THE NEW CASA FOSCOLO HOTEL IN ISTANBUL

Images courtesy of Casa Foscolo Hotel

Istanbul’s Heritage Meets Modernity

Nestled in the center of Istanbul’s second-most historic neighborhood, the new Casa Foscolo Hotel stands as a testament to the timeless legacy of the city’s rich heritage. With carefully added modern amenities and a meticulously true-to-history renovation, the 124-year-old building is now home to an intimate luxury hotel where contemporary art, literature, and history collide.

Presented by Coulisse | INK

Set in the heart of Beyoğlu, also known as Pera, Istanbul’s second oldest district, the newly opened Casa Foscolo Hotel is steeped in history yet simultaneously awash with the creature comforts of modernity. The building was first constructed between 1890 and 1900 as a pioneering apart-hotel for Foscolo Mango & Co. Ltd., a maritime business founded in Istanbul by the Venetian Foscolo family. In the 1930s, the German Holstein family took over, transforming the ground level into a culinary destination and the upper floors into commercial hubs. Today, the meticulously restored and renovated historical structure breathes new life, offering locals and visitors alike a place to experience the contemporary culture of Pera through the lens of history.

With the architectural renovation and interior design overseen by Emre Kuzlu, the hotel seamlessly integrates the building’s original features with contemporary amenities. Behind the restored neo-classical façade with its blended brick and travertine are the original high ceilings, stone walls, central spiral staircase, windows, and other period-specific details, such as handcrafted oriental motifs in the lobby and on the ceilings in some rooms. During the renovation process, priority was also given to preserving and reusing existing building materials, including marble and wood. The building’s original wooden door and marble staircase and flooring have, for example, been reused and integrated in the hotel’s entrance, preserving its timeless elegance. Antique brickwork has also been carefully cleaned to enhance the aesthetics of the lobby and create an inviting atmosphere. Complementing this historical integrity are warm and pastel tones and thoughtfully selected natural materials, including new marble, tile mosaics, and decorative ceramics, with wood and laminate finishes providing further visual and functional touches to historic surfaces.

Throughout the hotel and its 18 guest rooms, contemporary art plays a central role in connecting history with the present. Paintings by local artists and hand-crafted sculptures can be found in standard rooms and suites alike, adding creative flourishes to the otherwise calming, neutral color schemes. True to the building’s original purpose, most rooms feature living spaces, kitchenettes, and bedrooms, and are furnished with almost entirely bespoke furniture produced with locally sourced materials. Pops of color in the kitchenettes augment the artwork, and this contemporary feeling crosses over into the bathrooms, with natural and lighter hues, ceramic furnishings, and textured green and white walls.

On the B1 floor, guests and locals can mingle, relax, and co-work in a vibrant art exhibition and dining area, the serene Minoa Library, and a dynamic co-working and additional exhibition space. Mornings on the B1 floor begin with an à la carte breakfast featuring fresh local and international products. Throughout the day, the menu offers samples of Mediterranean cuisine, delectable desserts, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and coffees. For those seeking a quieter ambiance, the Minoa Library provides intimate lounging nooks perfect for enjoying a peaceful coffee break. In the library, an array of books are also available to purchase or borrow during stays. Downstairs, a dedicated coworking space also hosts rotating exhibitions with local and international artists. From the lower level to the top floor of guestrooms, Casa Foscolo Hotel is more than just a place to sleep: It is a space to celebrate art and culture, to foster interactions and cultural exchanges between visitors and locals alike.

Casa Foscolo Hotel is located just steps away from the pedestrian-only Istiklal Avenue, the iconic Galata Tower, and the Tünel funicular in the heart of Beyoğlu, or Pera, Istanbul’s second oldest district. The hotel is within walking distance from art and culture centers such as the Istanbul Modern, Salt Galata, Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, Atatürk Cultural Center, Borusan Sanat, and Pera Museum. Characterized by its unique blend of history and modernity, with influences from the Greek, Armenian, and Jewish communities evident in its architecture, cuisine, and cultural institutions, the neighborhood is the ideal location for exploring the city’s rich cultural heritage. Nearby areas like Karaköy, Taksim, and Sultanahmet offer a mix of history, modern attractions, and vibrant nightlife.