A guest room terrace overlookin the Bosphorus Straight at the A’jia Hotel.
Part of Istanbul’s charm — aside from its lively culture and rich Ottoman history — is the Bosphorus Strait, the body of water that divides Europe from Asia. Some of the city’s best nightlife, restaurants and hotels are situated along the waterfront that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. It’s easy to settle in and ponder this famous strait from these five spots with can’t-miss views. This includes the A’jia hotel, located 40 minutes outside of downtown. The 16-room boutique hotel resides in a traditional Ottoman mansion directly over the straight. The yali(a wooden residence along the Bosphorus) seamlessly blends the old with the new by maintaining its Ottoman design aesthetic and combining a modern, minimalistic vibe. If you’re looking for a direct view of the Bosphorus, book one of the 10 deluxe waterfront rooms or any of the suites. On the hotel’s main floor, there’s an elegant restaurant on that serves up Mediterranean and Italian cuisine, such as lamb shank confit and caramelized rib of beef. A picturesque view of the twinkling Bosphorus is a nice accompaniment to your meal.
Photo courtesy of A’jia Hotel
