Rixos Tersane Hotel - Istanbul's forgotten shipyard becomes the city's newest floating palace

The Golden Horn has seen empires rise and fall, but its latest transformation might be the most surprising yet. Where Ottoman naval shipyards once built vessels that ruled the seas, Rixos Tersane Istanbul now floats like a modern-day galleon - complete with infinity pool and cigar lounge.

This isn't your typical five-star hotel story. Built on a 600-year-old shipyard site, the property feels like stepping aboard a luxury cruise ship that's decided to permanently dock along one of Istanbul's most storied waterways. Wooden boat replicas dangle from impossibly high ceilings in the cavernous lobby, while glass cases display maritime artifacts that whisper tales of the Ottoman Empire's seafaring glory days.

The location is both the hotel's biggest draw and its wildest gamble. Tersane district was, until recently, a forgotten corner of the city - a former military zone that most Istanbulites couldn't even access. Now it's being reborn as a cultural hub, with the hotel leading the charge. You can reach historic Sultanahmet by boat in 10 minutes, or gaze across the water at the colorful houses of Balat. It's close enough to the action, far enough from the crowds.

Josephine Istanbul

The lobby lounge doubles as the hotel's social heart, where locals and travelers cross paths against floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Golden Horn. It's designed as a gateway to the waterfront, with heated outdoor terraces that make the most of that million-dollar view.

Think elegant afternoon tea service, creative cocktails, and the kind of light bites that pair well with people-watching. The space captures Istanbul's cosmopolitan spirit - you're as likely to spot a business meeting as you are a romantic rendezvous.

Gowden Club

For those who appreciate the finer things in smoke and spirits, this cigar lounge is something of a rarity in Istanbul. The selection spans premium cigars, whiskeys, cognacs, bourbons, and wines, all served alongside tapas and sharing plates.

It's the kind of place where conversations linger and deals get made, wrapped in an atmosphere that feels both exclusive and welcoming. The relaxed environment makes it perfect for unwinding after exploring the city's bustling streets.

Velena Food Market

Forget stuffy hotel dining rooms - Velena resembles an upscale food hall where you can wander between live cooking stations. Italian pizzas (including one with Turkish sucuk sausage) share space with Asian dim sum and sushi, while Turkish specialties like kavurmali pide bring local flavors to the mix.

The market concept means you can sample widely or focus on whatever catches your eye.

With seating for up to 550, it manages to feel both buzzy and intimate, especially on the heated outdoor terrace.

Room Options

With 432 rooms spread across the property, you're spoiled for choice - though "spoiled" might be an understatement. The entry-level Premium Rooms come with partial sea views, while stepping up to full Golden Horn vistas feels like upgrading to the captain's quarters. Twin rooms cater to friends or colleagues, while families get dedicated two-bedroom setups that keep everyone happy.

The real stars are the suites, particularly those with private terraces. The One Bedroom Premium Terrace Suites offer sea views with outdoor space that feels like your own private deck, while the Executive Terrace Suites take things up another notch. Corner Suites maximize those Golden Horn panoramas, and if you're feeling particularly indulgent, the Duplex Terrace Suites provide two levels of luxury.

The design throughout strikes a balance between contemporary sophistication and nautical nods. Expect marble bathrooms stocked with Etro toiletries, beds dressed in crisp white linens, and those French balconies that convert into terraces - perfect for watching the city wake up across the water. The portholes aren't just decorative; they remind you that you're essentially staying on a very comfortable, very stationary ship. Even the carpet patterns echo maritime themes, while floor-to-ceiling windows ensure you never forget you're floating above one of the world's most storied waterways.

At the top of the nautical hierarchy sits the Presidential Suite - a sprawling 409 square meters complete with butler's room, private sauna, massage room, and panoramic views that make you feel like you're commanding the entire Golden Horn fleet. It's less hotel room, more floating palace.

Spa

The Well+ Spa takes a botanical approach to relaxation, using Biologique Recherche skincare products and oils derived from plants. Beyond the expected massages and facials, you'll find saunas, jacuzzis, steam baths, and more unusual offerings like snow and salt rooms. There's even a juice bar for post-treatment refreshments.

Exclusive Sports Club

This isn't your average hotel gym. The Sports Club offers everything from yoga and pilates to TRX, crossfit, and kangoo jump classes. There's also a padel court and cycling options, both indoor and outdoor facilities, and daily group classes that keep things interesting. Whether you're maintaining your routine or trying something new, the variety ensures you won't get bored during an extended stay.

Pool

The infinity pool runs parallel to the Golden Horn's shoreline, creating the optical illusion that it flows directly into the historic waterway.

It's heated, which extends the swimming season, and large enough that it rarely feels crowded.

The poolside setting, with panoramic views stretching across to Sultanahmet, makes this one of the hotel's most photographed spots – and rightfully so. Sometimes the simplest pleasures are the most satisfying.

Watersports

The hotel's waterfront location becomes a playground for those who want to get out on the water. Paddleboarding and rowing are available through the Tersane Istanbul Rowing Club, while sound therapy sessions on the sea add a meditative twist to water activities.

It's a unique way to experience the Golden Horn from a completely different perspective, away from the tourist boats and ferry traffic that usually dominate these waters.