Matador Network's Blog, page 205
February 29, 2024
How My Fiction Writing Ended Up on the Moon
On February 22, the Odysseus lander made a soft touchdown on the moon, marking the first time a private company reached Earth’s satellite. It was also the first time since the Apollo missions that an American vehicle landed on the moon.
A short story I wrote was on that lander, and it is now permanently archived on the moon.
The Lunar Codex is a project founded by physicist Dr. Samuel Peralta, whose aim is to archive a curated selection of art, literature, film, and music from around the world on the moon. It includes the work of 35,000 creators from 233 countries, territories, and Indigenous nations.
When NASA announced its program to speed development of the space economy to make lunar colonization feasible in the short term, private companies began transporting NASA instruments into orbit and onto the moon. These missions also had room for commercial payloads, and the Lunar Codex purchased a spot on several missions to transport creative works stored on memory cards and imprinted on NanoFiche film.
The first of these missions took works into outer space with no intention of landing on the moon. The second mission, Peregrine, did not succeed in landing and was lost in space.
Odysseus, a lander created by Intuitive Machines and launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, was the third launch in the series, and its success means that the Lunar Codex has achieved its primary objective of archiving human work on the moon.
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Which brings us to the question of how my work got onto a lander headed toward outer space.
The first thing to know is that the Lunar Codex is not a publisher. They don’t judge the merits of unpublished works in order to select them, but trust in the judgment of traditional publishers who select the work based on merit and how well a particular piece fits their editorial objectives. What the Codex did do, however, was select certain publications and the authors of certain published novels to be a part of the project.
This is where I come in. My short horror story “Superclásico” is exactly the kind of thing the Lunar Codex team was looking for. It’s a tale that could only take place in my native Argentina, mixing the most bitter soccer rivalry in the country with a bit of the typical crime that surrounds the fans, plus some very dark magic of a particularly Latin American kind. This story was published in the anthology series Tales from the Canyons of the Damned (Holt Smith Limited, 2019). The entire series was selected to represent horror anthologies on the payload, and my story went with it.
So what does this all mean? Well, for one thing, the work has been stored in extremely durable mediums, both physical and digital. Think of a time capsule meant to last essentially as long as current tech can manage — the Lunar Codex site describes NanoFiche as “impervious to temperature and humidity” with “a near-zero degradation factor” that will last hundreds of thousands of years. Should anything happen to humanity on Earth, the works will remain on the moon for possible discovery by someone else.
But even if an unthinkable disaster doesn’t come to pass, this little lander is officially part of human history. The Artemis Accords are a series of agreements that codify numerous aspects of human activity in space and on the moon, and they are aimed at international cooperation, including such things as interoperability, emergency procedures, scientific openness, and peaceful coexistence. According to these accords, any past landing site is a historic site and protected as such. The designation is kind like a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but in space.
When I started writing fiction, I never thought I’d be part of anything this big and important on a fundamental level. I definitely never imagined someone would be putting horror anthologies on the moon. If anyone had mentioned this project to me, I would have expected the time capsule to be full of New York Times bestsellers.
I guess the lesson here is that if a relatively unknown person from Argentina can make it onto a project like this, which sees the value in the arts in a completely unexpected way, then anyone creating stuff should take heart. There is no reason it couldn’t be you next time.
You know what they say: Aim for the stars, and even if you miss, you’ll reach the moon. I always accepted that motto. I just wasn’t expecting it to be a literal truth. 
The World’s Most Expensive Restaurant Sits in a Hard Rock Hotel in Ibiza
For those who travel first and foremost for the food, the meals and drinks that carried the largest price tags often stand out among travel memories. Maybe it’s a meal at one of the many expensive destination restaurants worth trying around the world, or a cappuccino topped with 24-karat gold at a luxury hotel in Abu Dhabi. For better or for worse, sky-high prices are part of the appeal.
Nothing, however, can quite compare to Sublimotion, located in Ibiza’s Hard Rock Hotel, which holds the title of the most expensive restaurant in the world.
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This immersive restaurant offers a 20-course tasting menu that lasts about three hours. There are just 12 seats, each priced at $2,380 per person, and the experience is characterized as an exclusive and innovative culinary experience that seamlessly integrates audio and visual elements.
Created, founded, and owned by Paco Roncero, Sublimotion’s tasting menu requires 25 individuals to make it all come to life. Guests experience a multi-sensory immersion featuring laser light displays and projection mapping. At specific points, they’re equipped with virtual reality headsets for an added dimension.
Emotions and themes play into each dinner, as do places like the ocean depths or a 20th-century cabaret. When making reservations for the dinner, guests receive an edible ticket and the promise of being part of the rarified few who have the opportunity. But the real question is, is it worth the $2,380 price tag?
In Dubai, an Inside Look at Setting the World Record For the Longest Handcuffed and Shackled Swim
The long list of Guinness World Records holds a special place in the imagination of people around the world. As a kid in the 2000s, I can’t put a number on the hours I spent laying on the floor with the hardback of each year’s edition. My fascination more revolved around all of the things that people could hold an official record for more than wanting to get my name printed on those pages. Most were things that I never could have dreamed up, much less done myself, and every time I closed the book I came away with some new tidbit on the limits of what humans can do.
The height of the physical book has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean the interest in holding a Guinness World Record has faded into history. And that goes for both the obvious (fastest sprinter, longest fingernails, etc.) to the records that make you do a double take. The latter comes into play for things that seem outside of the bounds of human possibility, records that seem dreamed up by a fiction writer, or both.
Recently, on Dubai Islands Beach, Shehab Allam went for the Guinness World Record for the farthest swim wearing handcuffs and leg irons. Michael Motamedi and Vanessa Salas documented it all in the second episode of the new Matador podcast, No Fixed Address: The World’s Most Extraordinary People.
Allam is no stranger to records. He was the world champion monofin swimmer in the six kilometer distance in 2008, which involves both legs being tied together so the athletes are forced to swim like a mermaid. He was the first person to swim the Dubai water canal. He also holds the record for the farthest swim wearing handcuffs (11.649 kilometers in six hours). Over the next 10 years, he aims to break one record per year.
In Dubai, a city where world records are continuously set, Allam had leg shackled clamped on and metal cuffs attached to his hands with a five-centimeter long chain between them. Describing the scene, Motademi and Salas note that Allam looks like a dolphin and likes to call himself Merman — Mandolf, to make it a portmanteau. The record to beat (yes, this is something multiple people attempt) stood at 10 kilometers.
So why world record chasing? When Allam’s mother congratulated him on being Egyptian champion and world champion, he told her there were bigger goals: being in the history books.
“I remember when I got my first place world champion, I went to search my name on Google,” Allam says on the podcast. “I found nothing. Not my name, not my picture, nothing about me. So I said, well, my mission is not going in the right direction.”
Getting ready for the feat of swimming while bound up is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Allam describes getting in the right headspace as “writing my movie” on the podcast, and in that metaphor his mother, family, and friends are the direct audience.
“It’s very important to know about the end of the story,” Allam says. “You need to have a vision of this. If you don’t know, if you don’t have a vision about where you’re going, you are going to keep trying a lot of stuff because you have no direction and then you’re going to waste a lot of time.”
To hear his story and takeaways on life, inspiration, family, and being a world record holder, listen to the No Fixed Address Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
In Dubai, an Inside Look at Setting the World Record For the Longest Hand Cuffed and Shackled Swim
The long list of Guinness World Records holds a special place in the imagination of people around the world. As a kid in the 2000s, I can’t put a number on the hours I spent laying on the floor with the hardback of each year’s edition. My fascination more revolved around all of the things that people could hold an official record for more than wanting to get my name printed on those pages. Most were things that I never could have dreamed up, much less done myself, and every time I closed the book I came away with some new tidbit on the limits of what humans can do.
The height of the physical book has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean the interest in holding a Guinness World Record has faded into history. And that goes for both the obvious (fastest sprinter, longest fingernails, etc.) to the records that make you do a double take. The latter comes into play for things that seem outside of the bounds of human possibility, records that seem dreamed up by a fiction writer, or both.
Recently, on Dubai Islands Beach, Shehab Allam went for the Guinness World Record for the farthest swim wearing handcuffs and leg irons. Michael Motamedi and Vanessa Salas documented it all in the second episode of the new Matador podcast, No Fixed Address: The World’s Most Extraordinary People.
Allam is no stranger to records. He was the world champion monofin swimmer in the six kilometer distance in 2008, which involves both legs being tied together so the athletes are forced to swim like a mermaid. He was the first person to swim the Dubai water canal. He also holds the record for the farthest swim wearing handcuffs (11.649 kilometers in six hours). Over the next 10 years, he aims to break one record per year.
In Dubai, a city where world records are continuously set, Allam had leg shackled clamped on and metal cuffs attached to his hands with a five-centimeter long chain between them. Describing the scene, Motademi and Salas note that Allam looks like a dolphin and likes to call himself Merman — Mandolf, to make it a portmanteau. The record to beat (yes, this is something multiple people attempt) stood at 10 kilometers.
So why world record chasing? When Allam’s mother congratulated him on being Egyptian champion and world champion, he told her there were bigger goals: being in the history books.
“I remember when I got my first place world champion, I went to search my name on Google,” Allam says on the podcast. “I found nothing. Not my name, not my picture, nothing about me. So I said, well, my mission is not going in the right direction.”
Getting ready for the feat of swimming while bound up is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. Allam describes getting in the right headspace as “writing my movie” on the podcast, and in that metaphor his mother, family, and friends are the direct audience.
“It’s very important to know about the end of the story,” Allam says. “You need to have a vision of this. If you don’t know, if you don’t have a vision about where you’re going, you are going to keep trying a lot of stuff because you have no direction and then you’re going to waste a lot of time.”
To hear his story and takeaways on life, inspiration, family, and being a world record holder, listen to the No Fixed Address Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
These Hiking Boots Easily Move Between Trail Adventures and City Life
For an upcoming trip to Moab and its surrounding national parks, I wavered between buying either hiking boots or trail runners, those lightweight, sneaker-shaped shoes trending in the hiking blogosphere as of late. Both types of outdoor footwear boast distinct advantages. Trailrunners are lighter and nimbler, while boots are sturdier and more durable.
Ultimately, an email to David Poston (@ Yoyo_onthe_Trail), a hiking expert with thousands of miles of trail experience under his belt, settled the matter in favor of good old-fashioned boots. “For many hikers, especially hobbyists, hiking boots are ideal for several criteria — ankle support; cushioning and traction on rocky, wet trails; and warmth in the snow,” Poston told me.
I was concerned about having enough time to break in a new pair of boots before my Utah adventure, but Poston assured me that newer-gen hiking boots have solved this problem. “Gone are the days of heavy leather boots that require months of breaking in, with blisters and lost toenails as the price to pay for admission. With any modern boots worth their salt, you’re ready to rock right out of the shoebox.”
On Poston’s recommendation, I snagged a pair of Xero Shoes Ridgeways. With exceptional grip, a waterproof design, and reinforced soles, these boots are outdoor all-stars. The vintage design and eye-catching colors make them great kicks for wintry days in my hometown of New York City to boot (shameless pun intended).
We hope you love the Xero Shoes Ridgeway hiking boots! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
What I like about the Xero Shoes Ridgeway Hiking Boots
Photo courtesy Xero Shoes
Photo courtesy Xero ShoesMy prime criterion in choosing hiking boots is durability. Let’s face it: quality boots are expensive, and I expect a pair to hold up even after years of rugged trekking. Xero Shoes Ridgeways are so well made that they come with a 5,000-mile warranty. In other words, you could hike the entire Appalachian Trail (2,200 miles) twice, and then tramp around for another few hundred miles, and your Ridgeways should still be in shipshape.
Waterproofing and grip are two other non-negotiables. Tightly sealed and manufactured with water-resistant leather and rubber, the Xero Shoes Ridgeways keep my paws dry even after stomping through snow or fording streams. Unlike boots that I favor strictly for urban settings, Xero Shoes Ridgeways’s soles grip uneven, rocky terrain and steep inclines, allowing me to skip from boulder to boulder as gracefully as a young ibex.
Especially on longer hikes or camping trips, comfort is paramount. Even the most primo hiking boots are a waste of money if uncomfortable. Hiking in the early aughts as a teenager, I used to spend weeks breaking in new boots in preparation for camping trips, lest blisters and sores inflict my trotters like some horrible pedal pox. Fortunately, Xero Shoes Ridgeways requires no break-in period. As Poston notes, you can snag them right out of the shoebox and hit the trails the same day. Solving a problem I have had with other brands, the Xero Shoes Ridgeways accommodate my wide feet, giving my toes plenty of room to wiggle. While they’re not feather-light like trailrunners, my Xero Shoes Ridgeways are not cumbersome or clunky like some brands I have worn in the past.
Finally, the retro aesthetic of Xero Shoes Ridgeways was a strong selling point for me. Granted, fashion is a secondary concern in the wilderness, but having hiking boots that look handsome with jeans or khakis is a bonus. I went with a classic brown and navy blue pattern, but Xero manufactures boots in a variety of colors.
What could be better?
Photo courtesy Xero Shoes
If I had to change something, I would swap out the eyelets for speed hooks on the upper half of the boot, similar to the design of Red Wing’s Iron Rangers, my all-time favorite city boots. I won’t hold it against Xero, but a thicker sole would be appreciated for extra lift. (I’m 5’7”, so this gripe comes from pure vanity). Otherwise, all facets of Xero Shoes Ridgeways pass with flying colors.
Are the Xero Shoes Ridgeway Hiking Boots worth the money?
Photo courtesy Xero Shoes
At under $150, Xero Shoes Ridgeways are a score for weekend warriors or hobbyist hikers. While elite hikers like Poston might justify splurging on more specialized boots, for a greenhorn like me — a city-slicker who dreams up a camping trip or two per year — Xero Shoes Ridgeways check every box. And even though I don’t spend extensive time on the trail, my Ridgeways still see plenty of mileage when winter’s snow and slush cover New York’s streets and sidewalks. I expect to use my latest pair of Xero Shoes Ridgeways for years, but when the time comes to buy another pair of hiking boots, this is my brand.
9 Weird and Humorous Things You Can Expect as an Airbnb Host
Renting out a property on Airbnb is a wonderful way to make additional income and connect with other travelers. It may even finance your next getaway. Just as these unique vacation homes come in all shapes and sizes, there’s no average Airbnb guest. These are some of the weird things you can expect as an Airbnb host.
Thinking about becoming an Airbnb host? Check out Matador’s complete guide to everything you need to know, do, and plan for: Everything You Need To Know To Become an Airbnb Host How To Set Up an LLC for Your Airbnb Rental Properties Everything You Need to Keep Stocked as an Airbnb Host
We hope you love becoming an Airbnb host! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
99% of guests will be awesomeFor the most part, guests will be brilliant. They’ll respect the house rules, tidy up after themselves, be considerate of neighbors, and remember to switch the air-conditioning off when they go out. That other 1% will be the root of any problems from cheeky requests like asking to “borrow” your car to petty theft. Smoking and sneaking in a pet or extra guests are common offenses regarding guests breaking a house rule. Just as travelers favor Airbnbs with previous reviews, hosts can adopt the same mindset by renting to those with a history of positive reviews. Deactivating the “Instant Book” function helps screen guests.
Guests might play house
Photo: Prostock-studio /Shutterstock
Any hospitable Airbnb host encourages their guests to feel at home. Some guests take this to the next level: don’t be surprised if you find that furniture has been rearranged and left for the cleaning team to put back into place. Stealing is one of the least desirable things to expect as an Airbnb host although picture-swapping with no explanation takes the biscuit for being downright weird.
Lost in translation momentsAirbnb is used by travelers from all corners of the globe. Language barriers are a guarantee during your career as an Airbnb host. For the most part, any communication blind spots can be handled through Google Translate, old-fashioned arm gestures, patience, and good humor.
Gifts (intentional and otherwise)Kindly hosts on Airbnb may choose to lay out a bottle of wine or a hamper of local treats to welcome guests (no pressure). However, some hosts are pleasantly surprised to receive a “thank you” gift from guests upon checkout. Stumbling upon “accidental” gifts is more likely. Typical left-property includes food, liquor, and bachelorette party apparel while less common items include cell phones and a dog.
Photo: Bilal Kocabas /Shutterstock
Going viralIf you are the host of a particularly quirky or photogenic Airbnb, it may well find its way in front of millions of social media users around the world. That’s what happened with this Bali Airbnb with a private waterfall and this assortment of trending Airbnbs on TikTok.
Unpredictable complaintsAirbnb feedback usually focuses on the positives but it’s impossible to escape grievances. These vary from reasonable grumbles about street noise or low water pressure to quibbles about the decor not being to their taste. Other guests nitpick shortcomings that are clearly outlined on the listing or about issues that are beyond the control of the host (read: the snowstorm wasn’t pretty enough or it rained too much). Frequently checking in with guests is a logical way to deal with on-the-spot issues that arise. Even then hosts report that issues aren’t always voiced until they come to write their review. Count your losses and move on.
Unusual guest habitsGuests might confuse fixtures. Cleaners have reported finding perishable food items stored in the bedroom closet, evidence of damp laundry being hung to dry over appliances, dirty dishes placed in the cupboards, and evidence suggesting the oven has been used to heat the home. There are only so many peculiar habits that you can predict as a host but hiring a professional Airbnb cleaning service ensures a thorough turnover for the next guest.
Round-the-clock requestsMessages about water leaks and issues with the mains aren’t confined to office hours. All hosts are required to have a line of communication open should there be a hazard in the home that needs instant attention. On the other hand, you can expect non-urgent queries to trickle into your inbox at all hours – late-night takeout recommendations are a common demand that can wait.
Airbnb hosting is a lot of workThat is, if you want to make your short-term rental business a roaring success. Gone are the days when Airbnb was simply a case of renting out a spare room: nowadays the marketplace is awash with boutique A-frames, luxury villas, and OMG! homes. If you have your heart set on becoming an Airbnb Superhost you’ll need to deliver hotel-standard cleanliness, communication, and value. Breakages, mess, and tricky guests are unavoidable while regular admin is required to keep the property shipshape and the listing accurate. It’s mentally and physically tiring, but, it pays off.
17 Airbnb Dallas Rentals to Experience the Heart of the City
Sprawling over 60 miles in width, Dallas-Fort Worth certainly upholds the motto “Everything is bigger in Texas.” Exceedingly car-centric, the metroplex conceals its cultural diversity between fast-moving highways and widely spaced residential neighborhoods. Renting an Airbnb is the best way to immerse in local life and discover that Southern hospitality is still alive and well. From glamorous mansions to quiet couple’s retreats, these Airbnb Dallas rentals are the city’s best.
We hope you love the Airbnb Dallas rentals we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.
Highland Park SanctuaryPhoto: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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Splurge on this luxury home with all the trimmings for a taste of Dallas luxury. Located in West Highland Park, one of the most affluent areas in the nation, this home is designed ornately yet tastefully. Modern art, marble, and sleek lines decorate the fresh interior. The yard features a cozy gas firepit and lounge space perfect for happy hours that spill into the evening. Minutes from Highland Park Village, the shopping is to complement the stay with stores such as Chanel and Hermes. Complete the affluent experience with dinner at renowned steakhouse Al Biernat’s. Dallas Airbnbs are rarely so posh and convenient at the same time.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $800 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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Take in the Dallas skyline while sipping a cocktail by the pool at this high-end downtown loft. Within walking distance (or public transit) from nearly everything in the heart of the city, this Airbnb Dallas rental is perfect for a stay that blends culture, work, and maybe even a bit of sports (ok, a lot — hop the line in two minutes to a Cowboys, Rangers, or Mavs game). This listing is unique because it’s actually two lofts combined into one rental, making it ideal for groups as well (did someone say Dallas bachelorette party?)
Ten guests, four bedrooms
$644 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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If visiting with a crew for business or pleasure, this Airbnb Dallas downtown property is ideally situated for convenience and comfort. The unit offers contactless entry and easy walkability to the Farmers Market and Reunion Districts (and as a bonus, when happy hour or an itch for live music arrives, Deep Ellum isn’t far away). You’ll receive free valet parking onsite and customer service is available to point you toward meetings, restaurants, and whatever else is on the agenda.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $629 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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Sleek and minimal, this airy apartment is situated in the buzziest district of downtown. Fit for couples or long-term remote workers, it’s centrally located in Dallas’s most urban neighborhood. Shop at the flagship Neiman Marcus just down the street, and sample elevated Texan comfort food at CBD Provisions. Drink a poolside cocktail at Waterproof and head back to a king bed and a spacious interior to rest until the next outing into the city.
Three guests, studio
Price: $119 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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For a quirkier option, rent this charming cottage in the Bishop Arts District. Complete with a porch, a hammock, and an extensive book selection, this house will be sure to creatively recharge. The recently revitalized neighborhood still showcases its Hispanic roots, with pleasant boutiques, experimental eateries, and abundant greenery. Sample nationally renowned tacos at Trompo, and grab a stiff cocktail at bookshop-turned-bar The Wild Detectives. Return home for more relaxation in the most colorful garden you’ll find in Airbnb Dallas rentals.
Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $87 per night
Luxury modern home perfect for remote work and walkability
Taking a trip to Texas? Check out Matador’s guides to the best places to stay across the Lone Star State:
The best Texas Airbnbs to experience Lone Star culture 9 San Antonio Airbnbs within walking distance of the riverwalk The 9 most exciting boutique hotels in Dallas These 9 luxurious Houston Airbnbs are the best in the heart of the city The best Austin Airbnbs for large groups
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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Spacious and modern yet welcoming, this large East Dallas home would do well to entertain any assortment of large groups. The house is a destination in itself, ultra-modern and complete with uniquely curated art and plenty of space to spread out. With multiple Smart-TVs and ultra-fast internet, it could be a family-friendly remote workspace or the backdrop for a celebration. Located in a peaceful area mere minutes from Deep Ellum and the heart of the city, the location is ideal for exploring Dallas’s pedestrian trail network. Plus, there’s a ping-pong table. Game on!
12 guests, five bedrooms
Price: $630 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
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Nicknamed “the treehouse” due to a beautiful magnolia tree out front, this brand new apartment marks all the boxes for a long-term stay. With an interior that’s equal parts roomy and cozy, fast Wi-Fi, a washer and dryer, and a balcony, it’s the place to set up base in Dallas solo or as a couple. Located in Lower Greenville, it’s in an area that’s happening, central, but still quiet and safe. Situated between Downtown, Deep Ellum, and White Rock Lake, this Airbnb Dallas option is in the most convenient location to explore varying urban moods.
Four guests, one bedroom
Price:$83 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis thoughtfully renovated three-story townhome is conveniently accessible to uptown and downtown Dallas. High ceilings and luxurious furnishings feel like special touches in this upscale property. But the stunning fourth-floor rooftop space outfitted with heaters, a grill, and excellent city skyline views might be a sole reason enough to book this house for a Dallas escape.
Inside, there’s a floor-to-ceiling picture window showcasing breathtaking city views from the fully equipped kitchen outfitted with stainless steel appliances and living room area. The primary bedroom overlooks the main living area via the privacy of 16-foot barn doors. There are televisions in all three bedrooms — including the primary bedroom, which features a large bed, another bedroom with twin-sized beds, and a third bedroom with a large bed.
Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $351 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis bright and airy gem is an architecture lover’s dream. It features a spacious open-concept floor plan, elegant furniture, chic concrete floors, tasteful wood finishes, and various contrasting colors and textures, making it a standout spot to set as a home base. Tones of whites, grays, browns and pops of green color from a sprinkle of plants make the space feel industrial-chic — but this aesthetic isn’t just for style. The home’s quality amenities encompass comfort and style, featuring plush beds, a stocked and well-equipped kitchen, and technology like flatscreen Smart TVs. There are three bedrooms — two are equipped with a queen-sized bed, one with a king-sized bed, and a floor mattress to use in the living room for additional sleeping accommodations.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $212 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis vibrant three-bedroom property in South Dallas is three miles away from downtown Dallas and less than ten minutes away from landmarks like the Bishop Arts District and Trinity Groves — including the best bars and restaurants in the area.
Guests can admire the modern interior spaces, which are decorated with bright pops of color and patterns, making the space feel more like a funky art museum than a traditional house. Spend time in the living room outfitted with a large flat-screen television and comfortable couch, or cook in the well-equipped kitchen with an island, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Or, get fresh air outside in the backyard with an oversized patio. There are three bedrooms — each with its own Smart TV. One has two twin beds, one has a queen-sized bed, and the third bedroom has a king-sized bed.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $198 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis house, nicknamed “The Cowboy,” sits in a safe, family-friendly neighborhood just six minutes from Grandscape. It’s easily accessible to entertainment venues, golf courses, restaurants, shopping experiences, and sports complexes. The decor features bright pops of color on the walls inside and a well-manicured lawn outside. On-site, guests can enjoy entertainment like a dedicated game room space with a ping pong table, foosball game, and dart board. Outside, there’s a private, fenced-in yard with a covered gazebo space, an electric barbecue, a private putting green and a non-heated pool with floating loungers and assorted pool toys. Inside, cozy up together to watch a movie on the smart TV on the comfortable sectional sofa in the living room or eat a meal at the large dining room table. The kitchen features high-tech stainless steel appliances and all the dishware and cookware needed to prepare a tasty meal.
One bedroom features a king-sized bed, a 50-inch Roku TV, and an ensuite bathroom. The second bedroom features another king-sized bed, a 50-inch Roku TV, and a dedicated workspace area with a desk. The third bedroom has two single beds.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $221 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis historic single-level Tudor home has been updated and renovated to feel bright and airy. It is located near the lively Bishop Arts District and easily accessible to other local attractions like AT&T Stadium and Six-Flags.
In the common spaces indoors, the walls are painted a charming robin’s egg blue, making the home feel warm and inviting. There’s an ample living room space with a comfortable sectional couch, a modern and fully-equipped kitchen with stainless steel appliances and sparkling white countertops and cabinets, and an eclectic dining room area with seating for at least four people and vintage decor. The bedrooms are comfortable and clean, and one of the two bathrooms has a large soaking tub. Outside, there’s a well-landscaped backyard with patio furniture and a shaded awning.
Six guests, three bedrooms
Price: $155 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis newly constructed, modern, three-story single-family home feels luxurious, bright and clean. Guests can enjoy touches like a large living room area outfitted with a Smart TV on each floor and upscale touches like designer bathrooms.
On the first floor is a living room with a flat-screen TV, a contemporary kitchen with standard appliances and cookware, and a dining room. Outside on the first level, there’s a fenced-in patio with a dining table and six chairs. On the second floor, guests will find the primary bedroom with a smart TV, a king-sized bed and an attached bathroom. Also, on the second floor, there’s another bedroom with a queen-sized bed and a living area with a smart TV and a sectional couch that can be transformed into a full-sized bed. The third floor has a small balcony and a bedroom with bunk beds — the bottom bunk is a full-size mattress, and the top is a twin. The living area on the third floor is outfitted with a Smart TV and a wet bar area with a cooler and a foosball table.
Eight guests, three bedrooms
Price: $200 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis large, centrally located home sits in the lively Trinity Groves District, conveniently located by numerous eateries, food trucks, and breweries and three miles from downtown Dallas. There are five bedrooms, each outfitted with plush bedding and a Smart TV. The primary bedroom features a king-sized bed and an attached bathroom. The additional bedrooms each feature queen-sized beds and stylish furnishings. Guests will find a lively kitchen with all the essentials and space for ten people to dine comfortably. The living room also has plenty of seating, including a cozy couch and chairs facing a 60-inch Smart TV for streaming. Outside, there’s a patio area with ample seating and a relaxing fire pit lit with sparkling string lights.
Ten guests, five bedrooms
Price: $140 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis beautifully remodeled, vibrant Spanish Villa home is within walking distance of all the trendiest destinations in the Bishop Arts district. The common spaces include a fully equipped kitchen with all the standard appliances, a living room with an extra queen-sized sofa pull-out bed, and a 55-inch Smart TV. There are two bedrooms. The first bedroom has a king-sized bed with a luxurious Tuft and Needle Mint mattress, a 75-inch Smart TV, an indoor fireplace, and an oversized Egg Chair. The second bedroom has a queen-sized bed with a Tuft and Needle Mint mattress.
Eat together at the dining table set for six, or spend time outside on the oversized patio outfitted with a propane grill, or on the second-floor deck with bean bag chairs made for soaking up the sunshine. Unique design touches include an ornately tiled stairway leading up to the second floor and bright blue cabinets that add a touch of life to the interior spaces.
Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $201 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis clean, trendy East Dallas home is in a central location for exploring — but it also feels quiet and secluded. The two-story open floor plan features three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a large kitchen for cooking, a fenced-in courtyard, and a porch with a swing. Wind down in the bright living room with its relaxing couch and Smart TV with streaming capabilities. Retire to one of the three bedrooms. The primary bedroom has a king-sized bed and an attached bathroom, and the two other bedrooms feature queen-sized beds. The property is walkable to numerous tasty local restaurants, an urban biking and walking trail, and a bus stop to take visitors into town.
Seven guests, three bedrooms
Price: $110 per night
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: Airbnb
Photo: AirbnbSee more photosThis charming, recently restored 1914 property’s best feature might be its unbeatable location — it’s nestled into a well-established and safe neighborhood but easily accessible to a range of restaurants and shopping attractions in the Bishop Arts District.
The cozy bungalow-like home has two large bedrooms, a compact, professionally outfitted kitchen, and two outdoor seating spaces (a cozy porch area in front of the house and a patio in the back), as well as a comfortable indoor living room space with leather chairs and a flat-screen TV. Design details like the eclectic wallpaper in the bathrooms and the multi-faceted wall decor make it feel like an exceptionally unique but homey place to spend the night in the city.
Four guests, two bedrooms
Price: $147 per night
On the Slopes and Beyond: Here’s Why Spring Is the Perfect Time to Visit Lake Tahoe
Longer days, fewer crowds, and abundant sunshine make the South Shore of Lake Tahoe the ideal place to spring into the vernal season. Whether you’re a skier or rider searching for soft snow, a nature enthusiast on a quest for quiet trails, a night-owl seeking a dance party, or a family looking to recreate, you’ll find it all here. Read on to discover everything that makes spring on the South Shore well worth your vacation days.
You’ll get the best of spring skiing and boarding…
Photo: Visit Lake Tahoe
World-class ski resorts, pristine backcountry skiing, and 300+ days of sunshine a year make Tahoe’s South Shore a hub for skiing and riding. Soak in panoramic lake views and perfect, creamy corduroy at expansive 4,800-acre Heavenly Mountain Resort, relish glade skiing and riding park rails and halfpipes at family-friendly Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort, or charge steep chutes and open bowls at easygoing Kirkwood Mountain Resort, known for the deepest snowpack in the Tahoe area. Sierra springtime means a tanktop and sunglasses one day and bundling up for a blizzard the next, so come prepared for all weather.
Follow the sun’s path to carve softening snow and forgiving slush bumps. Long afternoons stretch into après-ski leisure time — enjoy a cold drink on one of Heavenly Village’s shady patios, or sample craft beer under the pines at local favorite Hangar Taproom and Bottle Shop.
Springtime on-mountain events draw daredevils, mogul mavericks, and curious spectators. Not-to-be-missed competitions include Kirkwood’s hilarious Slush Cup Pond Skim and Heavenly’s thigh-screaming Gunbarrel 25, where winners complete 25+ laps on a long, double-black mogul run. For something more relaxed, join a guided ski tour at Heavenly and Ski with a Ranger to learn about Tahoe’s unique alpine ecosystem. You’ll scout for birds like the Clark’s nutcracker and the chickadee, known as the “cheeseburger bird” because of its three-syllabled song.
Experienced backcountry enthusiasts will find both adventure and perfect corn snow in the peaks around the Tahoe basin and the Carson Pass area. Remember, only experienced backcountry skiers should enter avalanche terrain, and make sure to always carry a beacon, shovel, and probe. Check the Sierra Avalanche Center site for the daily forecast before heading out.
…along with ultimate nature escapes.
Photo: Visit Lake Tahoe
Spring in Lake Tahoe provides the novel experience of shredding snow and relaxing at the beach in the same day. Get off the slopes and onto the water in a kayak and glide across the glassy lake (fewer boats mean calmer waters) — just be mindful of early-season cold water temperatures. Once the lake-level snow melts, you can also hop on a bike to pedal the South Shore Path, which runs from the Stateline casinos, past the national forest beaches, to shady Pope Beach, dog-friendly Kiva Beach, and picturesque Baldwin Beach. Closed beach parking lots in spring mean quiet strolls through mixed pine and fir forests with abundant opportunities to spot and photograph bald eagles, great blue herons, Canada geese, busy chipmunks, and awakening bears. Bring a picnic, but pack out all garbage, don’t leave food in your car (to avoid bear break-ins), and never feed wildlife.
Don’t miss the Instagrammable Emerald Bay, which you reach by ascending the ribbon of road where a glacial moraine creates a natural land bridge between Lake Tahoe and Cascade Lake. Pro tip: Go early or later in the day as there is limited parking. And to discover secret spots and snag the best selfies, book a guided snowshoe tour with local fitness coach Jen Spina. The full-moon nighttime tour to the Hellman-Ehrman Mansion is a must as well, if you can make the timing work for your trip.
Swollen waterfalls tumble with impressive power in late spring, and you can get your own up-close view of some of the South Shore’s best. Take a hike (or snowshoe) to Cascade, Horsetail, and the lesser-known Hawley Grade Falls. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot one of the Sierra’s first springtime flowers, the strange and beautiful snow plant — just remember to never pick this crimson flora, as the rare beauties are protected by law.
Back at the resorts, grab your furry best friend and crosscountry, skate ski, or snowshoe on 37 miles of machine-groomed trails at Kirkwood’s Cross Country and Snowshoe Center. Another option is to head to capacious Hope Valley and glide through meadows along the meandering West Carson River — afterward, refuel by a crackling fire at Desolation Hotel’s cozy Sorenson’s Café.
You can get the party started…
Photo: Visit Lake Tahoe
There’s always a party going on in the South Shore, and if you can’t find one, start your own. Elevate your aprés-ski festivities with drink specials and live outdoor music at Heavenly’s slopeside Tamarack Lodge. Follow this up by heading down the mountain to sip your favorite vintage on the lakeside balcony at Idle Hour.
Beyond the slopes, check out the schedule at Tahoe Blue Event Center for a slew of concerts, festivals, and sporting events. Play to win at the Stateline casinos and then while away the small hours dancing to a lineup of top-notch DJs at the chic, see-and-be-seen clubs: Peek Lounge and Opal Nightclub.
…or plan the perfect family trip.
Photo: Visit Lake Tahoe
The South Shore of Lake Tahoe provides a playground for both the young and the young-at-heart. Get the best out of winter with some sledding at Adventure Peak, tubing at Heavenly or Tube Tahoe, and by perfecting those figure eights at the outdoor Heavenly Village Ice Rink or the South Lake Tahoe Ice Arena.
To really impress the kids, book a scenic helicopter tour or a hot air balloon ride. Or slow it down and board a paddle wheeler and cruise to Emerald Bay, a journey that gives you views of Vikingsholm Castle and Fannette Island’s historic teahouse. And the whole family will be in awe at the Alex Ramon Real Magic Show, featuring the most adorable assistant on the planet: canine star, MJ the Magic Doxie.
A spring trip will help you relax and recharge.
Photo: Visit Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe’s South Shore is an idyllic setting to engage in a spring-fling with the most important person in your life — you! A massage at the upscale Edgewood Spa, followed by an appetizer at the Bistro’s lakeview fire pits, is an indulgence you don’t want to miss. And if your ski-tired muscles need to be stretched and strengthened, visit the expert yoga and Pilates instructors at OMNI Tahoe or Bliss Experiences. A springtime bonus: Outdoor and stand-up paddleboard yoga are offered with the warming weather.
Don’t stop there: Balance nature with culture as you browse art at Marcus Ashley and Sun Art Gallery, shop for local and fair trade souvenirs at GaiaLicious, sample healthy, vegetarian fare at Sprouts Natural Food Café, and steal a quiet afternoon to read and sip a cappuccino in a cozy nook at Cuppa Tahoe.
Winter and summer may be the busiest seasons on Lake Tahoe’s South Shore, but spring is the perfect season to visit. Hit the slopes, then go beyond and see for yourself.
February 28, 2024
What Actually Happens if You Open the Airplane Door Mid-Flight
Anxious flyers know what it feels like to be hyper aware of everything on the plane. The placement of the oxygen masks, the slightest rumble of turbulence, and, of course, the exit doors. Maybe you’ve simply logged their location in your brain in case of an emergency, or maybe you nervously worry about what would happen if they, somehow, opened mid-flight. The mere thought alone is enough to give you a panic attack at 30,000 feet. We’ve all seen it happen in movies and cartoons — the plane door opens accidentally or nefariously and a whoosh of air swirls through the cabin, sucking all the passengers into freefall. But what’s the truth behind the plane doors, and is it even possible to open them during your flight?
People have certainly tried. Several videos have emerged of passengers attempting to open airplane exit doors, both inflight and while on the ground.
In late 2023, a passenger managed to open an exit door as the plane was about to land in Seoul, South Korea, causing wind to blast through the plane. Though nine passengers were taken to the hospital with breathing issues, the plane was able to land safely.
Another man, on a Southwest flight, opened the emergency exit just before takeoff and jumped onto the wing. He was apprehended by the crew and taken to the hospital.
Most recently, just a few days ago on an American Airlines flight from Albuquerque to Chicago, a man tried to open the exit door but was restrained by passengers. He was ultimately duct-taped to ensure he caused no further issues.
Though attempts to open the plane door mid-flight certainly aren’t common by any metric, they do happen. But don’t worry — the science behind it all means you almost definitely won’t have to engage in a dramatic takedown of an unruly passenger anytime soon.
Can you even open the plane door mid-flight?The short answer is no, the plane door can’t be opened mid-flight, but it could potentially be opened on descent. And it all comes down to cabin pressure and mechanical locks.
“The plane door can be opened mid-flight, but it depends on the cabin pressure,” Danielle Keenan, flight attendant for JetBlue, tells Matador Network. “If we’re cruising at 35,000 feet and the cabin pressure is at 8,000, it would be incredibly hard to open.”
Plane cabins are pressurized, which allows passengers to breathe normally even when flying at high altitudes. That means there are around eight pounds of pressure pushing against the door for every square inch of the plane’s interior.
Michele Meo, a professor of materials at the University of Bath, told WIRED that it’s actually impossible to open the plane door mid-flight. Since the cabin pressure is higher than the outside air pressure, the doors are sealed against the frame of the airplane.
The doors are also, literally, locked in midair, and these locks are controlled by the pilot. Steve Wright, an associate professor of aerospace engineering at the University of the West of England, told WIRED that the doors are locked while at high altitude and only unlock when the plane lands. Only after the pilot announces “doors to manual,” Wright says, can the doors actually be opened.
All of this means that regardless of how much time a passenger spends in the gym, any attempt to open them at high altitude will be (thankfully) futile. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be opened at lower altitude.
“During descent,” Keenan explains, “they usually let the cabin pressure out so the door would be easy to open.”
Another flight attendant, who preferred to be kept anonymous for fear of inadvertently inspiring passengers to open plane doors, told Matador Network, “Airplane doors and windows cannot be opened in the air because of pressurization, but can be opened on descent, or on the ground during boarding or taxiing, which can be very dangerous. Slides and slide rafts could be deployed, hurting people on the ground.”
And if you’ve ever wondered what scenario would cause oxygen masks to deploy, well, this is it.
“If a passenger were able to open the doors or the over wing window exits, it would result in a cabin decompression,” Keenan says. “If a decompression happens above 10,000 feet, you are required to get on oxygen immediately, and the oxygen masks would automatically deploy. Below 10,000 feet, you can breathe basically normally.”
The protocol for dealing with a rogue, door-opening passengerIt’s a question that always seems to arise when we hear about unruly or dangerous plane passengers: what happens to them? There’s not exactly a jail in the sky, and since there are no security offers on most flights, who’s in charge of actually maintaining order. The answer is both obvious and, perhaps, shocking: flight attendants, and you. Yes, you.
“We are trained to restrain the passengers with the flex cuffs,” Keenan says of passengers who cause disturbances. “But as passengers are boarding the aircraft, we are taught to look for able-bodied individuals who can assist us in the event of an emergency. So hopefully we have some ‘ABPs’ (Able Bodied Persons) willing to jump into action!”
That’s right. You might not realize it, but you’re secretly being screened to assess your physical capability to assist in an emergency. Odds are, though, the incident would take place so quickly that passengers would simply need to react reflexively, rather than be called upon individually by flight attendants. That’s what happened on the recent American Airlines flight when passengers acted quickly to prevent a man from opening the exit door.
If the incident didn’t happen in the air, however, the passenger would be handed over to the authorities. While exact consequences differ on a case-by-case basis, the passenger could expect some pretty severe repercussions.
“If this happened on the ground we would return to the gate immediately and the state police would meet the gate,” Keenan says. “I don’t know if the consequence is a monetary charge or if they are just forbidden to fly on that airline. So many new fines have been implemented for passengers behaving badly, so I would assume a hefty fine is attached.”
Since many passengers who try to open plane doors are in the throes of a mental illness, transfer to a hospital for psychiatric evaluation and treatment is also common.
In Istanbul, A Former Sultan’s Palace Is Now Among The World’s Poshest Hotels
Nowhere in the world embodies humanity’s living history quite like the Bosphorus Straight. Cutting 19 miles through Istanbul and northwest Türkiye, the straight is the only shipping channel connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and, eventually, the Mediterranean. As such, it’s an imperative lifeblood for West Asia and the Caucasus, and throughout human history has carried, celebrated, and cursed some of the most powerful armies the world has ever seen. Indeed, if only these waters could talk.
Nowadays Istanbul, a global hub of more than 15 million people divided in half by the Bosphorus, remains the most imperial city the world has ever known, with the Straight’s banks through the city serving as the seat of empires stretching back some 3,000 years. Thanks to the recent remodel of the five-star Çırağan Palace Kempinski, you can embrace the city’s global ties on a stay in the city right on the banks of the Bosphorus – and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in lore, legacy, and luxury.
The story so far
The hallway connecting the historic palace to the hotel serves as a museum. Photo: Tim Wenger
What is now Istanbul, Türkiye’s largest city and the cosmopolitan bridge between Europe and Asia, has historically been the seat of several of mankind’s most powerful empires. First settled by the Megarans as Byzantium in the 7th Century BC, Constantine I then established the seat of the Roman Empire on the same stretch of land under the moniker Constantinople in 272 AD. The city has since been sieged thrice by the Arabs and at least five times by the Ottomans. The latter finally ousted the resurgent and resistant Byzantine empire in 1453 and put the city firmly in Ottoman hands in a 55-day marathon battle known as the Fall of Constantinople (check out the Netflix series “Rise of Empires: Ottoman” for a dramatic reenactment of the latter and a much more thorough backstory on the region’s significant players).
On October 29, 1923, the Treaty of Lausanne was signed, officially establishing the modern Republic of Türkiye. Ironically, and largely due to Istanbul’s vulnerable and desirable location straddling two densely-populated continents, the long-time seat of human desire then lost its capital status to Ankara, several hours inland and thus firmly safe from water-born attacks. Humanity’s living history lives on in Istanbul, however, and the best way to experience it on a trip to Istanbul is to base yourself where the sultans themselves lived – right along the shores of the Bosphorus.
The only place to do this is the Çırağan Palace Kempinski (pronounced Cheer-an). Here, you can sleep adjacent to where Sultan Abdulaziz and his successors Sultan Muard V and Abdul Hamid II, slept, in contemporary 5-star luxury and the vibrant Bosphorus scene right out your window. It’s a posh palace hotel that can easily be appreciated solely for its lavish quarters and amenities – but to get the most out of your stay, it’s best to understand why this property is so special.
About the Çırağan Palace Kempinski’s history – and its contemporary aestheticThe construction of the Çırağan Palace began in 1855 during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid I and was completed in 1871. The palace was designed by the famous Ottoman Armenian architect Nigoğayos Balyan, who was renowned for his elegant and grandiose architectural style. The palace was built in the neoclassical style, incorporating elements of Ottoman architecture and European influences. It features a symmetrical layout with impressive domes, arches, and columns, reflecting the opulence and grandeur of the Ottoman Empire.
Constructed mainly from marble, the Çırağan Palace boasts intricate detailing and ornate decorations both on its exterior façade and within its interior spaces. The palace overlooks the Bosphorus Strait, providing breathtaking views of the waterway and the skyline of the city’s Asian side.
All but the outer facade of the palace was destroyed in a fire in 1910 and rebuilt over the following years into a contemporary version of its historical glory, retaining the Ottoman characterizations of opulent furnishings, intricate geometric patterns, vibrant colors, ornate textiles, and the lavish use of luxurious materials such as silk, velvet, and gold accents. What became the Çırağan Palace hotel was built in the 1980s under the direction of Dr. Randi Sanbar, and opened in 1991 on the grounds of the historical structure’s former football pitch and garden. The hallway connecting the original palace to the hotel serves as a museum of sorts, displaying historical photographs and documents covering the property’s history and how it ties into the rise and fall of particular sultans.
Opulent chandeliers are everywhere. Photo: Tim Wenger
Over the past few years, the hotel has undergone a significant transformation to modernize its amenities, albeit without sacrificing its historical Ottoman splendor.
“We wanted to bring this spirit of the Ottomans into this hotel,” the hotel’s General Manager and Kempinski Regional Vice President, Ralph Ratdke, told Matador over a drink in one of the hotel’s ornate suites. “In so many luxury hotels, you could be anywhere. That’s why we worked with Serdar Gülgün, the Ottoman Art historian (to work on the redesign).”
That spirit is present from the moment you walk into the hotel. Guests must first pass through a gate separating the property from the street. The lobby opens up to Gazebo, the hotel’s lounge restaurant characterized by ornate blue vases, the white-pillared quadrants of the grand dining room, and its high-hung and gold-tinged chandelier that resembles the historic birdcage long found on the property. Gülgün’s interpretation of Ottoman style graces the common spaces throughout the first floor. Floral decor plays heavily into the aesthetic.
“In our part of the world, interiors are different from the west,” Gülgün, the art historian, told Matador over the same round of drinks. “Here, it’s about fabrics, patterns, and colors. For the Istanbul people, Çırağan Palace is very close to our hearts. If you want to celebrate something, you end up in Çırağan. It was first built during the period of tulips, an era very important to us.”
The brightness of the tulips plays deeper into the hotel’s story, dating back to the initial construction of the palace in the 1860s. Indeed, the name of the property – Çırağan – itself is derived from the Persian word for “torch,” an homage to the torchlights that used to light up the city. The tulip gardens represent the city’s global ties stretching as far away as Holland and developed since the rise of the Ottomans.
“It’s said that Muslim art is representative of four flowers. Rose, tulips, hyacinths, and carnations,” says Gülgün. “We brought this tradition into the palace hotel, honoring local traditions to create a seamless blend of Istanbul’s past and its future. The lobby cafe incorporates the four quadrants, one for each flower, into its expansive high-ceiling dining room.”
What it’s like to stay at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski
Never before had I slept like a sultan. Photo: Tim Wenger
Small bites are a Turkish staple. Photo: Tim WengerI was greeted by a bouquet of flowers on a recent stay at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski. By the time I’d inhaled a generous whiff, the hotel staff had placed a room key in my hand. From a balcony overlooking the Bosphorus, the moon reflecting off the Temmuz Şehitler Bridge connecting Europe and Asia, I sipped a glass of Turkish red wine and tasted my first bite of İzmir bombası, a cookie stuffed with praline and a common snack served at social functions in Istanbul. This experience, overlooking one of the world’s most important and visually striking cities from three floors up, rejuvenated my body after the 12-hour flight from San Francisco to Istanbul.
The bathroom in each room draws from the style of old Turkish Hammams. Marble flooring and inlays play heavily into the calming aesthetic, with rain shower heads and plenty of space to stretch and unwind in the shower. The corridor in every room features artwork depicting archetypes of traditional Ottoman society. Mine featured squibs of two of the sultans who’d called the palace home.
Sultans watched over me as I slept. Photo: Tim Wenger
I stayed in a Grand Luxe Room overlooking the Bosphorus, the city’s Asian side across the straight as my backdrop. The room was ornate in all aspects. Rich fabrics such as silk, velvet, and brocade comprise the draperies, upholstery, and bedding, adding a sense of sumptuousness to the décor. Ornate patterns and motifs inspired by traditional Ottoman design, such as arabesques, geometric shapes, and floral motifs, adorn the textiles and furnishings, creating a visually stunning aesthetic – laying in bed looking out over the Bosphorus, I felt a bit of imposter syndrome kick in, like I should be a royal to experience grandeur of this caliber.
If you have a spare $28,000 or so, you can rent one of the 11 Sultan Suites, located in the historical palace itself. Fit for a president, each Sultan Suite is meticulously designed and furnished to feature spacious living areas, private balconies or terraces overlooking the Bosphorus, luxurious bedrooms with king-sized beds, marble bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs, and separate dining areas. Guests staying in these suites can take advantage of 24-hour butler service, in-room dining, and access to exclusive facilities like a helipad with a private entrance to their suite.
Dining at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski
Never has a plate of food been so perfectly colorful. Photo: Tim Wenger
Part dumpling, part pastry. All perfect. Photo: Tim Wenger
I could see where this fish lived from my hotel room balcony. Photo: Tim WengerTuğra is the signature restaurant of the Çırağan Palace Kempinski, named after the distinctive seal of the Ottoman sultans. This elegant dining venue offers a refined setting with stunning views of the Bosphorus. Tugra specializes in authentic Ottoman cuisine, showcasing traditional recipes and flavors from the imperial kitchens. We sampled the Meze of Chef Emre İnanır , a plate of cold appetizers including hummus, Cacik, . My personal favorite among them was the Ezme, a spicy tomato and pepper relish that expertly accented the fresh bread served on the side. For main, I had the Black Sea Turbot, a locally sourced seafood dish paired with slow-cooked fennel and cherry sauce. The dish epitomized Istanbul, where fish from the Bosphorus are on display at markets across the city – fresh, succulent, and exceptionally tasty. Recommended by the Michelin Guide, dining at Tuğra is a first-class experience best done on date night or with business colleagues.
More casual dining happens at Gazebo, which serves a complete Turkish breakfast in the morning along with pastries and lighter bites throughout the day. Italian dining is offered at Bellini, with a patio overlooking the Bosphorus.
Defining the luxury experience at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski
It’s not cheese, not cake . . . but soap. Photo: Tim Wenger
You haven’t lived luxury until you’ve experienced the Çırağan Palace soap service. Stay in one of the hotel’s high-end suites and a soap butler will bring a cart with a series of large bars of soap, each scented to reflect a different touch of the Turkish palate, and cut you off a bar of whatever flavor or smell that you strikes your fancy. The hotel will then send you home with more of the same. No matter which you choose you’ll experience one of the hotel’s proprietary soap blends. Guests also experience scents from Atelier Rebul, a boutique fragrance purveyor crafting locally-accented perfumes, colognes, and other products specifically tailored to the hotel.
Certainly, there are more budget-friendly options when it comes to places to stay in Istanbul. By staying here you not only have the opportunity to gain an intimate knowledge of Istanbul’s history, you’re helping to preserve it by engaging with a property that has staked its entire existence on celebrating the city’s legacy.
Unlike many modern luxury hotels, this one is content to embody Istanbul’s vibrant and often tumultuous past, rather than attempt to create its future. “New York should be presenting New York. If I am in Istanbul, I want to feel Istanbul. At the end of the day, what people like is that the hotel has a soul.” Radtke says.
I certainly felt the Çırağan Palace Kempinski tugging at mine.
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