Review of Misafir Suites, by Jeroen Bergmans

Istanbul has been hailed one of the hippest cities on the planet, and if you plan on partying during your trip, Misafir Suites is the best boutique hotel for you. Its location is ideal as it's in the heart of groovy but gritty-round-the-edges Beyoglu district, Istanbul's answer to London's Soho.

When owner Joost Rooijmans first found this Ottoman apartment block, it was little more than a glorified squat. Recognising the potential of the building and its central location with a range of restaurants, bars and clubs on the doorstep, he completely renovated it. With a police station round the corner, he knew this part of edgy Beyoglu was completely safe. And to ensure his guests could find his trendy boutique hotel, which is tucked away in a warren of pedestrian streets, he decided to offer them a free airport transfer on arrival.

The suites

Misafir Suites has many repeat guests as all seven suites are individually designed, huge and well priced. They range from 55 to 65m2 and the room rates are very reasonable compared to those of other boutique hotels in Istanbul. Each suite has paintings by local artists, a minibar with snack basket and generous wardrobe space. For guests who have come for work as well as play there's also a desk and free wifi. Groups of friends and families are offered a free extra bed, and some suites can sleep up to four. Triple-glazing keeps out the worst of the noise from the streets outside at night, and for guests who party till late, breakfast can be ordered any time in the room or in 8 restaurant.

The spectacular bathrooms at Misafir Suites are all clad in different coloured marble. Designer toiletries by l'Occitane add a welcome element of luxury.

The facilities

Ever since it opened in early 2008, 8 restaurant and bar at Misafir Suites has been one of the hippest nightspots in Istanbul. The casual, bistro-style interiors reflect the well-priced menu which mixes traditional Turkish dishes with Thai. DJs spin a loungey soundtrack that attracts a cool local crowd. Within weeks of opening, 8 was chosen as the launch party venue for the deeply fashionable Contemporary Istanbul art show.