Letter from Türkiye: Divan Istanbul, a Fusion of Turkish Tradition and Modern Luxury

My dear travellers and lovers of unusual journeys, welcome to the travelogue from the series of posts from Türkiye on the Mr.M blog. July and August will be dedicated to the Turkish metropolis Istanbul, which is located in a transcontinental strange country in Southwest Asia, while a smaller part is located in Southeast Europe. At the very beginning of today’s post which is a detailed review of Divan Istanbul Hotel, I would recommend you to grab your favourite drink, snacks or your favourite sweet, relax and enjoy today’s Mr.M blog post.

If by any chance you didn’t have time to read the previous travelogue about Istanbul or maybe you want to remind yourself of some interesting details, take a few minutes of your time and read the travelogue at the following LINK.

Arriving at the Divan Istanbul hotel, which is located just a few minutes’ walk from Taksim Square, the heart of Istanbul’s city life, leaves a special impression. This luxury hotel combines contemporary design with oriental warmth, many who have had the opportunity to stay at Divan Istanbul are proud to describe it as “one of the most exclusive hotels in Istanbul” with “elegantly furnished rooms and warm, attentive service”. During the five days spent in this hotel, I had the opportunity to explore this hotel again in detail, enjoy the comfort of the suite, the tastes of the restaurant in the hotel, the numerous services of the spa center and all other services. Below I share my experiences and practical tips to help you get the most out of your stay at the Divan Istanbul Hotel. Most importantly, the hotel is easily accessible: the metro station (line M2) is only a 2-minute walk from the hotel, and there is an occasional Havaist bus to Taksim from both airports.

At the entrance to Divan Istanbul Hotel, you will immediately notice that guests are greeted by friendly staff with a smile and refreshing little signs of attention in the form of special refreshments and sweet snacks. Uniformed porters and receptionists offer a cold drink and a wet towel-broom as you check in, an obvious sign of hospitality and professionalism. After quickly filling out the form and being welcomed with Turkish coffee, your luggage will be immediately taken by the elevator to your room. It feels like you have come to your second home. The hotel staff strives to make your stay in Istanbul unforgettable and you can always count on them to help you with your sightseeing plans, to help you as much as possible.

DIVAN ISTANBUL: LOCATION AND ENVIRONMENT

Divan Istanbul is located in the very heart of the city on Taksim Square, one of the busiest and most famous city hubs. Opposite the entrance is the Square with the famous Ataturk monument, and to the right is the small green oasis Gezi Park. The park has an area of about 4 hectares and serves as a rare place of rest in the city: there are paths, lawns and a fountain, ideal for a short walk or a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Immediately behind the park rises the Atatürk Cultural Center, a recently renovated concert hall and opera stage, so cultural events are within easy reach. In the evening, the park and the square are lit up, so a walk to the nearby pedestrian street İstiklal offers a cheerful atmosphere full of local restaurants and cafes.

Apart from the fantastic panoramic view, this amazing hotel also offers a real view of Taksim from the higher floors (I recommend that you ask for rooms with a view when booking). The surroundings are safe and busy, pedestrians, taxis and local tram lines constantly pass under the hotel. Taksim metro station (M2 line) is just across the street, a 2-minute walk away (it’s the main route to European Istanbul and the Asian side), and there are also tram and funicular stops. You can easily and quickly reach the historical parts of the city (Sultanahmet) or an interesting evening out on the neighboring Istiklal Street. Taksim Square itself is known for demonstrations, New Year’s celebrations and numerous tourist attractions, everything here has now been turned into one large pedestrian zone, there is also a police patrol, so you feel relatively safe in the center. The most important thing for every tourist, the location of Divan Istanbul Hotel is fantastic: you have the metropolis under your feet: restaurants, cafes, shops, and yet, in the apartments on the higher floors, there is not too much city noise.

In addition to all that, Divan Istanbul is the leading hotel in the group of the same name, part of the powerful Koç concern. The Divan Group has more than 15 hotels in Turkey and plans to expand to the US and Europe. That is why the quality of service and infrastructure corresponds to a big brand, all details in the hotel reflect the continuity of luxury and reliability for which Divan is known. For example, Divan pastry shops and restaurants are the standard for gourmet specialties, which is confirmed by the fact that there are Divan Patisserie outlets all over the country.

Maromi İstanbul is located inside the Divan Istanbul Hotel, this restaurant specialises in Japanese cuisine prepared by experienced Japanese chefs with a modern touch to the classics, giving it an authentic character among foodies.

According to Gault & Millau Turkey, the restaurant is rated 1 TOQUE and 11.2 out of 20 points, and the head chef credited with innovation and quality is Kenji Kume. The restaurant offers a wide range of Japanese specialties, from sashimi and nigiri to rolls, with an emphasis on fresh fish and authentic presentation.

During my previous stay in Istanbul, I found Maromi Istanbul Restaurant to have a calming, pleasant atmosphere with professional and friendly staff. The taste of the dish can seem like a fusion, and not strictly a Japanese style of food with the corresponding nuances in the presentation and preparation of the specialties.

My Experience with One-Bedroom Suite in Divan Istanbul

Since this is my second stay at the Divan Istanbul Hotel, I must admit that this hotel has become close to my heart and this stay in the One-Bedroom Suite is really impressive. It is actually a fully equipped apartment of 54 m², which provides enough space and comfort for two people. Upon entering, the first thing that opens is a wide corridor with wardrobes and mirrors, there is also a guest toilet at the entrance. In the continuation of the corridor, there is the main bathroom, after which the view of the main part of the apartment opens.

The rooms of the apartment seem separate and yet harmonious: the living room and the bedroom are nicely separated. In the living area, you are immediately surrounded by spacious seating and armchairs with a small table and a chest of drawers with an LCD TV. Opposite the sofa is an elegant dining table with chairs, large enough to seat two, ideal for sharing a meal in the apartment. There is also an iPod/LCD TV station above the TV stand, so I connected my phone with me and played music in the background through the speakers while writing texts and selecting photos. Next to the dining table, there is a compact work corner with a chair: a telephone, a writing pad and several pens are placed here, which means that the apartment is also ready for business guests. There is even a map of old Istanbul painted on the wall above the table as decoration, a sweet reminder that you are in this ancient metropolis.

Opposite the living area, on the other side of the room, the sleeping area dominates: a huge king-size bed with ultra-comfortable pillows and a mattress. Next to the bed are two bedside tables with lamps and electric sockets for charging phones/laptops. Above the bed is a radio with an alarm clock and an additional mirror. With a light balance of warm colors and modern surfaces, the apartment does not seem like a cold hotel room at all, but provides the warmth of home. All switches and sockets are usefully allocated in the rooms, two or three sockets near the bed made it possible for me not to have cables all over the room. Between the living and sleeping areas there was also space for an iron and ironing board, enclosed wardrobes and luggage racks: really all in excellent harmony.

The apartment has 2 separate bathrooms, which is unusual for hotel standards: one small guest toilet, which is located right next to the entrance to the apartment, and the other much larger bathroom is located in the bedroom. The master bathroom is quite luxurious, large mirrors, marble countertops, separate shower. The sets of hygiene products (shampoo, soap, body lotion) were in premium Molton Brown packaging, and the towels are extremely soft. The maids cleaned this bathroom twice a day, in the morning and in the evening, changing the towels and replenishing the necessities.

Thanks to this, I always walked into a spotlessly clean room. Sound and thermal insulation are also at a high level: even when the streets below were ablaze with traffic, I didn’t hear a single sound through the closed double-glazed windows. The room air conditioner was quiet, ideally cooled the rooms to the desired temperature and maintained a stable constant comfortable temperature. Another beauty was the huge floor-to-ceiling window, every morning I was gently woken up by the sight of the first rays over Taksim. In a few words: this apartment exudes elegance, refinement and exceptional comfort, you have everything you need for an ideal vacation, yet there is enough privacy to feel at home.

LOKANTA BY DIVAN (RESTAURANT)

Dinner at Lokanta by Divan restaurant was one of my favourite experiences during my stay at Divan Istanbul Hotel. Restaurant Lokanta by Divan offers gourmet Turkish-Mediterranean cuisine in a refined environment. The interior of the restaurant exudes elements of style: bright white tablecloths, architecture of quiet luxury, crystal chandeliers that provide soft light and a pleasant atmosphere. The ambience seems luxurious and comfortable, furniture and chairs in neutral colors, which gives an impression of warmth and contributes to the feeling of home.

For an appetizer, I tried the grilled shrimp: golden-bronze shrimp, beautifully marinated in olive oil with the aroma of garlic and parsley. The texture was perfect, slightly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Along with that, a fresh salad of roasted vegetables (peppers and zucchini) and a fresh yogurt sauce with herbs were served with an exotic fruit cocktail. I also really liked the crispy warmth of the small scone with olive oil and garlic, which they carefully brought to me before serving the dish.

The main course was toasted sea bass, as it is called in the menu. The meat of the fish was white, filleted without bones and baked until golden-brown. A hint of light smoke could be felt on the edges of the skin. The fish was placed on a bed of rice with finely chopped vegetables, which absorbed all the juices, the flavor was mild but complete thanks to the combination of pepper and fresh spices. With the fish, I ordered a glass of white wine from a local producer (cold, dry, with notes of citrus), which went perfectly with the fish dish.

To finish, I got two desserts, a surprise from the chef. The first was Pistachio Katmer, a traditional Turkish thin-crust cake filled with sweet cream and pistachios, topped with honey. It was warm and crunchy, with a strong pistachio flavor in every bite, the ultimate sweet bite. Another is Kazandibi, a creamy pudding with a caramelized top. It is a famous Turkish sweet with cinnamon grains, sugar and a slightly burnt texture. This homemade dessert was extremely tasty and creamy, with a caramel-velvet note, and I recommend it to baklava lovers.

To make the gourmet experience complete, before serving the dessert, the waiter asked me for my opinion on the main dishes and explained the origin of all the recipes. I was surprised by the attention to detail, for example the restaurant also offers an amuse-bouche: a small, creative bite that you get before the appetizer. For me, it was a small basket rolled in a pepper leaf, a little cheese foam and a drop of grapes, just enough to whet the appetite at the beginning. I felt the attention of the team and the head chef throughout the dinner and I left Lokanta by Divan very satisfied, what I can confirm is that the food here is of the highest quality with excellent attention and service from the staff.

DIVAN PATISSERIE

Next to the main restaurants, Divan Patisserie is an outstanding sweets corner. On the ground floor of the hotel, but special for all visitors, there is a modern lounge-café with glass showcases full of cakes and chocolates. The selection is really impressive: you will see almost all types: multilayer cakes, cream cakes and handmade pralines. The prices are really fair, considering the quality of the product.

Guests can often be seen choosing carefully: sometimes I would stand in front of the display case for 10-15 minutes to choose the sweetest flavour and I was always charmed by the friendly sellers who give samples to try a few sweets.

One of the cakes I tried was a chocolate tart with cherries: fragrant, full of sherbet, melts in your mouth. Another favorite was the lemon tart with sour cream and a light almond crust, refreshingly sweet. Even the plain macarons were flawless: each one comes in pastel colors and refined flavors (vanilla, pistachio, coconut).

Every time, you get hot drinks along with sweets: the tea range is outstanding, as is the type of coffee and you can ask for any kind. I enjoyed every bite: cake combined with roasted almonds and a cup of coffee are a real little ritual of pleasant rest, either after a meal or during the afternoon.

DIVAN ISTANBUL: SPA AND WELLNESS CENTER

The spa centre at Divan Istanbul Hotel is the best place to relax after a busy day in the city. In the Divan hotel there is a complex of wellness facilities: spacious saunas (Turkish hammam), a cool steam pool and a huge 16-meter long indoor pool, semi-Olympic type. The pools are always clean and maintained at a comfortable temperature (28–30°C), and around them are comfortable deckchairs in wooden decor, where you can lie down and read.

Every day I practiced one term of hamman baths (classic Turkish hammam treatment with exfoliation), where the professional staff scrubs you with natural olive oil soap, the feeling is uniquely relaxing. Various wellness treatments are also available: massages (Swedish, aromatherapy, hot stone massage), body and face. I booked a classic 60 minute full body massage for myself, the therapist used aromatic lavender oil. The massage was a great way to relax the muscles, and the ambiance of the massage room with its aromatic scents is a real pleasant and calming experience.

In addition to treatments, the spa also offers a pilates and fitness room. The gym is compact but well equipped: there is a treadmill, exercise bike and strength training machines. The pool is extremely clean and well lit, so swimming or light exercises in the water seem pleasant.

In general, the spa center acts as a real oasis of peace: the toilets and changing rooms are spotlessly clean and the service in the spa area is always impeccable and present. I also consulted with therapists, for example, he offered me some essential oil for massage based on my taste in fragrances (I chose sandalwood). The personalization and care in the spa center confirm that the hotel really thought of all the details and my stay there left the impression of full recovery and rest.

DIVAN ISTANBUL: OTHER FACILITIES AND SERVICES

Divan Istanbul is an all-inclusive hotel: in addition to the mentioned facilities, it offers 24-hour room service (food delivered to the room) and a concierge service that helps with booking excursions or shows. A fully equipped business center (computers, printer, wi-fi lounges) is available to business guests, and parking is available in the underground garage for an additional fee. The hotel even has a helipad on the roof for guests with special requirements. The location also offers laundry, ironing and dry cleaning services. The safe in the room is spacious enough, so even valuables can be safely left inside.

The ground floor also houses the Divan Bar, beautifully decorated in red velvet and dark wood. In it you will often hear live jazz tracks and you can order cocktails and they usually also bring light snacks. Another cafe is practically connected to the pastry shop (D-Bar), where coffee is served in the morning and cocktails and tea in the evening.

For business guests, there are as many as 6 conference rooms of various sizes (from 50 to 350 m²) equipped with modern projectors, sound systems and high-speed Internet. The hotel’s event team can help you hold a stress-free meeting or formal event (cocktail, wedding) at the highest level.

DIVAN ISTANBUL: STAFF AND SERVICE

At Divan, I encountered extremely professional staff. The receptionists are cordial and efficient, upon check-in I was greeted with a wide smile and an interesting story, and every time I passed through the corridors of the hotel, the staff always politely said “Merhaba” to me. Every request, be it ordering a taxi, route information or an extra towel, was dealt with quickly and with a smile.

It was especially important to me that most of the employees speak English fluently, so communication was never a problem. Many of them knew a few words in German or Arabic, and there were often guests from those countries at the reception, which made communication even easier. Many addressed me by name and thanked me for the greeting, which shows that they take care of each guest. I even found a situation where a waiter from a restaurant, which usually has a dozen tables, came to check if everything was okay, without me calling him, that level of attention was really above the average standard.

Overall, the service at Divan Istanbul feels very personal and warm. During my stay, every time I came for breakfast, the waiters smiled and asked how I slept, they wanted to know if I was missing something. They always carefully fulfilled additional requests (extra pillows, lowering the temperature in the room, etc.). That feeling that the staff really cares about you gives an impression of luxury. In the end, I can say that their professionalism inspired me: I went home with the feeling that I will try to give my clients at least a fraction of the kindness and sacrifice that I gained through my experience here.

BREAKFAST AND DESSERTS IN THE HOTEL

The morning buffet in Divan Istanbul is rich and varied. Every day at breakfast I found freshly baked bread and pastries, homemade cheeses and olives, a wide selection of jams and honey, salad, halva, baklava and fruit. There are also hot dishes: different ways of preparing eggs, something salty (bacon and different types of meat), as well as different types of vegetables (eg tomato and fresh pepper salad). For those with a sweet tooth, homemade cookies, pancakes and even donuts are always available. I also always had yogurt with honey and nuts, a warm cup of tea and the smell of the ingredients woke me up and prepared me for the day.

TIPS FOR YOUR STAY AT THE DIVAN ISTANBUL HOTEL:

• Check-in: Standard is at 2:00 p.m. If you arrive early, leave your luggage for safekeeping and walk to the nearby sights until they allow you to enter your room, and sometimes the rooms are ready even earlier.
• Book a room with a view: When booking, emphasize that you want a high floor and a view of Taksim or the Bosphorus, a panoramic view of the city can really enhance your stay.
• Restaurant reservation: Restaurant Lokanta by Divan is often full. It is recommended to reserve a table a few days in advance, especially for dinner and on weekends.
• Patisserie: Divan Patisserie can be full after lunch. If you want to try cakes and teas in peace, better to stop by before dinner. Also, many guests like to take home gift boxes of pralines or candies, so order your favorite treats in time.
• Spa and Hammam: Take advantage of the spa facilities. The hammam and indoor pool are open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For massages and treatments, it is recommended to make a reservation immediately upon arrival (as appointments fill up quickly). Don’t forget your bathing suit and slippers. The spa center is unique!
• Breakfast: A buffet is mandatory. The food offer is sumptuous and the ingredients are fresh. Try homemade honeys, jams and freshly chopped fruit salads with Turkish coffee. Have breakfast slowly with a view of the garden, you will surely be full.
• Transportation: The hotel is a few minutes’ walk from Taksim metro station (line M2). It is the main line that connects the center with the north and the Asian side of Istanbul. Trams and funicular are also nearby. At peak times, we recommend leaving your car in the hotel parking lot and using public transport or a taxi.
• Internet: Free Wi-Fi is available everywhere in the hotel. If you need a seriously fast connection, ask the reception, they also offer a faster package (over 7 Mb) for a small extra charge.
• Check-out and parking: Check-out is until 12:00. If you need a late check-out, please inform the reception on time (possible with an extra charge per hour). Underground parking is available for a daily fee (better to park here, as street fines can be high).
• Pets: The hotel allows small dogs and cats (up to 10 kg) with a symbolic fee (€35 per stay) and a deposit (€150). Keep your pet on a leash in public areas.
• Policies: You need a credit card at check-in (a certain deposit amount is blocked). Children up to 6 years of age stay for free in their parents’ bed (crib/baby cot on request).
• Transfer: Atatürk Airport is 42 km from the hotel, and the Havaist bus goes to Taksim station every 15 minutes. The hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from Taksim (you will find it easily).
• Metro: As mentioned, the Taksim metro station is practically across the street, about a 2-minute walk away. This enables quick movement to all important parts of Istanbul (Sultanahmet, business centers, shopping areas).
• Attire: The ambience of the hotel is luxurious but relaxed. During the day and breakfast you can be in more informal clothes (t-shirt, trousers), but for dinner wear something more elegant (for example, a shirt for men, a dress for women). Slippers, shorts or bathing suits are not appropriate for public areas of the hotel.
• Tipping: As in all of Istanbul, tipping is expected, around 10-15% in restaurants and a few liras to the maids if you are satisfied with the service. It’s not mandatory, but it’s a nice gesture and appreciated by the staff.
• Getting around: Istanbul is a sprawling city with many hills. Plan your walks and be sure to wear comfortable shoes. It is very hot in the summer, so carry a bottle of water with you and sun protection. In winter, there can be a sharp wind from the sea, so bring a jacket or scarf for an evening out.
• Safety: Istanbul is generally safe for tourists, especially in the area around Taksim where it is always lively. However, as everywhere in the world, keep your personal belongings safe, keep your bag or wallet close to your body, especially in crowded places. Taksim is often patrolled by the police, so I personally felt safe anyway, extra vigilance never hurts.
• Language: The hotel staff speaks fluent English, which facilitates communication. A nice gesture can be to at least learn “Merhaba” (hello) and “Teşekkür ederim” (thank you) in Turkish, you will find that the staff will appreciate it. I also heard that the smiling receptionists sometimes tried to answer in Serbian (“welcome” or “we’re glad you came”), which only further enhanced my impression of hospitality.

Each of these tips will make your stay in the hotel and Istanbul easier. In short, enjoy Divan Istanbul, the organization and softness of the apartments, the gourmet dishes, and the warm service that will make you feel at home.

My dear travellers, we have come to the end of this special post about the review of Divan Istanbul Hotel where we had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of this luxurious corner in the heart of Istanbul. Today’s travelogue would not be possible without the selfless help of Turkish Airlines and Divan Istanbul Hotel in cooperation with local partners who allowed me to feel the spirit and beauty of Turkish local culture and tradition. Of course, as always, I tried my best to convey to you my impressions of this unusual experience from Istanbul.

How did you like my story about Divan Istanbul Hotel, which perfectly combines Turkish tradition and modern luxury? Have you had the chance to visit Istanbul yet?

If you have any question, comment, suggestion or message for me you can write me below in the comments. Of course, as always, you can contact me via email or social networks, all addresses can be found on the CONTACT page. See you at the same place in a few days, with some new story!

With Love from Istanbul,

Mr.M

This post is sponsored by the Turkish Airlines and Divan Istanbul Hotel and other local partners. This post is my personal and honest review of the destination experience.