The House Hotel Karaköy

The aptly named Vault Karakoy hotel is situated in a mid-1800s bank building with a beautiful neoclassical facade. The boutique House Hotel group refurbished the structure, transforming it into a luxury hotel while keeping original architectural structures and even a few artifacts. The hotel features original marble surfaces, inlaid granite flooring, and arched doorways. Several rooms are built directly into old bank vaults and a historic elevator is still in working order. The lobby pairs high molded ceilings with neoclassical marble columns, beautiful inlaid flooring, and wrought-iron chandeliers. Sophisticated upholstered armchairs bring warmth, while antiques from the old bank, such as counting machines, add vintage charm. This is a popular choice among luxury travelers and tourists, including couples and families. 

This bank-turned-hotel is appropriately situated along Bankalar Caddesi (The Avenue of Banks) in the popular Karaköy area. While slightly removed from the city's main tourists areas, this former financial district is now full of shops, restaurants, hotels, and galleries. Situated on the European side of the city, the spot offers easy access to the Asian side as well, either on foot or via public transportation. The hotel is just a four-minute walk from the waterfront and the Galata bridge, and the Karakoy light rail, railway, and ferry stops are all about a five-minute walk from the hotel. The popular Galata Tower is just a five-minute walk away, while the hip Beyoğlu area and the popular Istiklal Caddesi shopping street can be reached in about 20 minutes on foot. The city's main historical attractions are in the Old City, and though Sultanahmet Square is a bit far to reach on foot, it's only about 10 minutes via public transport. The Spice Bazaar is about a 15-minute walk across the bridge. Ataturk Airport is around a 20-minute drive, without traffic.

Rooms are thoughtfully decorated with homey yet sophisticated contemporary furnishings and a neutral color palette. They feature high ceilings, beautiful parquet floors, soft taupe carpets and upholstery, wood furniture, floor-to-ceiling drapes, and cream-colored walls. The details add charm -- elegant stenciled ceilings, original radiators, and framed artwork on walls and on floating shelves. Beds feature goose-down duvets and pillows. Rooms have wooden desks and luggage stands and some have green or blue upholstered armchairs or couches. Bathrooms can be quite spacious and feature luxurious green Carrara marble floors and rainfall showers (not tubs). In-room amenities include LCD TVs, iPod docks, safes, and free Wi-Fi. They also come stocked with snacks, minibars, free mineral water, and Julius Meinl coffee machines. Bathrooms include robes and slippers and free individual toiletries. ACs are individually controlled. While the entry-level Classic King Room is a little tight at 215 square feet, Deluxe Rooms measure at least 300 square feet. The largest Penthouse Suite is nearly 900 square feet and has views of the Golden Horn and Old City. Upgraded rooms may include extras like fireplaces or balconies. Room service is available 24-hours. 

This property has the amenities guests expect from a top-tier hotel. Guests tend to enjoy the classy-casual on-site restaurant, Kasa Lokanta, which offers modern Turkish and international cuisine. Guests rave in particular about the breakfast (for an extra fee), which includes an extensive buffet as well as a menu of cooked-to-order eggs. The hotel has a lobby bar in addition to a rooftop bar, which offers lovely views of the city and Golden Horn.The on-site spa includes a chic white marble Turkish hammam, a relaxation room, a sauna, steam rooms, and treatment rooms where massages and facials are offered. There's also a small but nice and well equipped fitness center with modern cardio equipment and weightlifting machines as well as free weights and kettlebells. Private or group yoga classes can be arranged. There is no pool.The hotel has several meeting rooms, including one situated in the vault of the original bank. These meeting rooms can host up to 40 people. Wi-Fi is free throughout. The hotel has its own curator, who chooses artwork for the common areas. For guests traveling with infants, there are car seats, strollers, and baby baths. Childcare can also be arranged. Vault Karakoy offers concierge services as well as 24-hour room service.