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Among the many things that make Istanbul's Dersaadet Oteli charming are the private hamams (Turkish baths) located in several of the larger guest rooms.

Here are some tips on how to enjoy them:

Hamam Traditions

The tradition of steam and hot-water baths goes back thousands of years. The ancient Greeks and Romans were lovers of the baths. The Ottomans followed in their footsteps—and sometimes in the same historic bath houses.

In the Turkish version, the bath is panelled in creamy marble and heated from beneath. You can sit or lie on the marble and feel the heat penetrate, soften and relax your muscles, and open your pores for effective cleansing.

For washing, water is drawn from hot and cold taps (musluk) into the kurna, a large marble bowl, then dipped from the marble bowl using a small metal hamam tası (hamam bowl) and poured and splashed onto the body. Water is freely poured and splashed in the hamam, and runs to drains in the floor.

Sabun (soap) is applied as desired, and the skin rubbed vigorously with a kese, a coarse mitt or loofah used for exfoliation. A ponza topuk taşı (pumice stone) may be used to soften calloused areas.

Shower

At the Dersaadet Oteli, the private hamams are also equipped with ceiling-mounted "rainshowers" and hand-held "telephone" showerheads for use after scrubbing, or for a quick shower when there's no time for the traditional hamam relaxation.

Turkish Towels

Thick napped cotton terrycloth Turkish towels were invented by the Turks for use after the bath, as was the bornoz, the wonderful thick terrycloth robe that keeps you cozy as you emerge from the bath. Both of these hamam essentials are provided to guests at the Dersaadet Oteli.

Safety in the Hamam

A hamam is all hard marble surfaces, and with soap, water and wet skin, it's important to keep safety in mind.

The private hamams at the Dersaadet Oteli are all provided with sturdy stainless steel grab bars to help you move around safely.

You may find, to your surprise, that wet feet on wet marble are not very slippery, but wet feet on dry marble may be slippery. Wet feet on dry ceramic tiles are very slippery! Be careful when stepping away from the hamam.

The Dersaadet Oteli provides a pair of new, comfy bath slippers for each guest. It's a good idea to have your slippers ready, along with the paspas (bathmat), for when you're finished in the bath.

The one true problem with the private hamams at the Dersaadet Oteli is this: once you get used to yours, you'll want one at home!

The Dersaadet Oteli's sister hotel, the Hotel Niles, also has private hamams in its suites. More...