Orient Occident Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection

Orient Occident sits in Sirkeci, between the Spice Bazaar and the Eminönü waterfront, a neighbourhood of busy food shops, historic hans and the lively restaurant lanes of Hocapaşa. Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern are all within a short walk; the Grand Bazaar is a little further, and ferries and trams make Karaköy, the Bosphorus and the Asian Side easy to reach.

As part of Marriott's Autograph Collection, the hotel has a sophisticated boutique feel, mixing rich materials, warm colours, and carefully chosen decorative details. It is luxurious without being formal, and works as well for a longer stay as for a city break.

Rooms continue the polished look, with comfortable beds, elegant bathrooms, thoughtful lighting, and many with city views. Doubles and twins are both available, and the Grand Deluxe Double offers the most space to settle in.

Mezzepotamia, the rooftop restaurant and bar, is the place to spend an evening. It serves mezze and contemporary Turkish flavours against comprehensive views of the Bosphorus, turning dinner into an occasion. In the lobby, Stephans Coffee is a relaxed stop for coffee and something sweet.

The spa adds a true wellness element to an Old City stay, with treatments designed for relaxation and recovery, plus a well-equipped fitness centre for those who want more than sightseeing.