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Hotel reviews

W, Istanbul  and the Sheraton, Lisbon 

W, Istanbul 

Location Next to the Bosphorus on the European side of Istanbul, in Besiktas, one of the city’s swishest neighbourhoods. Opened this spring in a series of converted houses lining the popular Akaretler Row, W is convenient for the city’s mosques, exotic rooftop bars, opulent palaces and shopping areas. It’s about half an hour from Ataturk Airport by taxi. 

Ambience It’s about as far from corporate as you can get in Istanbul but is the better for it. Inside, the concept is all about mood, and a smoky, dark one at that. This is a place for night owls, those that want to feel like modern day sultans drinking local raki and enjoying the delights of famed New York chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Spice Market restaurant. 

Guestrooms The 134 rooms, with names like Fabulous and Wow, are as plush as a sultan’s harem with comfort at every corner. Wi-Fi, iPod docks and flat-screen TVs are included as is a complimentary bottle of wine.  

Service Breakfast on the outdoor terrace is excellent, topped only by the Whatever/Whenever concierge service, which can find whatever you want in town — be it a restaurant, karaoke bar or VIP entry to an exclusive party.  

Can I work here? Desks in rooms are perfectly usable though even with windows open and full energy mode on the light options the rooms feel dark. Still there’s Wi-Fi, 24-hour front desk, express check-in, check-out, currency exchange, though ultimately W is the place to entertain your clients or contacts of an evening or organise an exclusive party.  

Can I live here? Vongerichten’s exceptional Spice Market restaurant is one of the most exclusive and expensive fine dining examples in town. The bar is all night long, so if you find you can’t sleep there’s always someone to talk to. The Sweat fitness centre is open 24 hours, with massages offered in the spa treatment rooms.  

Worth Noting No has expense has been spared on the W. It is like a nightclub though — the sun may be shining brightly outside but once inside the W its all darkness, lounge music and pink neon lights.  

+90 212 381 2121; www.whotels.com/istanbul

Sheraton, Lisbon 

Location Discovering that your hotel is “in the middle of the business district” can often cause the hearts of even the most disciplined business travellers to sink. In compact, buzzy Lisbon this is not a problem. Not only is the Sheraton a 15-minute walk (or five-minute cab ride) from pretty much anywhere in the city, it’s only a 15-minute, €12 taxi from the airport. 

Ambience Inside this ugly (albeit iconic) skyscraper is the “look” that the chain is most proud of in Europe. Completely refurbished with dark colours, dim lights and restrained designer touches, it’s a comfortable hotel suitable for both the business and leisure crowds. 

Guestrooms Room sizes are respectable but much better and plusher than most cookie-cutter Sheratons. Comfortable beds and good linens. Kitted out with Bang & Olufsen LCD TVs, Wi-Fi internet access, and functional desks. Bathrooms are glass and marble but less-well designed.  

Service Friendly and efficient front desk, although getting a taxi is not exactly snap-to-attention. There is 24-hour room and concierge service and express check-out. 

Can I work here? It’s actually hard not to work here. By the reception area is a “Link@Sheraton” — the chain’s signature hub of computers and desks for working on the fly. There are also several meeting and event rooms. The lobby lounge has laptop-friendly, club-like seating — although Wi-Fi access must be paid for — and Club guests can also work in the well-equipped and particularly pleasant Club Lounge. 

Can I live here? There is a heated outdoor swimming pool and spa with the usual steam and bubble options, although, annoyingly, there is a €10 daily fee to use these facilities. There are also chill-out areas, juice bar and gym. The Panorama Cocktail bar is a nice place to end your day. 

Worth Noting A good hotel that might even change your mind about bland American chains. It’s worth mentioning on checking in if you need a quiet room — some have very thin walls. 

+351 (21) 312 0000; www.starwoodhotels.com 