Perched high above the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia in the village of Uçhisar, Museum Hotel is a singular fusion of antiquity and indulgence.
Owned by Turkish art collector and entrepreneur Ömer Tosun, this Relais & Châteaux property is the world’s first “living museum” hotel – an immersive experience where history, hospitality and hedonism converge.
The hotel occupies a cluster of restored cave dwellings and stone houses, once part of Castle Hill, and now transformed into 34 individually styled rooms and suites. Each space is adorned with registered artefacts from the Hittite, Roman, Seljuk and Ottoman periods, many sourced from Tosun’s private collection and catalogued by the Nevşehir Museum. The result is a tactile, time-travelling experience: vaulted ceilings, Roman arches, and antique furnishings sit alongside modern comforts like walk-in showers, air purifiers, and underfloor heating.
Rooms range from romantic stone suites to expansive cave sanctuaries, some with private pools, massage parlours or wine taps – yes, complimentary red and white wine on tap, a whimsical touch that underscores the hotel’s commitment to pleasure. Bathrooms are spacious and serene, with marble finishes, rainfall showers, and luxury toiletries that reflect the hotel’s refined aesthetic.
Lil’a, the hotel’s à la carte restaurant, is a destination in itself. It serves elevated Turkish cuisine using seasonal produce from the hotel’s own organic garden. Guests can dine in the elegant Loggia or on the panoramic terrace overlooking Pigeon Valley, White Valley and Mount Erciyes. Breakfast is a Mediterranean feast – local cheeses, honey, olives, pastries and eggs cooked to order, best enjoyed with Turkish coffee.
Amenities include a heated outdoor pool with sweeping valley views, yoga classes, horseback riding, and curated cultural experiences via Matiana Travel, the hotel’s in-house tour company favoured by National Geographic. The service is discreet yet attentive, with 55 staff members catering to just 30 rooms, ensuring a personalised stay for every guest.
Beyond the hotel, Uçhisar Castle is a short stroll away, offering panoramic views of the region. Guests can explore nearby Göreme, Love Valley, and the region’s famed fairy chimneys, or indulge in a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Art galleries, boutique shops and local wineries add further texture to the experience.
Museum Hotel is a place to feel, to reflect, and to be transported. For discerning travellers seeking depth, beauty and a sense of timelessness, it’s Cappadocia’s most evocative address.