If you’ve followed my hotel reviews or travel journeys, you’ll know I’m a fan of Six Senses hotels and resorts. Our recent stay at Six Senses Zil Pasyon in Seychelles marked our sixth property, and this visit to Kocatas Mansions, our seventh, was just as exceptional. Originally, we had planned to visit in 2020, the year after it opened, but the pandemic and travel restrictions put a pause on those plans. I was thrilled that, over four years later, we finally had the opportunity to experience this extraordinary destination.

The Six Senses Experience: A Closer Look at Luxury at Kocatas Mansions, Istanbul

When travelling to new destinations, especially with a distinguished brand like Six Senses, I avoid over-analysing locations. However, after staying in Istanbul’s historic heart before our trip to Cappadocia, I knew this would be an ideal second stop upon our return. Positioned within easy reach of the city’s cultural core, we enjoyed the perfect mix of relaxation and exploration. We even ventured up the Bosphorus to experience Istanbul’s Asian side and had a delightful afternoon tea at The Pera Palace. This location offered the ideal blend of sightseeing and serenity.

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Fast Facts for Six Senses Kocatas Mansions, Istanbul:

Address - Merkez Mahallesi Meserburnu Caddesi, No: 5 Sariyer, Istanbul, 34450 Turkey
Website - https://www.sixsenses.com/tr/hotels-resorts/europe/turkey/kocatas-mansions-istanbul/
Group website - https://www.sixsenses.com/en/
TripAdvisor ranking - #117 of 2,238 hotels in Istanbul
Contact - reservations-istanbul@sixsenses.com
Instagram - @sixsenseskocatasmansions @sixsenses
Nearest airport - New Istanbul International Airport (IST) - 36 km or 22 miles (about a 45 min drive, traffic dependent) on the European side; Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) - 71 km or 44 miles (about a 1 hour drive, traffic dependent) on the Asian side
Opened - 2019
Number of rooms / suites - 43 guest rooms and suites
Number of floors - 3 to 4
Bars - 2 (1860 Lounge & SAX)
Restaurants - 6 (Kahve, Toro Latin Gasto Bar, Chef Erdal Kocatas Mansion, Scalini Istabul, Kocatas Patisserie, SAX Fine Dining)
Wellbeing - 3-level Stone House - 10 treatments rooms, single/couple/group Hammams, Sauna & Steam, Indoor & Outdoor Pool with Ozone, Gym & Studio, Alchemy Bar, Relaxation Lounge
Visited - October 2024

Hotel Accommodation:

Where Elegance Meets Comfort

Like all Six Senses, you tend to get a huge array of accommodation type options and Kocatas Mansions was no different. The entry level were either a Deluxe King or Twin, moving up through a whole array of Sky Loft, Cistern Suite, Courtyard Suite, Bosphorus view Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suite, or Suite; with the prime Kocatas Mansion Suite, Bosphorus Junior Suite with Balcony, and the Courtyard Suite with Terrace! What I really like, albeit sometimes the choice and detail can be overwhelming, is that you usually get a good selection of photos of each type and a floorplan for each variant (or style) of room or suite. For the category of Deluxe, there were two styles, yet neither of these matched ours. I was very impressed with our choice/allocation, as not only did it have two entrances/exits, there was a private terrace just for us overlooking the Sait Pasa courtyard, which was really nice to have as an extra. While ‘private’ to us with a couple of seats and a table, it wasn’t private in the sense of being secluded.

Facilities & Service at Six Senses Kocatas Mansions:

“Hotel rooms that reflect a bygone era with heritage style while embracing Istanbul's modernity.”

I’ve broken down the key facilities and services and shared my thoughts on what makes Six Senses Kocatas Mansions an exceptional place to stay:

Our Deluxe Room 215:

Even though this was the entry level, it was still an incredibly special place. When we checked in, we were advised that we had been allocated the best option within the category, as it had the private terrace. Although just one room, it was spacious with a huge bed, desk/vanity area, seating chaise longue for the large wall mounted TV, and the best part (other than the wow bathroom, more later) is that almost one wall was covered with wardrobe and storage space. The ceilings were high because of the original mansion with a lot of historic detail still remaining, but was the perfect blend of classic with a modern twist.

Lighting and controls were all electronic (including blackout blinds) but very simple to use from either wall controls throughout (and all cleverly labelled), or could be accessed through a really clever iPad with its own hotel app. You could do pretty much everything from here, like adjust the heating and dim the lights, to organising a housekeeping time, chat to reception, or report a fault with something in the room. One thing I would say is that response times through the ‘live’ chat were mixed - sometimes instant responses, sometimes not replied to for hours. It was also a good way to be able to book restaurant times, albeit none were busy during our stay.

Levels of Comfort:

Six Senses always excel here, and I would say this was probably the grandest one that we had stayed at, in terms of architecture and design. I’m expecting this will be similar to the Rome property we’re already booked into for May next year, and the eagerly awaited opening in London soon.

The bed was super comfortable, and there was both a morning cleaning service as well as a nightly turndown; each time the room was restored to perfection. It was easy to press the button for privacy overnight, then when we left for breakfast we just had to change this to housekeeping.

Bathroom:

With the historic nature of the mansion, at first glance it looked like the bathroom had been created from a narrow area at the back of the room, with the ceiling not going full height to protect the original cornicing and proportions of the room. That said, once you went through a narrow door into a small hall, you realised how expansive the bathroom was, really opening up and being so light-filled with another huge window overlooking the courtyard in the bath and open shower room.

The central area of the bathroom was a large vanity unit with twin sinks (which I always love), with a cordoned off glass doored WC and bidet area behind. There was another large glass door into (literally) the bath ‘room’, which housed a large freestanding tub as well as being a wet room for the corner rainfall shower. The whole area was such a different style to what we’ve been used to at other Six Senses hotels or resorts (and very, very different from our last visit to Zil Pasyon in the Seychelles), but I loved that this was so in keeping with the historic nature of the mansions, yet still had that usual Six Senses wow factor,

Breakfast:

This was another quite different experience to our other Six Senses stays, but no less commendable. Usually we’ve found that breakfast is always included as standard, and always a big affair with a massive buffet selection spread across several rooms. As well as the room service option, there were two choices. The first morning we opted for a quick breakfast at the Kocatas Patisserie within the courtyard outside our room. It wasn’t just cakes though, there was quite a full breakfast selection with muesli and granola options, as well as a whole array of eggs etc, pastries, juices, teas and coffees.

The second (and third) morning we went through into the main courtyard (seconds away) where the Chef Erdal restaurant seems to get renamed as Avlu Restaurant for breakfast. There was a fuller selection here, albeit all a la carte with no buffet, and you could either opt for the full traditional Turkish selection, or self-select from more international options.

Restaurants & Bars at Six Senses Kocatas Mansions:

Dining Excellence

I’d expected before we came to stay here, that as well as trying out at least one of the hotel restaurants for dinner, we would also be eating out at local restaurants nearby. There were a lot of options outside (and we did go out for a quick lunch bite to Starbucks) with what looked like slightly more upmarket restaurants along the Bosphorus to the right on going out of the hotel, but a bigger selection and perhaps a bit more local/touristy heading left to the Sariyer dock area. That said, we ended up eating every night within the hotel, because of the extensive choice and quality. For a hotel with only 34 rooms and suites, they were clearly punching well above their weight with the choice, presumably reliant on a lot of outside visitors to each.

Avlu Restaurant / Chef Erdal (culinary delights of Adana)

We didn’t eat here at the speciality lunch or dinner Chef Erdal, but this is where we had breakfast a couple of mornings. What looks like a fairly modest glass conservatory from the front in the centre of the main courtyard, you then find it goes quite a way back, built into the hillside and was really quite a large restaurant.

Toro Latin Gastro Bar (Pan Latin & Asian cuisines)

Overlooking the Sait Pasa Courtyard, this is an amazing looking restaurant on two levels, with an area able to be opened up in summer. With the Scalini restaurant being closed for refurbishment during our stay, the first floor level of Toro with the open kitchen had been repurposed into offering the Scalini menu. On the second floor level, a glass floor shows you the architectural remains below.

1860 Lounge (indoor bar and outdoor terrace)

We tried to book this for drinks before dinner one night, but it seems to be seasonal only and wasn’t open. It’s an amazing looking bar inside, and a great terrace outside with a view.

Kocatas Patisserie

We had breakfast one morning here, and a nice cake shop in the courtyard, with walls that can open up weather dependent. Although we only went for breakfast, we didn’t try cakes, but they were incredible looking and there was a good selection of cakes, pastries, snacks as well as teas, coffees, drinks etc.

Sax (restaurant, bar & music venue)

This was a separate building up on the hillside behind the mansions, but easily accessible from the buggy station, where (if there wasn’t a buggy already there and waiting) you could just press the intercom to call one; with the same on the return journey. Again there is an amazing bar inside, and good seating for either dining, enjoying it as just a bar, or when we were there a band started around 9pm. Food and service was excellent, the only massive downside for us was that the restaurant allowed smoking everywhere. Just as we started to eat, a woman at the adjacent table lit up so we had to relocate to find somewhere less smokey.

Scalini (Authentic Italian cuisine)

This restaurant is on the ground level of the Sait Pasa Mansion, facing towards the Bosphorus. Although temporarily closed during our stay, we were able to book as the Scalini menu (and staff) were operating from part of the Toro restaurant instead. Everything was so good - ambience, service, food choice and quality; highly recommended.

Spa & Wellness:  

Rejuvenate in Style

There are two spas here, one was in the basement of the main mansion (but not open) and the main spa and indoor pool at the very top of the resort, renovated from a 100-year old stone house, on multiple levels. I’ll be doing a full spa review separately. As well as the spa gym here, and large indoor (within a glass conservatory) pool, there are five treatment rooms, a private suite, hammams, Holistic Anti-Aging Centre, sauna and steam rooms. Next to the spa that was closed within the mansion, there is also the premium gym - absolutely vast and so well equipped.

If this wasn’t enough, there is also a separate infinity pool nearby, high up on the hillside with sweeping views over the Bosphorus below. There is also another, smaller pool, on a terrace just behind the main mansion.

Design & Architecture:  

A Harmony of Modernity and Tradition

Six Senses Kocataş Mansions in Istanbul seamlessly marries opulent Ottoman architecture with contemporary luxury, creating a unique atmosphere that reflects the city's rich cultural tapestry. Set in two meticulously restored Ottoman-era mansions, the design captures Istanbul’s historical essence with intricate woodwork, hand-painted ceilings, and grand archways. This authentic aesthetic is thoughtfully complemented by Six Senses' commitment to sustainability and modern comfort, providing a peaceful retreat along the Bosphorus where heritage meets sophistication. From the plush interiors to the scenic outdoor spaces, every detail at Kocataş Mansions is crafted to immerse guests in a timeless, refined experience.

Wherever we stay, I always like to be nosey and see all parts of a hotel or resort. It was slightly confusing to begin with to work out all the levels, especially in the area behind the mansions and on the hillside, but everything was so cleverly connected. The Kocatas (main) Mansion had a basement, ground and floors 1 & 2 above with rooms and suites. The (annexe) Sait Pasa Mansion had accommodations (and the Scalini restaurant) on the ground level, with again rooms and suites over levels 1 & 2. You could take an external elevator from the ground floor of the Sait Pasa courtyard (albeit up a ramp and a few steps) to the 1st level for the Toro Latin restaurant,  2nd level the Buggy Stop (across a connected walkway bridge), then up to the Destination Dining location on the 3rd level.

What about the Bosphorus River Location?

Explore Beyond the Hotel

Flying back into the (now) main Istanbul airport (IST) it was less than an hour with BlackLane to get us to the hotel, right on the banks of the Bosphorus. Equally, when leaving and going back to the older Sabiha Gokcen airport (SAW) on the Asian side, again it would take less than an hour, but can vary depending on traffic.

I’d say that the hotel is really the destination here, with so much to do on site and so much space, as although there are lots of shops, restaurants, cafés etc. along the water and in the port area of Sariyer, this probably wasn’t one of the main touristic or appealing areas of Istanbul. That said, don’t get me wrong, it was a pleasant local area to have a quick walk around, just not somewhere we would keep going back to. There was a Starbucks where we had a snack lunch one day, and from here you can take regular ferries (ours to Eminonu was basically every hour) up to various locations on the Bosphorus. 

Getting the ferry (we left at 10:30am) and returned from Istanbul on the 17:25pm ferry, taking about 90 minutes both ways. Being a Saturday, getting on the ferry from Eminonu (the starting point) was a bit manic, but we got seats ok. It was unbelievable cheap, I think about £0.80 each way person, and easy to either use a top up ticket, or buy a pass.

Things to Do at Six Senses Kocatas Mansions and Istanbul:

Discover timeless Istanbul: immersive experiences, vibrant culture, and unforgettable adventures await.

This review is just a snapshot! For an in-depth guide to activities, check out my separate *‘Travel Diaries’* blog where I dive into:

• Topkapi Palace

• Hagia Sofia

• Blue Mosque

• Basilica Cistern

• Grand Bazaar

• Galata Tower

• Bosphorus

Highlights of our stay:

There were countless highlights during our time at [Hotel Name], but here are just a few of the standout moments that made this stay unforgettable:

• Location - while Sariyer wasn’t probably our favourite location, the hotel on the water was. 

• The in-room app (this was a iPad with a dedicated app to connect with the hotel in so many ways (controlling lighting, temperature, privacy settings etc., hotel information, requesting luggage, tray pick up, dining, housekeeping, turndown, repairs needed and much more).

• Our Deluxe Room with the outside balcony - so beautifully presented, and in a great part of the hotel with an open outlook.

• Pillow menu - always good to have a full choice.

• Spa - not only one but two, and excellent choice of treatments and therapies.

• Fab indoor pool at the spa, but great in summer having another two outside pool options too.

• Dining - not only was there a great choice of restaurant options, everywhere we ate had excellent service and wonderful food.

• The buggy service - although I did walk up and down the full hillside once, right from the hotel ground level, this is a bit of a hike, so having the regular buggies to go up and down on demand was good. The drivers were very skilled to navigate the steep and twisting switchback turns.

Areas for improvement:

While every hotel has its high points, there's always room for improvement. Here are a few areas where [Hotel Name] could elevate the experience even further:

• Allowing smoking in Sax - just such a massive negative for us.

• It could have just been an unfortunate time, but our first visit to the hilltop spa changing rooms was very disappointing. Towels and used robes left lying, no shower gel or shampoo in either of the showers, and one of the showers with a blocked drain. Second visit was completely different though.

• I’ll comment again in the spa review, but with the changing rooms housing both a sauna and steam room, the changing areas were uncomfortably hot - felt like much better ventilation/cooling was needed.

• On arrival, as much as we loved our room, the shower area was really wet. I only realised after a while that one of the shower heads was leaking, and we could not switch off the dripping water. I reported it through the in-room app, and it was soon fixed. Just surprised that it wasn’t addressed before, when it must have been obvious.

• Minor, but there was only a little body lotion in the stone container (so difficult to see how full) on day 1, and this was never topped up during our stay. When trying to remove the remains, it looked a bit like this had previously been used for shower gel as all mixed together.

• It was a very hilly resort, to get up to the spa at the top or the 1860 Lounge or Sax restaurant/bar near the top. Walking up or down wouldn’t be for the faint-hearted, but there was an on-demand buggy service from the back of the main mansion (and able to get there by elevator) and these buggy drivers navigated the switchback paths expertly. It would be amazing if the resort was to build a private funicular (like at the Singular Patagonia) or a SkyGlide like we experienced at Langkawi Panorama.

Would I Stay Here Again?

Without a doubt, a great and unusual Six Senses property with a fantastic selection of on site facilities, including dining. If they ever decide (or are able to) to put in some sort of funicular as an alternative to the buggies, I’d be there in a shot!

My final thoughts on Six Senses Kocatas Mansions:

Having taken quite a few years to actually get there to visit, I’m so glad we did. I think if we had been staying here only in Istanbul, it might have been a little disappointing being a distance from the historic areas of central Istanbul, but as a secondary option or if you’ve seen all of the main sites in Istanbul this would be very high up my recommendation list. I loved the history behind the mansions, and these had been so lovingly restored, but still have those modern and luxurious influenc

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