Occupying a building constructed between 1890 and 1900 in the heat of Beyoğlu — Istanbul’s second oldest district and anciently known as Pera — luxury hotel Casa Foscolo combines the timeless legacy of Istanbul’s rich heritage with carefully selected contemporary amenities to create a luxury hotel where art, literature, and tradition merge.
The architectural renovation and interior design was overseen by Emre Kuzlu of I-AM Associates, who gave priority to preserving and reusing existing building materials including marble and wood. The original wooden door and marble staircase and flooring were refurbished and integrated in the hotel’s entrance, preserving its timeless elegance, whilst antique brickwork was cleaned to enhance the aesthetics of the lobby and create a welcoming feel. Behind the restored neo-classical façade awaits an intimate dwelling with high ceilings, stone walls, a central spiral staircase that blend with warm and pastel tones, new marble, tile mosaics, and decorative ceramics.
A member of Design Hotels and Marriott Bonvoy, art plays a central role at Casa Foscolo with various artworks in rooms and public areas, as well as regular exhibitions that enrich the guest experience. With the neighbourhood renowned for its rich history and lively atmosphere, guests can also enjoy a host of art and culture centres including Salt Galata, Istanbul Modern, and Pera Museum, all located within walking distance.
The boutique offering has just 18 rooms, including suites with kitchenettes and superior rooms with balconies, and all are furnished with almost entirely bespoke furniture produced with locally sourced materials. Bursts of colour in the kitchenettes augment the artworks, and this contemporary feeling crosses over into the bathrooms with natural and lighter hues, ceramic furnishings, and textured green and white walls.
Guests can begin their day with an à la carte breakfast brimming with fresh local and international products. Throughout the day, the menu offers samples of Mediterranean cuisine, desserts, a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and coffees. For those seeking respite, the Minoa Library is an space full of nooks where guests can enjoy a drink and take a book to read or buy for themselves. For those needing to check in on an hour or two of work, the vibrant art exhibition area doubles up as a dedicated co-working space boasting rotating exhibitions by local and international artists.
More than simply a place to sleep, at Casa Foscolo, history, architecture, culture and contemporary aesthetics come together to make a truly tempting proposition.
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Casa Foscolo Istanbul Photography, courtesy Design Hotels.
