Built in the 19th century, the Ottoman-era building that today houses the chic House Hotel Karaköy was originally the headquarters of the Credit General Ottoman Bank. The conversion, headed up by Aga Khan award winning architect, Han Tümertekin, has retained the building’s sophisticated Beaux-Arts style and spirit, as well as plenty of original features. The particular highlight, of course, being the bank’s original vault, which is now, creatively, the wine cellar.

The rooms, through custom furnishings and a serious eye to quality, seem to exude wealth and luxury. What else would you expect for a former bank, after all? Designer Sinan Kafadar has included parquet floors, Carrara marble bathrooms, and a warm, welcoming colour palette of rich, earthy neutrals throughout. And, thanks to The House Hotel Karaköy’s stellar location in the arty district of Karaköy, many of the rooms even have views out over the Golden Horn.

Speaking of art: in a nod to the area, the hotel has its own in-house art curator who organises events and exhibitions in the hotel itself. And there’s a stellar book collection to peruse in the lobby, with tomes on culture, art, and music. But if bodily pampering, rather than mental indulgence is more the order of the day, The House Hotel Karaköy has its own white marble hamam, a state-of-the-art gym, steam rooms, sauna, and treatment rooms for all manner of massages and facials. And the on-site restaurant, with its elegant decor and views out over the water, is the ideal place for a leisurely meal, whether you’re looking for Turkish or international cuisine.