Lonely Planet Review

No you haven't walked into a lamp store, but the lobby of the Kybele Hotel. Nearly every ceiling in this loopy little gem is studded with hanging lamps. It's pure Ottoman overload. Kybele won't be to everyone's taste, but provided you're used to a bit of clutter and you like unique hotels, you'll love this homely place.

Every public room is jam-packed with curios and antique furniture while the walls are covered with pictures. There's too much going on in this place, but somehow it manages to create a pleasing albeit frenetic whole. There's a nook for everyone and every time. Have afternoon tea in the sitting room, complete with piano and gramophone (all this room needs is Nana curled up in the lounge doing a crossword). Take tea in the pleasant garden, walled by mock Ottoman houses, or curl up with a book in the library. Children would love this place. The rooms themselves are more simple, comfortable and roomy with kilims (woven rugs) on the floors, and yes, more lamps. Just be thankful you're not paying the electricity bill.