When the latest addition to the Raffles luxury chain opened its doors in September, it received a publicity boost that money cannot buy.
In town for a concert was Lady Gaga who checked into the presidential suite and shared the good time she was evidently having with her squillions of followers on social media.
She didn't avail herself of the helipad and there is no word on her having taken advantage of the gym or cinema, which are among the array of features incorporated into the sprawling suite's umpteen rooms. But Gaga did make use of the grand piano located by the giant bay windows affording unbeatable views of the city from a 21st floor vantage point.
But those without the means to stump up 25,000 euros a night can still avail themselves of facilities enjoyed by the highest paying guests.
As I discovered on check-in, these include a balcony and butler service in all 181 rooms, adorned with artworks inspired by the famous Blue Mosque. My man was waiting to explain the workings of the many devices so beloved of designers of modern high end hotels. Some are undoubtedly welcome, like the powered-up iPad, useful for plotting sightseeing and transportation. Or the ability to turn one of the bathroom mirrors into an additional TV screen at the flick of a switch. Ditto for the touch control panels, enabling me to open the blinds in the morning for an uninterrupted Bosphorus view without getting out of bed. Mind you, this was not a patch on sitting on the balcony in early evening watching dusk settle speedily over the city.
Raffles' public areas are an attractive mix of gold mosaic, bronze sculpture, stunning chandeliers and Istanbul inspired art. Think top Vegas hotel, but with taste. Location wise, it genuinely is in the heart of things, hence the fab balcony views straddling the traditional Asian side and trendy European area. Of the two drinking options, the bookishly furnished Writer's Bar was unsurprisingly my favourite, not least for its literary-linked cocktails such as the tequila-based Vertigo.
And while food in luxury hotels should be decent, the signature restaurant, Arola, is special. It takes its name from Michelin-starred Spanish chef, Sergi Arola, who was in town when we visited.
If chefs are the new rock stars, Arola is the poster boy as he still plays in a band. And when he removes his chef's coat, you can admire the massive Foo Fighters tattoo on his arm. The local glitterati were out in force to sample his 12-course tasting menu and no one went away disappointed - or hungry.
