Elite World Business

Built in 2012, the Elite World Business Hotel offers a regal first impression with a white neoclassical-inspired facade finished with alternating pilasters and columns of windows. Interiors are clearly designed with both luxury and convenience in mind. Guests bustling through the grand lobby include airport-goers on layover and business travelers attending meetings at the hotel or nearby conference centers. The courtly two-story lobby features marble floors, dramatically draped floor-to-ceiling windows, and a winding staircase. A marble water fountain, recessed ceilings with gilded accents, and a stylish mix of velvety upholstered and vintage-style wood furniture elevate the level of luxe here. The lobby reflects a measure of class and sophistication offered in all parts of the hotel, from the impeccable staff to the coffeeshop decor.

Elite World Business is situated along a busy main highway (E5) outside of Istanbul's center, but close to the airport and conference centers that play host to conventions and trade shows. The immediate area isn't particularly exciting, but Ataturk Havalimani International Airport is less than a 10-minute drive away (though it can take up to 20 minutes to get there during rush-hour traffic). The hotel offers free shuttle service to and from the airport every hour. The CNR Expo center is a 15- to 20-minute drive while the Tüyap Congress Center is a 20- to 30-minute drive. The hotel is a three-minute walk from the Florya metrobus station, and historic sites and restaurants in the Istanbul's Sultanahmet area will take about an hour to get to by public transit, or 30 minutes to an hour by car, depending on traffic. Valet parking is free on-site.

Guest rooms are spacious with sophisticated, contemporary decor that includes beige walls with wood accents, floor-to-ceiling windows, upholstered swoop armchairs, and refined bedding with coordinating bolster pillows. The modern bathrooms are decked out in striped accent walls, wood vanities with square vessel sinks, and combination showers and tubs.

As expected, amenities are high-end: huge flatscreen TVs, generously stocked minibars, and coffee/tea service (though these are in the form of electric kettles rather than espresso-makers). Rooms also include electronic safes, free Wi-Fi, irons and ironing boards, pillow menus, slippers (but no robes), free individual toiletries, and individually controlled AC. Guests receive smartphones for the length of their of stay, with free local calls and free international calls to some countries. 

Suites offer even more luxuries, trading up carpeting for wood floors and adding chic extras like button-tufted chaise lounges or even whirlpools. The hotel provides housekeeping twice a day, turndown service, and 24-hour room service.

The extensive amenities at Elite World Business reflect its luxury status and are a bonus for travelers who stay here mainly for conferences or airport proximity. Indeed, in-house event spaces are a major draw. The property's 11 meeting rooms (including two spacious ballrooms) can host up to 2,000 guests for conferences, weddings, as well as other meeting and social events. The requisite audiovisual equipment and catering staff are also available through the hotel.

The property has a range of dining facilities, including a stylish club-like bar off the lobby, a refined coffeeshop, and a Vitamin Bar in the wellness area. There are two restaurants: the popular brick-accented L'oliva, which specializes in Italian and Mediterranean dishes, and the sophisticated buffet-style Elite Restaurant, which serves Turkish and international dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests give breakfast favorable reviews, but it's not necessarily included in the room rate. 

Wellness facilities are also well-rounded. There's a classy indoor pool area with loungers, a children's pool, a separate whirlpool, and chic mosaic-tiled details. A well-equipped gym is stocked with modern cardio equipment with individual screens, plus free weights and plenty of weight-lifting machines. The spa area is no afterthought, with its own reception desk, drink bar, sauna, steam room, private treatment rooms, and an elegant, spacious hammam with a heated floor and marble accents. 

The hotel offers exceptional staff service, including concierge service and 24-hour room service. There's a gift shop in the lobby and the hotel provides nice little extras like free newspapers and shoe shines. Wi-Fi is free, as is valet parking and airport shuttles that leave hourly. For guests traveling with children, the hotel offers high chairs and kids' menus, and babysitting can be arranged.