If you look for Raffles Istanbul in amongst the city’s historic buildings and remnants of its Byzantine and Ottoman past, you’ll most likely miss check in. This luxury hotel is found at the Zorlu Center in the downtown area, in amongst the bustle of the city’s business, as well as some swanky shops and restaurants. Here, it’s all about modern Turkey. And that means chic contemporary decor throughout, with all the bells and whistles when it comes to amenities, and a whole host of luxurious, high-end features.

But first, the rooms. Raffles Istanbul is a notable player on the high-end hotel scene in Istanbul, thanks to its 136 guest rooms and 49 suites, all elegantly decorated in a pearlescent palate of blue, cream and grey. Here, you’ll find floor-to-ceiling windows (with panoramic views of Istanbul, thanks to the hotel’s prominent spot on the city skyline), marble bathrooms, and hand-woven Turkish rugs adorning the polished hardwood floors.

Elsewhere in the hotel, guests have the run of the 3,000 square metre spa and wellness facility, including three sumptuous Turkish hammams, as well as the numerous bars, lounges, and restaurants that call Raffles Istanbul home. One such signature restaurant is Arola, which serves up creative Spanish cuisine from Michelin-starred Spanish chef, Sergi Arola. Although the restaurant itself is a glamorous choice for dinner while you’re in town, try to snag a reservation for the private dining area, including the much-sought after chef table.