Unique Istanbul Hotel: The Orientbank Autograph Collection
I love staying in old buildings which have been repurposed into hotels. The city of Istanbul has a few unique options to check out, including the exquisite Four Seasons, which used to be a prison!
On a recent trip, I stayed at the Orientbank Hotel, originally built as a bank more than a century ago. It was closed for decades, until new owners put it through a pandemic-era renovation, opening in 2021 as a beautiful, unique hotel option visitors to Istanbul will love.
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The Hotel Lobby & Public Spaces
The Orientbank Hotel Istanbul is set in a historic building that has retained much of its original character since the early 1900s, beginning with the massive doors that open into the lobby.
Its striking curved, circular facade and lead-grey roof make it a standout landmark in the city.
Many architectural elements from the building’s banking past remain intact, including the exterior façade, copper terrace dome, hand-carved marble spiral staircase, iron railings, and original wooden revolving and side doors.
I love how the marble stairs are worn, with slight smooth dents from the thousands of shoes that have gone up and down over the decades.
The Orientbank’s Unique Rooms and Suites
The smaller rooms are only about 230 square feet, so I’d recommend upgrading to one of the suites.
The Grand Deluxe rooms are closer to 300 square feet.
The Executive and Executive Suite rooms are closer to 400-500 square feet, and contain an additional seating lounge.
The bathrooms are floor-to-ceiling marble.
Rooms Come With:
- Coffeemakers
- Hot water kettle for tea
The Hotel Should Add:
- Refrigerators
- A desk
The Hotel Restaurant & Jazz Bar
Breakfast was excellent each morning. It’s a large spread, with your choice of eggs, meats, and vegetarian options.
The lobby area restaurant serves food until late at night, and also opens early for breakfast.
Jazz Bar
The Orientbank Hotel Autograph Collection boasts a Jazz Bar, which opens weekends downstairs.
the Orientbank’s Unique History
As I mentioned the Orientbank Hotel building originally served as the headquarters for the Deutsche Orientbank in the early 20th century. Designed by Prussian architect August Jasmund—who worked for the Ottoman court from 1888 to 1907.
The neoclassical style reflects both Ottoman Westernization and the European banking influence of the time. Its ship-like form made it a symbol of the Eminonu neighborhood.
Established in 1906, the Deutsche Orientbank played a key role in expanding German financial influence in the Near East. Locally known as Germanya Han, the bank’s Istanbul branch operated here for decades.
The Deutsche Orientbank faced severe difficulties during the global banking crisis of 1931, which led to the collapse of its primary shareholders. New owners, took over, and the bank continued operating until 1946, when it was ultimately liquidated.
After sitting vacant for half a century, the historic building underwent an extensive transformation, emerging as the Orientbank Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection.
Location of the Orientbank Autograph Collection
Eminönü is one of Istanbul’s most historic and bustling neighborhoods, located at the southern entrance of the Golden Horn, where the Bosphorus meets the Sea of Marmara. It has been a commercial and cultural hub for centuries, serving as the heart of Byzantine Constantinople and later the Ottoman Empire. Today, it remains a vibrant area filled with historic landmarks, busy markets, and ferry docks connecting different parts of the city.
The neighborhood surrounding the Orientbank is a mix of old and new, with historic mosques and markets sitting alongside modern shops and restaurants. The streets are always lively, filled with vendors selling simit (sesame-covered bread rings), roasted chestnuts, and fresh fish sandwiches from boats near the docks.
During the day, the area is packed with shoppers, tourists, and commuters, but in the evening, it quiets down as businesses close. Despite its modern energy, Eminönü still retains the charm of old Istanbul, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the city.
Orientbank Hotel in the Movies
The Orientbank Hotel is featured in the opening sequence of the 2012 James Bond film, Skyfall.
Bond (portrayed by Daniel Craig) enters the historic bank building, then runs out the front door onto the streets, sparking a chase that takes us through the spice bazaar and across the rooftops of the Grand Bazaar.
In the movie, Bond runs right out the front door from the lobby:
Sites Walkable from the Hotel in Istanbul
The Orientbank Hotel Istanbul is located in the Sultanahmet district, making it an ideal base for exploring some of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks on foot.
Here are a few sites you’ll easily be able to walk to from the hotel:
Spice Bazaar (5-minute walk)
Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, this historic market is famous for its spices, Turkish delights, dried fruits, and teas.
Grand Bazaar (10-minute walk)
One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar has thousands of shops selling jewelry, textiles, ceramics, spices, and souvenirs.
Galata Bridge (10-minute walk)
A historic bridge connecting Eminönü to Karaköy, where visitors can watch fishermen, enjoy local seafood, and take in views of the Bosphorus.
Hagia Sophia (15-minute walk)
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Hagia Sophia is a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, having served as a church, mosque, and now a mosque again.
Blue Mosque (15-minute walk)
Located near the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is known for its striking blue İznik tiles and impressive domes.
Basilica Cistern (15-minute walk)
An ancient underground water reservoir, the Basilica Cistern features atmospheric lighting, towering columns, and mysterious Medusa head carvings. (Photo Below)
Topkapi Palace (20-minute walk)
The former palace of Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace offers incredible views, lavish rooms, and historical artifacts, including the Prophet Muhammad’s relics.
FAQs About this Unique Istanbul Hotel
Let’s go over a few more frequently-asked-questions about the hotel.
Is there a gym or fitness center?
No, there are no fitness facilities at the hotel.
Is there a pool at the hotel?
No, there is no pool on site.
Are pets allowed?
No, there’s a no-pet policy.
Is there a restaurant and room service?
Yes, it’s available from 7:00am to 11:00pm.
Is there a breakfast?
Yes, the breakfast is excellent, but you’ll pay extra.
Is there a Rooftop Terrace?
Yes, it’s beautiful, day or night!
My Review of the Orientbank Hotel Istanbul Autograph Collection
The Orientbank was a highlight of our most recent trip to Istanbul. The history and architecture certainly make it stand out as a unique hotel in this massive city. While those aspects can be planned and baked-in, the staff truly made our stay wonderful.
The location and breakfast are also reasons I’d cite, when recommending this hotel to anyone planning a visit to Turkey.
