Ecole St Pierre – Istanbul, Turkey
The École St Pierre has a colourful story to tell. Built by the Genoese over a thousand years ago, it’s been a monastery, a primary school, a carpentry workshop and a home. And now it’s been skillfully renovated into a boutique hotel, with meticulous care and attention to detail. Found in the cosmopolitan Galata District, within a stone’s throw of the famous watch tower of the same name, and close to the mosques, minarets and bazaars. With beautifully decorated contemporary interiors, leafy courtyard and first-class service, it’s a little city haven.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its long and interesting history, and its prime location in one of Istanbul’s trendiest districts.Style:
Contemporary city luxe.Location:
In the Galata District of Istanbul, close to all the main attractions.Rooms:
17 individually designed and luxuriously decorated rooms and suites.Children:
Families are made most welcome.Accessibility:
There are no facilities for guests with mobility issues.Open From:
All year round.rooms
Each of the rooms and suites weave in historical detail. Many have exposed brickwork, some have balconies looking out over the courtyard or watch tower, and they all have gloriously comfortable beds and luxuriously spacious bathrooms. Guest Rooms are cosy and bright, whilst the larger Deluxe Modern Rooms have a seating area, and Courtyard Room with Balcony offers an attractive view of the inner sanctum of the building.
The very spacious Historical Suites feature a separate living area, and come with or without a balcony. Larger still, the Galata Suites feature either a long terrace, or a large soaking tub in the bathroom.
food
Il Cortile restaurant was once where the church choir used to sing. Its menu is predominantly Italian, with a good choice of pizza. For light snacks and a relaxing place for a drink, I guru lounge bar sprawls out onto the terrace with views up to the watch tower.
activities
At the heart of Galata is the 14th century watch tower, with its panoramic views of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn from the top. Below, in the narrow streets, you’ll find cool restaurants and bars, centuries-old mosques, synagogues and churches, together with bazaars and little curio shops. Head for the Galata Mevlevi House museum for whirling dervish performances. Just a short stroll away, across the Galata Bridge, are the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.
A cruise along the river gives you a memorable view over the city and its minarets, and make sure you visit the Topkapi Palace Museum, once home to Ottoman sultans, for its stunning architecture, intricate interiors and fascinating collection of treasures.
family
Whilst there are no particular facilities for children, families of all ages are welcomed with typical Turkish hospitality.
Location
Istanbul, Turkey
In the Galata District of Istanbul, close to all the main attractions - Istanbul International Airport is 39km away and Sabiha Gökcen Airport 41km.
