-out
- - Currency exchange
- - Luggage storage
- - Concierge service
Activities
- - Fitness centre
- - Spa & wellness centre (additional charge)
- - Massage (additional charge)
- - Hammam (additional charge)
- - Spa facilities
- - Spa lounge/relaxation area
- - Spa/wellness packages
- - Back massage
- - Neck massage
- - Foot massage
- - Head massage
- - Hand massage
- - Full body massage
- - Fitness
- - Fitness/spa locker rooms
Outdoors
- - Garden
- - Terrace
- - Outdoor furniture
Entertainment & family services
- - Babysitting/child services
Cleaning services
- - Laundry (additional charge)
- - Dry cleaning (additional charge)
- - Ironing service (additional charge)
- - Trouser press (additional charge)
- - Daily housekeeping
Parking
- - Street parking
Accessibility
- - Toilet with grab rails
Miscellaneous
- - Smoke alarms
- - CCTV in common areas
- - CCTV outside property
- - Fire extinguishers
- - Delivered food is securely covered
- - Access to health care professionals
- - Thermometers for guests provided by property
- - Face masks for guests available
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