“Sumahan on the Water” a newly restored nineteenth century Ottoman distillery opened its doors as a hotel in 2005.  Sumahan on the Water is a rare example of thoughtful, historical transformation in Istanbul.  “Suma” is the word for unadulterated spirit.  The hotel was the industrial factory that distilled the high proof ingredient for “Raki” the famous Ottoman tipple. “Han” was the word for inn in Ottoman times.  Sumahan is among the city’s most enduring design phenomena, a hotel that integrates high quality design and respect for the sites historical context.  In essence the “Sumahan on the Water” experience is about modern comfort in a historic as well as spectacular setting with friendly and personal service.

The hotel sits on the very edge of the Bosphorus Straits which separate Europe from Asia and link the cold waters of the Black Sea to the warm waters of the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean beyond.  It has 7 rooms 13 suites.  Each accommodation has been individually and skillfully designed. Each has its own special character, sensitively done to showcase the architectural style. In addition all rooms and suite enjoy the spectacular view of the Bosphorus Strait. This distinctive Hotel is parallel to its magnificent views of the Bosphorus. It is a contemporary architectural treasure, a heaven for escape and a link to Turkish culture.

Sumahan on the Water has now opened it’s long awaited Wellness Center – the Sumahan Hamam (Turkish Bath), Sumahan Massage and Sumahan Gym.  The Turkish bath is a deeply aesthetic way of keeping clean.  Historically it was at the center of Turkish culture and at Sumahan they have captured the spirit and architecture of this ritual.

The hotel is owned and designed by the prominent Istanbul architects Mark and Nedret Butler with interiors by interior designer Yasha Butler. This family team of designers has grasped this unique opportunity, to turn the nineteenth century industrial complex into a small special luxury hotel.  It has been converted so that much of the original style of the factory is retained with a contemporary luxury design - hence a perfect blend of the past with innovations of the present.

Sumahan commands a view of the Bosphorus that frames the historic Istanbul skyline of domes and minarets.  The hotel is very cozy with most rooms having a fireplace and large windows looking out over the Bosphorus and a panoramic view of the European side of Istanbul and the old city.  A stunning exceptional view, a privacy haven, a perfect hide-out in the heart of Istanbul.

In the purity of its concept, the choice of wood and marble, steel and brick, fabrics and linens the hotel sets a standard in restoration architecture and interior design.  The ever-altering image of the water is apparent in the color scheme used by the designers in the interiors, an array of blues, greens and grays.  The furnishings are contemporary; the large marble bathrooms are well appointed with thick Turkish towels and many of the rooms have their own Turkish style bathroom or hamam. 

The Hotel’s Launch, specially designed by Mark Butler, provides scheduled complementary service across the Bosphorus from the hotel - year round. The Launch is also available for private excursions along the Asian and European shores of the Bosphorus

“The hotel will respect the setting in which it belongs.  As marble can be transformed from a rough element to a light and smooth material, so will the hotel transform itself from an industrial plant to an elegant space with hidden details” - Yasha Butler.