Pera Palas Hotel in Istanbul
Pera Palas Hotel in Galata
district is one of the oldest and the most famous hotels of Istanbul. The hotel was built in 1892 for the specific purpose of hosting passengers arriving on the Orient Express train. Agatha Christie was one of its visitors where she wrote Murder on the Orient Express. Today, the "Agatha Christie Room", number 411, is now preserved in her honor.
Another room, number 101, is notable too as it housed Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of the Republic, while he prepared for the Turkish War of Independence. "Atatürk's Suite" is a small museum now, displaying his personal objects of interest like ebony chairs, exotic oriental carpets and a rare black silk prayer rug, all gifts from foreign heads-of-state to the Turkish leader.
The fascinating lobbies and halls of the hotel are decorated with 19th century furniture. Its "Orient Bar" and charming dining rooms are considered some of the most atmospheric in Turkey. One can well
imagine the spies Mata Hari and Kim Philby lounging seductively on a comfy
sofa in the bar or Ernest Hemingway outlining his next novel in the dining
room over Chicken Döner and Bloody Mary's with
his lady of the moment. Many historically notable people were guests at the Pera Palas.
The hotel is also very close to Taksim Square and several Foreign Consulates such as British, Swedish, Russian, Dutch, Italian, French, German, etc.
Important Note: Pera Palace Hotel is closed for restorations since the end of 2006.
Hope to see you soon in Istanbul.