Why the “bookshop boutique hotel”? Well, because for some time this lovely restored Ottoman House close to the main gate leading into Bursa‘s historic Hisar (Citadel) area did actually serve as a bookshop-cum-restaurant. Now, though, it’s all gorgeous comfort with big beds and clawfoot bathtubs, tea-and-coffee-making facilities in the room and all mod cons.
I’ve stayed in two different rooms one of which had a clawfoot bath, the other a shower and bathrom area screened off from the rest of the room. Both overlooked the garden which is probably (but not necessarily) quieter than overlooking the street.
In summer breakfast is taken in a delightful courtyard garden at the back. It’s a fantastic spread – don’t be afraid to ask to have your eggs cooked just the way you like them. For cooler weather there’s an enclosed area at the end of the garden; in winter breakfast migrates indoors.
Inevitably the luxury comes at quite a price but you could hardly find a better or more convenient place to stay in this big industrial city. There are great city views from the parapet of the walls outside and steps lead straight down to the town centre for the bazaars, Ulu Cami, etc. The Hisar area itself is a quiet and charming historic enclave that too often gets overlooked in such a big town.
Unfortunately, a visit in December 2023 suggested that standards had not survived Covid as well as might have been anticipated. It’s very much to be hoped that they will pick up again.
Tel: 0224-225 4160, www.kitapevi.com.tr
Original review written April 2012
