Vault Karakoy, The House Hotel

Karaköy is one of the city's hippest districts, a bustling waterfront mix of fish markets, ferry terminals, plumbers merchants and ships chandlers', all vying for space with a new rash of bohemian art galleries, trendy bars and cool cafés. The area is studded with some worthwhile sights, from the fascinating Jewish Museum to the Ottoman-era Azaz Kapı Mosque, and the Ottoman Bank Museum (adjacent to the Vault) to the Art Nouveau Kamondo Steps. A vista-filled stroll across the Galata Bridge to the mosques and bazaars of the old city is eminently feasible; alternatively hop on the convenient T1 tram (the Karaköy stop is just two minutes' walk downhill from the hotel). A short walk up through a maze of narrow streets heading in the opposite direction leads to the iconic Galata Tower and the entertainment quarter of Beyoğlu – or ride the cute, late 19th-century underground funicular, whose entrance is just three or four minutes away.

The headquarters of the Credit General Ottoman Bank, built in the elegant Beaux-Arts style, were completed in 1863. In converting this fine period building, Han Tümertekin, an Aga Khan award winning architect, has managed to retain as many of its original features as possible – including the original German-made vaults in the cellars, which have been given a new lease of life storing fine wines for the hotel bar.

The original, delicately inlaid granite flooring has been preserved throughout, as have the elegant Neoclassical columns and the beautiful arched windows. Another leading Turkish designer, Sinan Kafadar, was responsible for much of the interior, and he has done a sterling job in preserving the original feel of this commercial building whilst at the same time giving it a comforting, homely feel.

The Vault is small enough for staff to get to know the guests quickly and so it has a friendly atmosphere, but service is quietly efficient and professional. The personnel are ultra-smart, too, with white shirts, black ties and trousers for the men, black skirts and white blouses for the women. There's a small but modern fitness centre in the basement, plus a couple of saunas (one male, one female), a small hammam, and  treatment room for massages and facials (the latter two are extras).

With seven different categories of rooms there's something for most tastes and budgets. High ceilings, panelled wooden doors, parquet floors, tall, slim windows and original cast-iron radiators give a characterful period feel to most rooms, as do the Carrera marble bathrooms. But the modern comforts have not been neglected, from iPod docks to coffee machines, goose-down duvets to sizeable televisions, remote-controlled curtains and complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities. Smart though not overlarge Carrara marble bathrooms come with excellent standard and rain showers, plus a range of good quality toiletries and fluffy white robes and towels.

Some things are overcomplicated – notably the hard-to-see bedside switches operating the lights, curtains etc. Needless to say the most expensive rooms tend to hog the best views, south over the Golden Horn to the dramatic skyline of mosques and minarets of the old city. The Penthouse suite has sensational vistas, even from the free-standing bath nuzzling up to the picture window.

Located on the roof terrace, the relaxed and informal Kasa restaurant offers a fairly routine menu of Turkish-International dishes, with just five mains, including roast sea bass and beef taglietalle – though the starters are more Turkish-orientated. The real draw here is the view – across rooftops to the Golden Horn, busy with ships, the Galata Bridge spanning it and beyond that the domes and minarets of the old city.

It's particularly impressive at sunset, accompanied by the House cocktail, a Karaköy Sour, or a glass of wine from the very extensive Turkish wine list – especially if you can bag one of the small tables on the outer, L-shaped balcony. The stylish, circular Gold Bar, on the same floor as the restaurant, is ideal for a pre-dinner cocktail or postprandial spirit. A sumptuous buffet breakfast is served here too, on tables laid-out in front of the bar and across the breathtakingly beautiful lobby area, all original faux-classical marble columns and subdued lighting.  

Breakfast is a reasonable spread of organic cheeses, olives, dried fruit, jams and honey, plus fresh bread and pastries both savoury and sweet. Western staples include muesli and fresh fruit – and plenty of strong black filter coffee from the genial waiters. 

Double rooms from €111 (£99) year-round. Executive suites from €184 (£164). Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi. 

Although there is a flight of steps leading up to the main entrance, there is wheelchair access through the side door. Lifts make the interior accessible, but there no adapted rooms.

Yes, the hotel works with nearby Hotel Momcierge who offer everything from babysitting and buggy hire to child seats on airport pick-ups and baby baths.