Review: Adahan DeCamondo Pera, Autograph Collection | Marriott Bonvoy

Located in the lively Beyoğlu district and housed in a building built by the Camondo family – in 1874 – the Adahan DeCamondo Pera, Autograph Collection, has undergone a complete restoration – in 2022 – while retaining the “vintage” essence of the building. With 50 rooms, including 16 suites, it is one of Istanbul’s newest boutique hotels.

Easily accessible, it’s less than a three-minute walk from the Şişhane metro station and the Tünel – an underground funicular – which links the districts of Karaköy and Beyoğlu. It’s also very close to the pedestrian street of İstiklal, where you’ll find multiple restaurants, boutiques and bars. There’s something for every taste and budget.

I booked the Adahan DeCamondo Pera, Autograph Collection, for just one night and used my points. At the time of my initial booking, it was 24,000 points, for a room without a window, but over the following weeks, I checked to see if there were any changes on the points side. It went down to 22,000 points, so I changed my booking. The room cost 210 euros when I booked.

The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to have the Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card).

In addition to the exceptional welcome bonus of each of these two cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all your purchases and 5 points per dollar at any of the Marriott establishments. On top of that, every year, you’ll receive a free hotel night certificate (worth 35,000 points) and 15 Elite Night Credits toward your Marriott Bonvoy status.

Check-in was simple. When I arrived, I was offered something to drink. Then the normal process took place: providing my passport, my credit card for deposit and potential expenses during the stay. I used a “suite upgrade” certificate for this stay and had been informed a few days before that it was accepted. I was escorted with my suitcase to my suite on the 3rd floor.

The hotel can be entered through two doors on either side of the building. At the very top of the stairs, you access the only reception counter, which is located exactly in the middle, in the corridor in fact. On either side of the counter are armchairs and tables. The space is extremely small and frankly not very functional when two or three customers arrive at the same time. Decorated in shades of gray, beige and wood, it is adorned with chandeliers. Despite the simplicity of the decor, the atmosphere in the lobby is refined.

As the only room available in points was the one without windows, I didn’t hesitate to use one of my upgrade certificates obtained thanks to my status, to have the possibility of having a suite. I was notified three days before my arrival that I had been upgraded to a suite: Junior Suite, 1 king bed, sofa bed, city view, balcony.

Located on the 3rd floor, it has three rooms. The first room is obviously the living room. The room is quite large. It is in a classic contemporary style: hushed and warm. Just like the rest of the suite.

With its ceiling mouldings and walls in shades of off-white and beige, the decorators got it just right! To continue in the same style, a rug covers part of the black wooden floor to contrast with the furnishings. The rest of the decor has been thought out accordingly: a gray sofa bed, a vintage gold round table, dark curtains and, above all, two hand-made cupboards, just like in my grandparents’ time. One is used as storage space for clothes, as well as the safe, ironing board and iron, while the other is used for the mini-bar, coffee maker and glasses, among other things. For the lighting, nothing too fancy: a gold fixture and a floor lamp with shade (I love it!).

French doors lead from the living room to the small balcony – full of greenery – where we find a table and two metal chairs.

The next room is the bedroom. It is exactly the same style and decoration as the living room. I fell in love with the red velvet headboard that accompanies the king bed. Once again, the decorators have hit the nail on the head. The bed, which is very comfortable, has its own bench, which echoes the colors and shape of the headboard. I also appreciated the desk in the bedroom, which was very useful. This is also where I was left apples, dried fruit, nuts, Turkish delight and a small welcome box (little sweets). Very nice attention from the hotel. As for the lighting, here too we find a stylized, gilded ceiling chandelier, just like the wall lights. The bedroom – instead of the lounge – is where you’ll find the smart TV.

The bathroom is small but functional. It’s a little different in color, with red walls and a white marble shower, while the vanity is a dark brown. The shower was made of glass and marble with a rainfall effect.

I liked this suite, which isn’t flashy, but has an authentic charm.

This hotel has just one restaurant, but what a restaurant it is! Le Béatrice Restaurant, offers an incredible and above all generous lunch (free for platinum members and above). Available in buffet format, it is served at your table. The Turkish Breakfast Board includes cheese, tomatoes, olives, danishes, Börek, fruit, bread and more. In addition, you can choose from a choice of eggs, omelette, pancakes, smoked salmon, etc. And best of all, it’s all good! After this kingly lunch, there’s no need to look for a restaurant for dinner.

Béatrice Restaurant’s decor is simple, but very appealing: white seats with red stripes, marble tables, fringed lighting and, let’s not forget, a beamed ceiling.

As the restaurant is located on the top floor, it boasts a beautiful terrace with a splendid view over Istanbul. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available. They also have a bar serving great cocktails; I recommend the “Boulevard Pera”. A most surprising “Kokteyller”.

Le Béatrice Restaurant is open from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. every day.

The hotel offers a private shuttle service – for a fee – from the airport to the hotel and vice versa.

They also have a very small gym: cardiovascular equipment, free weights, stairlifts and more. It is open 24/7.

There’s no pool at the hotel, no parking and only one conference room, which can hold twelve people.

My experience at the Adahan DeCamondo Pera, Autograph Collection lived up to my expectations: attentive staff, always ready to help, a hotel that has retained its old-world charm thanks to its decor and ambience, and above all, located close to everything!
If you take a room at this hotel and you’re on the third or fourth floor, take the stairs at least once. They’re a thing of beauty!

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