Sumahan on the Water
Sumahan on the Water
A restored nineteenth century Ottoman distillery opened its doors as a hotel in 2005.
Sumahan is a rare example of thoughtful, historical transformation in Istanbul. Located on the Bosphorus waterfront in Cengelkoy on the Asian side of the city. “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. Each of its 11 rooms and 13 suites – most with fireplaces- enjoy the spectacular views of the Bosphorus. The furnishings are contemporary and the large bathrooms are well appointed- some with Turkish baths. There is a Wellness Center with a Turkish Bath and gym with varity massage services. For business meetings, the hotel’s conference room overlooking the Bosphorus can accommodate up to 35 people.
There are two restaurants in the premises. Newly opened Tapasuma www.tapasuma.com serves up top chef Gokay Cakiroglu's inspirational Turkish dishes with a contemporary twist in a hyper-stylish setting. Alongside freshly caught seasonal fish from the Bosphorus, Cakiroglu, who has a passion for creating new dishes, presents a menu of lesser-known yet enticing dishes from modern Turkish and Mediterranean cuisines. Not to mention the selection of delicious bite-sized Turkish mezzes lined up tapas-style at the restaurant's 8-metre long “verde calacatta” marble food & drinks bar.
Waterfront Café serving light Turkish and International cuisine is also available for dinner and drinks.A scheduled complimentary boat launch transfers the guests of Sumahan and Tapasuma to the European side all day long.