---
type: "Article"
title: "Stylish W Design Hotel Istanbul – come on a tour with Ilker Topdemir!"
description: "The W Istanbul Hotel is located in the historic Akaretler Row Houses that used to house the emperor’s staff in the old days. The hotel now is at the heart of the vibrant Besiktas neighborhood filled with restaurants, cafes, and design & art galleries. Go-getting events and hospitality marketing manager Ilker Topdemir was so kindRead More"
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/turkey/stylish-w-hotel-istanbul-tour-ilker-topdemir"
author: "Walter Schaerer"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 10
tags: ["Design", "Luxury", "W Hotel", "Turkey"]
entities:
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/places/turkey"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/design"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/luxury-travel"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/restaurant"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/culinary-tourism"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/itinerary"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/ontology/topics/shopping"
  - "https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer"
generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer", at: 2026-07-05T18:05:38+00:00 }
verified:
  - { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/katja-birrer", at: 2013-04-22T20:58:56+00:00 }
sources:
  - id: photos
    resource: stylish-w-hotel-istanbul-tour-ilker-topdemir.md#photos
    title: "Original photography by Walter Schaerer"
    author: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/walter-schaerer"
timestamp: 2026-07-05T18:05:38+00:00
---

# Stylish W Design Hotel Istanbul – come on a tour with Ilker Topdemir!

> W Istanbul Hotel occupies the historic Akaretler Row Houses in the lively Besiktas neighbourhood, blending Ottoman heritage with contemporary W-brand luxury design.

## Destination
Akaretler Row Houses, Besiktas neighbourhood, Istanbul, Turkey — close to the upscale shopping district of Nisantasi.

## What to see
- **Lobby and Library** — Stark colour contrasts and opulent decoration create an immediate oriental-modern atmosphere.
- **WOW Suite** — Designed by Mahmut Anlar; seven-metre ceilings, mezzanine bedroom, skylights over the spa bath, and a four-poster W signature bed.
- **Historic Akaretler Row Houses** — The 19th-century row houses once housed the Ottoman emperor's staff, with his palace nearby on the Bosphorus.

## What to do
- **Dine at Okka** — Chef Tolga Atalay's restaurant serving mezes and 25 kebap options with lamb, beef, and chicken.
- **Eat at Minyon** — Casually contemporary bar and restaurant by Emre Capa, offering internationally inspired food with a Turkish twist.

## Good to know
Room categories carry W's signature naming scheme: Wonderful, Spectacular, Fabulous, Marvelous, Mega, Studio Suite, Fantastic Suite, Wow, and Extreme Wow. Some rooms and suites include private gardens, terraces, or cabanas.

## Photos

```yaml
photos:
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/W-Hotel-entrance-Istanbul.jpg"
    caption: "W sign next to hotel entrance"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/W-Hotel-Istanbul-Suleyman-Seba-Besiktas.jpg"
    caption: "Former Akaretler Row Houses now housing W Hotel Istanbul"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/lobby-decoration-W-Hotel-Istanbul.jpg"
    caption: "Lobby decoration next to hotel entrance"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/W-Hotel-library-Istanbul.jpg"
    caption: "Hotel library next to the lobby"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/studio-suite-hotel-room-W-Istanbul.jpg"
    caption: "Loft-style Studio Suite"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Wow-suite-W-Hotel-Istanbul.jpg"
    caption: "Wow Suite living room and high ceiling"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Ilker-Topdemir-Wow-Suite-bed.jpg"
    caption: "Ilker Topdemir showing the sleeping room"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/lamb-shank-W-Hotel-Istanbul.jpg"
    caption: "Lamb shank at Minyon restaurant"
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/restaurant-menu-W-Hotel-Istanbul.jpg"
    caption: "Menu \"Things that walk\""
  - url: "https://travelmemo.com/mimo/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Songuel-Kalayci-Ilker-Topdemir-W-Hotel-Istanbul.jpg"
    caption: "Songül Altun Kalayci and Ilker Topdemir at Minyon restaurant"
```