Conveniently located in the popular Taksim district, at the heart of modern Istanbul, CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel provides luxury accommodation with spectacular views over the Bosphorus. Providing true contemporary luxury with a range of spacious rooms and suites, this is an ideal location for both holiday and business trips.
A little history of the CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel
Like all the other beautiful buildings in Istanbul, the hotel has an intriguing history. The mansion was built by Baron Blanc, the Italian ambassador to Istanbul, between 1888 and 1894 to serve as an embassy. It was later bought by Abdülhamid II (1876–1909), the last Ottoman sultan to rule with absolute power. He gave it to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tevfik Pasha, who converted it from an embassy into the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign affairs.
In 1922, when the sultanate regime was abolished, life became difficult for Tevfik Pasha’s family, as he no longer held any state office. To provide an income, his Swiss wife, Elisabeth Tschumi, suggested converting the mansion into a hotel. The Miramare, as it became known, was renowned for its luxurious accommodation, and was a popular venue for social events.
It later changed hands and operated as the Park Hotel until 1979, when it closed its doors. The many famous guests who stayed at the hotel included the founder of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, former King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson.
New beginnings
In 2013, the building was renovated and re-opened as CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel under the management of CVK Holding. Today, the hotel reflects elements of Ottoman architecture that fuse with contemporary design, providing the latest comforts and amenities.
The building curves around a central courtyard and the entrance makes a dramatic first impression. The foyer is open, spacious, bright and welcoming, greeting visitors with a grand piano, opulent flower arrangements, rich marble floors and a sweeping staircase. Each floor is named after one of the Valide sultans, the title held by the mother of a ruling sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Portraits of these impressive women, who held extraordinary power and influence over one of the most prosperous empires in history, adorn the walls. Throughout the hotel, replicas of their extravagant palace costumes are exhibited on mannequins or mounted on frames.
CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Location
The hotel is located just steps away from Taksim Square and within a five-minute walk of İstiklal Avenue, the long cobblestone street that features a variety of restaurants, cafes and shops. Taxis are always readily available at the entrance, and the Taksim metro station is on the doorstep – literally a two-minute walk away.
Five-star amenities
Catering for the individual requirements of guests, there is a selection of spacious accommodation, from deluxe double and twin rooms to luxury suites with up to four bedrooms.
The extensive buffet breakfast caters for all tastes. There are six dining options, including the Park Patisserie and Lounge, located in the lobby, which serves fresh pastries and ice cream in a nostalgic, relaxing atmosphere. The Stella Lounge and Bar, open until the wee hours, is a great spot for dinner or cocktails while you admire the panoramic view of the beautiful Bosphorus. The elegant Izaka Terrace serves food from 12 noon until 3 a.m.
Safira Spa and Fitness has a large gym with a full range of cardio and weight machines. This wonderful spa is well worth a visit, offering a wide variety of massages, from aromatherapy and volcanic hot stone to shiatsu and classic Swedish massage.
Guests can also take advantage of the sauna, Turkish bath, steam room and a large, lounger-lined pool under a retractable glass atrium.
- Book your stay at CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel today.
- ‘CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel, Istanbul’ is published in Anthology Volume 18. Read more features from this volume or buy it now.
- Browse more features in travel.
- If you enjoyed this feature, we’d love it if you would share it!
This page may contain affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase or booking, Anthology will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.