We decided to stay in a different neighborhood of Beyoglu on our last days in Istanbul. Somewhere artsy and quiet was our choice. Much as we loved our stay in Peradays, it was time to experience Hammamhane.
Our luck with the good weather had run dry, and the rain had made us cancel our planned sightseeing, so we chose to wing it, which made all the difference. If you’re looking for a place to stay in Istanbul and hoping to enjoy all the comforts of home, Hammamhane is perfect for you.
Location, getting there, and checking in
Located on a quiet artsy street in the old neighborhood of Cukurcuma, Hammamhane hides from the bustle of Istiklal Street and Taksim Square. The two aforementioned landmarks, however, are only around 12 minutes walk away.
Aside from the antique shops and art galleries lining the street, Cukurcuma is famous for the old and historical Cukurcuma Hammam and the Museum of Innocence according to Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk’s book of the same name.
After checking out from Peradays Hotel, we navigated the hilly cobblestone streets of Istanbul with the help of Google Maps. Dragging heavy luggage on cobblestones, much less on an inclined street, sapped out my energy, I kid you not. By the time we reached Hammamhane, we were wet not only from the drizzle but also from perspiration.
The neighborhood felt different from the ones we first stayed in, not only because it was almost devoid of tourists, but also because it felt as though we were almost intruding a secret world known only to locals. All of the Istanbulites we met along the way while heaving our luggage gave us curious stares, to which we replied with timid smiles.
From the outside, Hammamhane looked like a modern Istanbul home with a porch filled with tables and chairs. Anthurium in pots lined the steps leading to the entrance, reminding me of my late grandfather.
Check-in was a breeze, with Buke at the reception. A few moments later, we eagerly went up to our room, tired from all the pushing and pulling on the hilly streets.
Style and character
By having brick walls in the lobby, Hammamhane retains the feel of old Istanbul buildings. On the other hand, the rooms feel brand new. The room’s theme is modern, complemented by muted color palettes and uncluttered spaces. Meanwhile, the reception looks rustic, with the two kitchens being the standout. In the adjoining dining area, bookcases integrated into the columns added a nice touch and practical use of space.
Service and facilities
For a 14-room #1 Specialty Lodging in Istanbul (Trip Advisor), Hammamhane manages to provide five-star service. Their spacious rooms are studios and suites, all designed beautifully. Should you tire staying in your room, the common areas are a joy to hang out in. It is exactly my kind of jam with plenty of seating areas, artwork, and reading materials. There is also a garden at the back. The building has both stairs and a lift.
The free Wi-Fi was fast and we didn’t experience any interruption.
As for customer service, Buke, the two other staff, and the owner Bulent are always ready to lend a hand to guests’ needs. Maps were also available. You can even borrow an Istanbulkart (Istanbul card). They also offer free Istanbul Ataturk airport transfer if you book four or more nights through their official website. Tours and tickets assistance is also available.
After resting for a bit, we were famished and asked Buke for her neighborhood recommendations. We walked to the bohemian neighborhood of Cihangir and randomly chose from her list. She was kind enough to classify each of her recommendations, making it easier for us to select.
Hammamhane studio room
When we opened the door to our suite, we were really impressed with how spacious it was (with a high ceiling too) and how the furnishings blended well together.
The big bed was really comfortable, although I did lament (I still do) the lack of a headboard. I loved the chaise lounge sofa and the wooden rocking chair. We couldn’t stop taking turns making use of both during our stay.
We stayed in a studio room overlooking the street. And there was a small sitting corner by the kitchenette that was just the perfect spot to people watch.
The kitchenette has a minibar, microwave, electric stove, coffee and tea maker, washing machine, and dishwasher. It was even stocked with pans, cutleries, plates, and glasses, as though we were staying in an apartment. Perfect for a long stay!
Unfortunately, the toilet and shower is a bit on the small side. But it is well-furnished, and I loved their tie-up with one of the oldest cosmetics brands of Turkey: Rebul. As an eco-friendly accommodation, they provide refillable pump bottles in the shower, thus eliminating the need to provide small bottles of shampoo and hair conditioner.
And since it was winter, the A/C system was off and the cork parquet floors had a heating system.
Food and drinks
Breakfast was included in our booking and oh, what a breakfast it was! It wasn’t a buffet breakfast, but the serving was aplenty. Aside from the Kahvalti Tabagi (breakfast plate), you can also order eggs any way you like. They also have two additional dishes for the day that you can choose from plus a selection of cereals, yogurts, and the like on a separate table. All of the hot dishes are cooked fresh for the day in their open kitchen. Plus, their strawberry jam is one of the best!
Selections of coffee, tea, and juices are also available.
Value for Money
Featuring all the comforts of home, family-friendly vibe, excellent customer service, and designer rooms, the eco-friendly accommodation located in a hip and trendy neighborhood is accessible from different attractions. What more can you ask for? Plus, they will soon open the hammam they are renovating next door. How often can you say you stayed beside a hammam, right? All of these definitely make your stay in Hammamhane worth it, leaving you with a good value for your money.
Hammamhane: Information
Address: Firuzaga Mah. Cukurcuma Cad. No.45 Beyoglu 34425 Istanbul, Turkey
Contact details: WhatsApp/ Viber +90 (534) 642 01 43 | Website
Room types: Studio, Suite with terrace, Family suite with garden
Booking.com
What do you think of Hammamhane? Have you stayed in a studio room/apartment hotel?
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Disclosure: We were guests of Hammamhane but all opinions, comments, and feedback are my own and honest review. All photos included in this post are my own and all rights reserved.
Kay
February 17, 2018 at 9:53 pmOh I would love to stay here! Thanks for making me aware of this place!