Park Hyatt Istanbul – Macka PalasIstanbul, Turkey

AN ITALIAN PALAZZO IN ISTANBUL

To understand Istanbul one has to understand its long and diverse history. Recent findings have shown that the traces of civilization in Istanbul goes back as long as 8,000 years. Old Istanbul offers magnificent sites from Hagia Sophia of 6th century to Blue Mosque of Ottomans. But there is another façade of Istanbul to explore: the new city. Nisantasi area where Park Hyatt Istanbul Macka Palace located is a neighborhood that perfectly symbolizes the contemporary life in Istanbul. One can come here to see beautiful people, to enjoy haute couture stores of fashion designers, and to dine at some of the best cafes and restaurants of Istanbul.  It’s rarely mentioned in guidebooks as there are not many sites of historic interest but there’s nothing wrong with combining historic sightseeing with retail therapy.
The Park Hyatt Istanbul building is an old Italian Palazzo constructed in 1920’s in Art Deco Style by a famous Italian Architect Gulio Mongeri who was inspired by the elegant Milanese Palazzos. It housed many famous historical figures, including poets, writers, and composers since 1920’s. To see the traces of this period in literature: Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk’s ‘Book of  Istanbul’ a memoire  is a great read while here or to take back home as a souvenir. I suggest you start the day with a rich Turkish Breakfast at the hotel with all kinds of cheeses, jam, olives, tomatoes, and many kinds of bread and pastries. Traditional Turkish tea is a must at breakfast.

...AND A WALKING TOUR OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD

To walk off the big breakfast you had, Macka Park is the ideal escape and everywhere you go you will have the beautiful view of the Bosporus. At the west exit out of Macka Park, you will see across the Istanbul Technical University which was built as a military barracks towards the end of the 19th century by Sultan. Behind the University you will find an old wooden mansion that is from the Ottoman era housing ‘Antik Palas’, the antique auction house. You might want to check the website for art exhibitions or auctions during the time of your visit (www.antikpalace.com.tr).

With resident high end designer shops, Park Hyatt Istanbul – Macka Palas is guaranteed to deliver a designer stay. Set in the fashionable Nisantasi quarter, with plenty of trendy boutiques and restaurants nearby, the hotel exudes a timeless elegance that is at once relaxed and refined. Behind its art deco facade you'll discover the finest Istanbul has to offer — exquisitely designed guestrooms and 25 residential Spa rooms featuring Turkish Hammam, an exclusive spa and fitness center and a heated outdoor pool. Be sure to check out the chic Wine Lounge with its impressive cellar.
You might not be hungry by now, but you’re about to enter the area of restaurants and cafes. So perhaps you should make note of these places and come back later. One of the finest Turkish Kebab Houses is located just across the hotels main entrance on Bronz Street called ‘Baskose’ and if you would like to sample the Ottoman Cuisine while you are here, Hunkar restaurant is the best  on Mim Kemal Oke street. The most famous dish here is hunkarbegendi, which means “the Sultan liked it.” It’s made with aubergine and meat and it is very delicious. Should you want to feel the soul of the city, stop by a trendy bar or a café on Atiye Street, just a few steps from the hotel.  

From Atiye Street, walk back to the main street, which is Tesvikiye Caddesi. Continue walking north. You will see Bahar Patisserie on the left (No. 59), which opened in the 1950s which has delicious marrons glacés, and pistachio chocolate, worth taking home as well as rose scented delicacies.