ISTANBUL, TURKEY: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul/ Sultanahmet

If you are looking for a place that is enchanting, exotic, gorgeous, mysterious, and romantic, Istanbul is it. This past winter we traveled to this amazing city. All of us left feeling inspired and so grateful for the experience. Have you ever seen a Whirling Dervish spin before your eyes? Do you dream of browsing the ultimate Grand Bizarre searching for your hearts treasures? Have you ever smelled an Egyptian spice market? Do you enjoy getting Turkish scrubs at a real Hamman?  Think ancient architecture that transports you to an Ottoman dream, fresh pomegranate juice from street vendors, and the most beautiful, heart breaking song of prayer floating on the wind from 17 century minarets. And to tell you the truth, the food alone was enough to bring us back. The Turkish culture is incredibly warm and friendly, and they truly love children and families. It is really a wonderful place to bring your kids. I can honestly say that Istanbul has made my number one favorite city in the world spot.

Istanbul is divided into three sections on two continents (Europe and Asia) with the Bosporus pumping the Black Sea to connect them all together. On the European side you have the old historic part, Sultanahamet, and the more modern section, Beyoglu.  Last year in 2010 Istanbul was named The Cultural Center of the world and celebrated this by sponsoring artists to represent their work from all over the world. When you visit, there is an electricity, a pulsing under current of creativity and expression that you can practically taste. Istanbul is literally old world meets the new. It’s exciting and intoxicating.

If you are looking for that special, one of a kind experience, do yourself and your family a big favor and set up camp in the Sultanahamet (the old part of town). Just walking out the door will be a feast for your eyes and ears. We chose the Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet, and absolutely loved every aspect of the hotel, ranging from the fact that at one time it was a prison for political figures, the service is the best I have ever experienced, the location couldn’t be more spectacular situated between the dazzling Blue Mosque and the stunning Hagia Sophia, and the rooms are simply luxurious.  They took amazing care of me and my family.  I couldn’t recommend this hotel enough. I mean come on…it is the Four Seasons after all.

ROOM CHECK

1. midnight munchies √

Of course they can deliver, and that they did the first night we arrived after traveling across the globe. But to be real honest, after a few nights in town, we realized the irresistible midnight munchies were to be found from the local bakeries/dessert shops. We would pick a wide variety in order to do our own evening taste tests, then order the room service decaf coffee to wash it all down.

2.  roomy √

The management was so kind when they saw me and my tribe, they immediately upgraded our room at no extra cost to a giant, fantastic room. Even had a walk in closet.

3. extra fluff √

Oh yeah, this king bed reminded me again of how impossible it seems to find a mattress this perfect in a store. Not sure how they do it, but it was an evening blissful cloud.

4. the plushities √

The daily fruit plate, all the extra fun things to draw and play with for the kids, and how they turned down the room at night leaving a low volume level of Turkish music playing, sure made it nice.

5. snaggables√

They have a fantastic selection of L’Occitane toiletries and slippers for the whole family.

6. super secret sexy time √

Even though the room was giant, I’d have to say the huge bathroom with the marble everything, gorgeous Turkish rugs, and sunken bath tub wins the award hands down.

7. the dock ya’s √

They don’t charge anything extra for kids. Yeah!!

to check out the hotel :http://www.fourseasons.com/istanbul/