Vault, The House Hotel Group’s latest and most stately offering, opened in early 2014. The hotel has a total of 63 rooms on 9 floors, some with views of Topkapı Palace and the spice market. It occupies the former Credit General Ottoman, in a building from 1863. Meticulously restored, the structure retains many of its Neo-renaissance features, such as its marble staircases, stencilled ceilings and crown moulding. Expect contemporary classic style rooms in warm neutral tones, custom-made furnishings and thoughtful finishing touches. Lower levels house meeting rooms, a wine cellar, gym and a luxurious spa.


A writer’s view, by Robert Ousterhout

Located at the bottom of Bankalar Caddesi, just above the entrance to Tünel, the Bank Hotel is ideally situated near art galleries and public transportation. Originally built in a neo-Rennaisance style in 1867 as the Crédit Général Ottoman, the building was elegantly restored as a boutique hotel, retaining many of its original features. The vault that inspired its name is now the wine cellar. While the rooms tend to be small, they are nicely appointed, and the public spaces retain their historical grandeur, although decorated with new artworks. The staff is very attentive and the breakfasts were great it was the first time I was offered Eggs Benedict in Istanbul. Our room, on the top floor, had a small terrace with a good view toward the Golden Horn and the Süleymaniye Camii.