The Akaretler Row Houses were built in 1875 for high-ranking officers from nearby Dolmabahçe Palace. Kemal Atatürk and his mother moved into Number 76 in 1918, shortly before he founded the Republic of Turkey.

Now, developer Serdar Bilgili has converted this historic street into an exclusive enclave of residences and couture shops, with Europe's first W hotel as the centrepiece. With its throbbing soundtrack, purple-and-gold lobby and crystal-encrusted reception desk, W Istanbul feels more like a nightclub than a hotel.

The sultry W Lounge is thronged with Istanbul's glossiest party people. In the Spice Market, the first overseas outpost of Jean-Georges Vongerichten's New York restaurant, diners share Asian street food at upmarket prices.

The 134 velvet-and-satin bedrooms - from 'Wonderful' to 'Extreme WOW' - have hi-tech gizmos such as mood lighting and TVs screened behind black glass. Sexy showers clad in red glass and grey marble are stocked with Bliss treats and bathrobes Hugh Hefner would approve of. The concierge service covers everything from shopping tips to speedboat trips.