ALTIKAPI HOTEL & RESTAURANT
The Altikapi Hotel and Restaurant is an iconic building situated in the historical center of Hatay, Antakya. This cultural heritage site has been restored to preserve its original values and re-opened as a hotel and restaurant. The 1250 sqm historical mansion comprises two buildings constructed in the early 1900s with identities from different architectural periods. The mansion has six different historical gates, and the city has six gates from the Roman Period named Paul, Georges, Cisr, Duke, Kelb, Hadid which inspired the name of the hotel. The name stands for six (Alti) doors (Kapi). The hotel's name is further significant as Antakya's doors bear the traces of dozens of civilizations. All of the handmade knockers on the historical doors represent Fatma's hand, and the ring on which finger of the knocker has different meanings regarding the living family.
The hotel's interior design concept approaches making connections with the historical identity of Antakya, where civilizations meet. Considering the historical and cultural importance of the building, the primary goal was to introduce a modern design language while respecting its historical roots in interior design. Altikapi aims to connect with the surrounding area and community, providing guests with an authentic yet modern Antakya experience. The hotel comprises 11 luxurious rooms, each singular in style and design, including both an indoor and outdoor restaurant, each with a different concept.
An ambiance that integrates with the existing vaulted stone structure and offers a modern 'fine-dining' experience was designed for the indoor restaurant. A focal point was created with the seating group at the center of the circular lighting fixtures at the intersection of the vaults. In the outdoor restaurant section, a sincere understanding that evokes Mediterranean roots was adopted with the surrounding landscape elements, and custom-made outdoor furniture was designed. Green marbles were used in the tabletops and bathrooms of the rooms, reminiscent of the unique nature of Antakya.
The rooms' layout was rearranged for better circulation and to allow more space, creating a sensation of comfort along with a sophisticated feeling and whispered luxury while offering maximum architectural solutions in minimum space. A strong dialogue between the past and the present was created by combining the renovated existing joinery and original floor mosaics with bespoke furniture inspired by traditional Antakya houses. It was essential to strike a delicate balance between the traditional feeling and modern approach. Altikapi Hotel and Restaurant, with its sophisticated simplicity and local sensitivity of its design, together with the structure surrounding it, offers a sincere, distinctive, and unique lifestyle.
