Your guide to the opulent Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul promises an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most alluring cities.

Istanbul is a frenetic city filled with colour, fragrance and energy. And Mandarin Oriental’s luxury urban resort may just be the perfect antidote. Designed with a modern Ottoman aesthetic and offering sweeping views of the water and Istanbul’s skyline, it’s the perfect place to base yourself to explore this captivating city in Türkiye.

Here’s everything you need to know before booking a stay at the ultra-chic Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul.

Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus backstory

Opened in 2021, the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul to use the hotel’s official name, is the second MO property in Türkiye after the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum.

The development took several abandoned properties on the banks of the Bosphorus in the upmarket suburb Kuruçeşme and reimagined the site as a luxury precinct now favoured by visiting royals, dignitaries and celebrities.

We use the word precinct deliberately as the entire property has a plethora of restaurants (3), bars and lounges (3), pools (3), spas including hammams and shopping for a relatively modest 77 rooms and 23 suites.

Istanbul’s urban resort is the epitome of coastal luxury.

The hotel’s design cleverly hides the full size of the property by going subterranean—three floors underground and four unobtrusive floors above ground.

A series of sunken gardens bring green and natural light into the guestrooms and public spaces (ballrooms, meeting rooms and the spa) below the street and water level.

The facade echoes the historic Yali mansions built along the Bosphorus by wealthy locals in the middle to end of the Ottoman empire.

Hospitality design legends Tihany Design have brought their muted ultra-luxury aesthetic to the interiors to create one of the finest hotels in the city.

The Royal Bosphorus Suite’s spacious bathroom is swathed in marble and equipped with two oversized vanities and a freestanding bath.

First Impressions

The low-profile exterior and subdued marble facade are a soothing response to the overstimulation of Istanbul.

Enjoy dinner in your private dining area within the Royal Bosphorus Suite.

Turning into the sweeping porte cochère there is instant calm. The grand double-height lobby opens to the belvedere marble floors and French chandelier. The impact is a sense of elegance and space.

The ultra-chic interior exudes opulence.

There are always guests moving through the entrance foyer and lobby from rooms to bars, to spa, pool and lounges however it never feels crowded or busy.

The stylish suites feature handsome tones and elegant pendant lights.

The rooms and suites

Typical of the Mandarin Oriental brand, all room types, from entry to suite are oversized.

Private balconies offer unobstructed views of the picturesque waterfront.

The rooms are true to the elegance of the brand with muted chocolate and velvet palette and high-end finishes.

The Royal Bosphorus Suite offers spacious dining and a large lounge area.

Soft furnishings have signature patterns that echo the famous kilims and carpets synonymous with Istanbul.

The luxurious suite features large glass doors and windows that create an indoor-outdoor flow.

The further you move up the room type the higher the room, with the best room types taking advantage of the grand sweeping views of the Bosphorus, the 15th July Martyrs Bridge (formerly the Bosphorus Bridge) and the Asian side of the city. Clever design means the majority (about 80%) of the rooms do have Bosphorus views.

Take in the beauty of the Bosphorus from your Presidential Suite Terrace.

Mandarin Oriental Rooms

The entry-level rooms are those below the street level in the previously mentioned sunken green oasis. These rooms come with a balcony and are home to a lounge, table and chairs that open into this sun-well space.

Entry-level rooms are spacious enough to accommodate the queen-sized bed, lounge, desk, and balcony all with a walk-in robe, and bathrooms with double sinks.

Oriental Bosphorus Suite

Larger than two New York City apartments, the reviewers’ two-bedroom Oriental Bosphorus Suite is atop the centre wing of the hotel with three private terraces. The main terrace reveals spectacular 180-degree views of the Bosphorus, bridge and Asia and will be cherished for life.

The Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus features sweeping views of the water.

The two bedrooms are separated by a wide open hallway with a kitchenette and a hidden guest lavatory, A lounge, dining room table and work desk create a communal space between the two sleeping quarters.

Bed down at the Bosphorus Suite.

Each bedroom has an ensuite, with the master bedroom bathtub and walk-in robe and private access to the third terrace.

The suite is fitted with luxurious features like a walk-in closet.

The facilities

Mandarin Oriental Restaurants and Bars

There are two not to be missed moments in the restaurants and bars of the Mandarin Oriental, Bosphorus, Istanbul. Firstly, lounging next to the Bosphorus in the late afternoon sipping cocktails, bubbles or wine at The Bar as the call to prayer echoes from both Europe and Asia in stereo is the great Istanbul moment. The hotel is a local celeb hangout so be ready for some great people watching in all the restaurants.

Cap off the night sipping cocktails, bubbles or wine at The Bar.

The second is most unexpected if not disorientating. Make sure to try at least the Supreme Dim Sum at Hakkasan; a high-end Cantonese eatery that speaks to the Mandarin Oriental’s Hong Kong heritage. The Supreme Dim Sum includes two astonishing dumplings – the Lobster and celery har gau and scallop and chicken shu mai with caviar.

The Supreme Dim Sum at Hakkasan shouldn’t be missed. (Image: Quentin Long)

While one may not expect or want to eat Cantonese in Istanbul, Hakkasan proved to be a meal of supreme craft and worth the detour from the anticipated hummus, shish, kebab and pide feast.

Indulge in succulent Cantonese plates. (Image: Quentin Long)

Olea is an Italian restaurant with a ‘best of Italy’ menu. Think carpaccio di manzo (beef) or polpo (octopus), fritto di calamari and zucchine fiori (fried zucchini flowers).

Take a seat on the sun-filtered deck while dining on an Italian-inspired menu.

Novikov is the elevated buffet with dishes from across Türkiye, Asia and Europe. The Sunday Brunch is modelled on the famous (or infamous depending on who you ask) Dubai brunches.

Wine and dine at the Novikov Restaurant overlooking the sea.

The Spa and Gym

This is a serious spa. With more than 3500 square metres of space, there is ample area for 11 treatment rooms, two beauty rooms and a VIP room plus a heated indoor pool, three hammams, a sauna and a steam room.

Indulge in pure bliss and relaxation at the Turkish Hammam.

The gym is probably the size of two regular city gyms. A dedicated spin room and a dedicated pilates and yoga room accompany an enormous weights, bike and treadmill area.

Treat yourself to a relaxing massage.

The Gardens

Special mention must be made of the manicured and extensive gardens. From the circular fountain surrounded by greenery to the sunken oasis and the extensive gardens around the two outdoor pools, this orderly greenery is soothing.

Be surrounded by soothing greenery.

The location

In the upmarket Kuruçeşme suburb, it is close to the popular Bebek and Etiler neighbourhoods and magnificent views of the two main bridges across the Bosphorus.

The hotel has a private jetty and offers boat transfers into many of the major sightseeing, historical and shopping areas of the city.

It’s set in a prime location with magnificent sea views.

Details

Address: Kuruçeşme, Muallim Naci Cd. No: 62, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye