The Vibe: A stately scene for art and design.

The Area: Up-and-coming district Karaköy, a convenient launching pad for exploring bohemian Beyoğlu and historic Sultanahmet. Within walking distance some of the city’s favored art galleries can be found, such as Istanbul Modern, Elipsis, Gallery Mana and Istanbul 74 plus the museum of modern art, Salt Galata.

The DNA: Set in a former bank building in Beaux Arts style from 1863, The Bank is a stylish hotel retaining original features, while the luxurious modern interiors were inspired by its imposing bank vaults. Kasa Lokanta restaurant serves international and Turkish cuisine. The cocktail bar is set in the former vaults. Garden, terrace, spa and fitness centre. An in-house art curator organizes events and exhibitions throughout the hotel.

Suite-Me-Up: The rooms and suites have high ceilings, panelled wooden doors, parquet floors, tall, slim windows and original cast-iron radiators giving a characterful period feel to most rooms, as do the Carrara marble bathrooms. Room facilities include a minibar, an iPod docking station, a work desk and a bathrooms with rain shower. The penthouse suite and rooms on upper floors have stunning views over the Bosphorus bridge, the Old City and the Golden Horn.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 63 rooms, including 5 suites (20-83m2) (215-893 sq ft) • hotel opened: March 2014 (formerly The House Hotel Karaköy) • interior design: Sinan Kafadar • bathroom amenities: Lokum Istanbul ❌ no parking available • pets allowed • 24-hour front desk