To guide you in the right direction, we’ve selected the best hotels in Istanbul—in no particular order—including the latest openings and revitalized places to stay. We update this list regularly as new hotels launch and existing ones evolve, but one thing is certain: the hotels on our list are as diverse as the city itself, and represent the highest standards of luxury and comfort. Enjoy!
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The Kocataş Mansions was the second opening in Turkey by one of our favorite hotel brands, Six Senses, following Kaplankaya, their Mediterranean resort. Fully operational from 2020, Kocataş is a 45-room hotel occupying two 19th-century properties, Kocatas and Sait Pasa. Both mansions were carefully renovated, pulling them from two decades of neglect that followed a devastating fire. The interiors bring back the Ottoman-era style of 19th-century Istanbul but are also infused with the signature chic luxury of Six Senses. The hotel features lounges, banqueting and function rooms, a gallery, three restaurants, and an outing of Six Senses Spa. The Kocatas is located in the Sariyer district, on Istanbul’s European side, and offers uninterrupted views of the Bosporus River.
Alternatively, book Six Senses Kocatas Mansions via
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
The Peninsula Istanbul is a key development in Galataport, the waterfront revitalization project that includes museums and art galleries, restaurants, boutiques, a promenade — and a brand new cruise ship port. The hotel faces the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe and Asia in Turkey’s biggest metropolis. The classical-inspired building of the hotel contains 177 rooms and suites (including the astonishing Peninsula Suite), a selection of restaurants, and an excellent spa with hammam steam baths. Landscaped gardens and swimming pools adorn the site, and one of the pools has amazing views of the strait. The hotel stands within walking distance of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including the Galata Tower and the Sultanahmet District.
Alternatively, book The Peninsula Istanbul via
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © The Peninsula Hotels
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Discover a century-old complex that served as late as the 1960s, later falling into disrepair until 1996, when it was given a second life as a luxury hotel. Today, hidden behind a neoclassical facade, the place houses Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet, one of the most lavish hotels in the city. Four Seasons doesn’t forget its past, blending modern design with jailhouse-era interior design details, such as original hand-painted tiles and ochre-tinted walls, with plenty of Ottoman antiques, tapestries, and intricate carpets. The highlight of the stay is the A’YA Rooftop Lounge, offering a view of the iconic mosques’ minarets. The hotel enjoys an excellent location. It takes only a brief stroll to get to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar.
Alternatively, book Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet via
Four Seasons | Tablet Hotels or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Four Seasons Hotels
Founded in the 1990s as a private members’ club in London, soon the outposts of Soho House popped up in Berlin, New York, Chicago, Miami — and in the creative district of Beyoğlu. Spanning three buildings, Soho House Istanbul has at its core the stately mansion of Palazzo Corpi, formerly the U.S. Consulate. The hotel featured eighty-seven rooms in various categories, two rooftop pools, a fitness center, and a spa. There is also a gleaming rooftop bar, while the Embassy Club is the late-night joint styled as an old-school Speakeasy — with live music and DJs.
See more in our featurette: A Look Inside The Soho House Istanbul.
Alternatively, book Soho House Istanbul via
Mr And Mrs Smith | Hotels.com or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos (including the leading shot) © Soho House
One of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world is the right place to be for one of the top hotel brands in the world. For its place in the luxury city hotels in Istanbul landscape, Mandarin Oriental picked an excellent address in a prestigious district on the city’s European side. The NY-based designer Adam Tihany was responsible for creating a property worthy of the reputation of an elite luxury hotel — and he delivered. Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus wows with luxuriously designed, exclusive suites (all offering expansive sea views), a world-class spa, and a stunning pool area and gardens. There are various dining facilities and a classically-designed bar as well. Opulent ballrooms and social and business facilities make it an excellent place for events.
Alternatively, book Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus via
Mandarin Oriental | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Mandarin Oriental
The creation of this modern hotel was entrusted to Autoban, an internationally acclaimed but locally-based design practice. They turned the 19th-century mansion built by the Balyans (a celebrated architect family) into a hotel that embraces “the treasures of the past” as much as it indulges its guests in luxurious modern-day comforts. The interiors mix Ottoman influences with polished lines and luxurious materials. Crisp, neutral tones and refined elegance define the style. The guest rooms feel very close to Bosphorus at The Stay, as most if not all, look out to the bustling waterfront of the strait, and many offer expansive views with the city as the backdrop. The Stay Bosphorus is located in the vibrant Ortakoy district, studded with trendy restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, jewelers, galleries, and shopping.
Alternatively, book The Stay Bosphorus via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © The Stay
This Four Seasons city hotel occupies a former 19th-century Ottoman palace that stands on the shore of the Bosphorus Strait. Meticulously restored, the palace has 145 guest rooms and 25 suites designed to blend the traditional Ottoman architecture with the classic “Four Seasons” style. Awaiting guests is a range of facilities that include traditional hammams and an outdoor swimming pool — as well as the stunning, pillared underground swimming hall (with classical music underwater). The hotel’s location allows beautiful waterfront sights, with the soaring minarets and towers of the city and the stunning sunsets shimmering in the waters of the Bosphorus.
Alternatively, book Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosporus via
Four Seasons | Tablet Hotels | Expedia or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Four Seasons Hotels
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St. Regis is a perfect fit for a cosmopolitan city like Istanbul. As can be expected from this brand, their opening here offers the highest level of service, including a dedicated butler for every room. Spread over seven floors, there are almost one hundred and twenty bedrooms here, among them ten suites — but all are designed for discrete luxury, with a touch of timeless Art Deco elegance. The St. Regis Istanbul features two signature restaurants (a French-style brasserie and an intimate rooftop terrace); there is also an Iridium Spa, with seven treatment rooms and a Turkish hammam. The hotel has a great address in Nisantasi, the European-side neighborhood filled with exclusive shops, excellent dining, art, and entertainment. The Macka Park is steps away, and the city center and the Bosporus are all easily accessible.
Alternatively, book The St. Regis Istanbul via
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com | Marriott Bonvoy or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Marriott International
Gezi Hotel Bosphorus offers an ultra-modern, sleek, and “green” alternative to the Ottoman themes that tend to be adopted by many top hotels in the city. The property is equipped with up-to-date green technology, especially concerning energy and water conservation, making it a hotel that prides itself on almost zero emissions. The contemporary approach comes through the hotel style, with high-quality wood and leather juxtaposed with Piet Mondrian-inspired splashes of color and high-tech features. This infuses the minimalist decor with warmth and personality, much more than in typical business-focused hotels. The rooms stand out thanks to their vast windows, opening to incredible views of the Bosphorus, the park, or the city.
Alternatively, book Gezi Hotel Bosphorus via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Design Hotels & Marriott or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Gezi Hotel Bosphorus
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Located at the Zorlu Center, where locals flock to shop high fashion and art, Raffles makes a clear statement of embracing the modern angular architecture and the spirit of young Turkey instead of looking back to its Ottoman or Byzantine past. But guests can expect the highest standards of service and luxury, reflected in the hotel’s spacious living spaces and the signature Raffles butlers. There are 49 suites among the 180 or so rooms, but all guest accommodation is airy, elegant, and comfortable. The rooms are set in dreamy greens and blues, filled with art, and hand-woven carpets, and feature spacious private balconies that provide sweeping views across the city and towards the Sea of Marmara. Raffles Istanbul has a swimming pool, fitness center, patisserie, and two bars and lounges. There are two restaurants; Arola serves Spanish cuisine and Lavinia contemporary Turkish.
Alternatively, book Raffles Istanbul via
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Raffles Hotels & Resorts
Set on the edge of the Bosphorus, the glamorous Ritz-Carlton Istanbul marries European style with Turkish heritage, inviting guests to experience local traditions and cuisine. The hotel has 243 rooms and suites, all designed in calming, creamy tones, with occasional splashes of bluish-green and touches of Ottoman-style opulence. They offer five-star luxuries and ensure expansive views of the Bosphorus from the east-facing windows. The facilities include vast events and business space, three restaurants and bars (all with Bosphorus views), but the stand-out establishment is the spa. It features the city’s first Turkish bath made entirely for couples and Istanbul’s first outdoor spa terrace.
Alternatively, book The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul at the Bosphorus via
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company
Shangri-La Bosphorus hugs the Bosphorus Strait waterfront on the European side of the city, in a property converted from an abandoned tobacco warehouse. Reflecting the renowned brand’s roots, the hotel takes the Asian-inspired style and blends it with Turkish opulence. Guests can choose from 186 rooms and suites, said to be the most spacious in the entire city. Many come with beautiful Bosphorus views, but all come with top luxury as standard. The hotel facilities include the signature CHI Spa, bars and lounges, and two restaurants. The hotel’s location, in the Besiktas neighborhood, places it just a 15-minute walk to Dolmabahçe Palace.
Alternatively, book Shangri-La Bosphorus via
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Shangri-La International
Once the headquarters of a financial institution, the Bank Hotel Istanbul repurposed some of the old spaces of the building and incorporated heritage elements into the design. The vault became a wine cellar, and the massive reinforced doors now guard the treasures destined for the palate rather than the wallet. But the guest rooms feel like cozy apartments, featuring period elements such as stenciled ceilings, green Carrara marble bathrooms, and parquet flooring. The excellent rooftop terrace is great for lounging; so is its lobby bar, and the restaurant is the place to be for contemporary Turkish cuisine. Round off your day with a session in the Spa.
Alternatively, book The Bank Hotel Istanbul via
Tablet Hotels | Design Hotels & Marriott Bonvoy or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © The Bank Hotel Istanbul
The Best Boutique & Luxury City Hotels list for a city of Istanbul’s caliber wouldn’t be complete without a Park Hyatt name — and the Maçka Palas is the brand’s entry. The hotel is located in one of the best areas of Istanbul for shopping and within walking distance of many upscale boutiques and trendy bars and restaurants. Occupying a heritage art deco building constructed in 1922, with a distinctive design character in the elegant, innovative interior design. The ninety luxury rooms and suites are generously sized and designed with a touch of oriental patterns.
Alternatively, book Park Hyatt Istanbul – Macka Palas via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Hyatt Corporation
The luxurious suites of Witt Istanbul feel like holiday apartments. There are seventeen of them, and each comes with a living room, a fully equipped kitchenette, and a bedroom. The four top-floor suites also have large terraces, with great views over the rooftops of the city. The hotel was designed by Autoban, the world-renowned local design studio, and its style reflects the eclectic nature and the vibrant contemporary art scene of the Cihangir neighborhood. Witt Istanbul Suites will appeal to a discreetly chic clientele who shy away from the overtly glitzy five-star hotels.
Read the review from our stay: Witt Istanbul Suites.
Alternatively, book Witt Istanbul Suites via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Witt Istanbul Suites
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Pera Palace opened its doors in 1892 to accommodate intrepid travelers arriving on the Orient Express train from Paris. Today, it stands as a grande dame of the golden age of travel — and one of the world’s most iconic hotels. Ernest Hemingway, Greta Garbo, and Alfred Hitchcock were among the guests, and it is said that Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express while staying here. The neo-Baroque interiors of the hotel feature jewel-toned Turkish carpets and grand chandeliers, and the original elevator is still in operation; the rooms have Old World furniture and decadent roll-top baths. The most history-filled and atmospheric room is the black and burgundy Agatha Christie Suite, located on the fourth floor. Room 101, where Atatürk stayed, is now a miniature museum devoted to the Turkish Republic’s founder.
Alternatively, book Pera Palace Hotel via
Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Pera Palace Hotel
Bebek Hotel has been a local fixture since the 1950s, and over the years, it witnessed a slow process of gentrification in its neighborhood. The modern version of the famous hotel has gone upscale, too. Thanks to the architect Mahmut Anlar, the mid-century glamour got a boost with stylish interior spaces filled with design furniture and contemporary art. The hotel is perched on the water’s edge, affording many of its rooms (the Bosphorus Suites and Corner Suites on the top floor) lovely views over the waters of the strait. The impressive views can be enjoyed from the rooftop bar; the same goes for the Lounge Restaurant and its outdoor terrace. The Lounge serves modern Turkish cuisine with a seafood bias; the second dining venue, the Dragon, is perhaps the best-known in Istanbul Chinese restaurant.
Alternatively, book Bebek Hotel By The Stay Collection via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © The Stay
The Stay Nisantasi is located at the heart of one of the trendiest shopping and entertainment districts—right above a Prada store. Other top luxury boutiques (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes) are minutes away. There are only forty-four rooms here. They are eminently elegant; their style is defined by bespoke furniture, oak-paneled walls, and luxe marble bathrooms. The hotel has a sophisticated atmosphere, e.g., in its cozy library lounge designed by the internationally acclaimed Autoban studio.
Alternatively, book The Stay Nisantasi via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © The Stay
W Istanbul positioned itself as a glamorous destination hotel for the trendy crowds and young-at-heart creatives — which is very on-brand for W Hotels & Resorts. It is one of the most exciting luxury hotel brands, and like many other city hotels from their portfolio, W Istanbul is designed to surprise and delight. An entrance through a mirrored tunnel, striking lighting effects, a nightclub-style lobby, a buzzy 24-hour lounge bar, and a spa promise a stay filled with excitement. The hotel has 140 guestrooms and suites and is located in a café-packed residential neighborhood.
Alternatively, book W Istanbul Hotel via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Marriott Bonvoy or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Marriott International
The Fairmont Quasar Istanbul is housed in a luxury high-rise within a sleek business and residential complex. All 209 rooms and suites here come with private balconies, ensuring a great spot from which to gaze at Istanbul’s skyline. Next to the hotel is a 1930s-era liquor factory, and the Fairmont Quasar’s interior design takes inspiration from the area’s industrial past, with distinctive Art Deco influences. The hotel offers a great selection of dining venues, bars, and lounges, and its Willow Stream spa is well-equipped with indoor and outdoor pools. This five-star city hotel is perfectly placed, especially for business travelers seeking a luxury experience.
Alternatively, book the Fairmont Quasar Istanbul Hotel via
Expedia | FRHI Hotels & Resorts or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Fairmont
The Old World charm of a neoclassical building meets 21st-century luxury in this unique destination hotel. Guests have seventy-one rooms to choose from, and they can expect quietly glamourous spaces designed with a warm palette and filled with custom-designed furniture and art and design pieces. Among the accommodation options, the spacious Loft & Terrace Suites come with separate dining areas and terraces; however, the top pick is the fabulous Penthouse on the top floor. It offers magnificent views of Istanbul from its private rooftop. The BAHANE ON10 rooftop restaurant and the Sky Terrace also promise city views as the backdrop to food and drinks. Other food and beverage options include the signature Rudolf restaurant by Rudolf van Nunen and Brasserie Ten (come here for buffet-style breakfasts).
Alternatively, book 10 Karakoy Istanbul via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © 10 Karakoy
Often overlooked, the Asian side of Istanbul does have its gems — and one such is Sumahan on the Water. Hugging the Bosphorus Strait in the Çengelköy neighborhood, this five-star boutique hotel occupies a former nineteenth-century distillery. The hotel’s modern design pays homage to industrial history through exposed brick and steel in the common areas. There are only thirteen rooms and suites here. All of them are light-filled, thanks to large windows and calming tones, and they feature fireplaces, delicate Italian-designed lighting, and light-wood floors. The hotel also offers loft suites, which occupy two floors and open up to leafy gardens.
Alternatively, book Sumahan on The Water via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Sumahan on The Water
Designed initially for the Deutsche Orientbank some hundred years ago, the impressive building housing The Orientbank Hotel Istanbul stands out from afar with its distinctive lead-grey roof. Today, the property proudly displays its period elements, such as the original rooftop dome, expanding into an unmissable rooftop terrace, as well as a marble spiral staircase. The design brings both contemporary styling and modern amenities to this heritage building. Guest rooms are generously sized, up to 45 square meters, and the service comes with a 24/7 butler. The Jazz Bar on the ground floor is excellent for both dining and cocktails.
Alternatively, book Orientbank Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection via
Marriott Bonvoy | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Marriott International
A residential atmosphere permeates Georges Hotel Galata, perhaps thanks to its location in an 1860s apartment building on a cobbled street next to the Galata Tower. Twenty rooms of the hotel, luxuriously furnished, have glossy parquet floors, soaring ceilings, and marble bathrooms with walk-in rain showers. The highlight of the hotel is its dining scene, with an in-house restaurant, GalatAda24 serving traditional Turkish fare, but especially the French-inspired rooftop terrace and restaurant. Here the city views are a backdrop to breakfast in the morning and cocktails towards the day’s end.
Alternatively, book Georges Hotel Galata via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or check TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Georges
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Çırağan is an authentic Ottoman imperial palace, established as far back as the 17th century. Today meticulously restored, it houses a fully-equipped five-star hotel, butler service included. Guests can choose from various dining venues with inventive menus heavily influenced by traditional Ottoman and Turkish flavors. But the spa is an undisputed highlight for many guests. It offers authentic Turkish hammam and Ayurvedic treatments, as well as a heated outdoor infinity pool. There are 310 rooms, set in a classic decor, but the regal feeling is most notable in the Palace suites, topped by vaulted ceilings and furnished with elegant antiques and luxury textiles. The hotel sits on the shore of the Bosphorus, close to Dolmabahçe Palace, and between the Beşiktaş and Ortaköy neighborhoods.
Alternatively, book Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul via
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photo © Kempinski Hotels
The answer to the nightlife of the trendy Beyoğlu district is a designer hotel aimed at the clientele that needs breakfast to be served until midday. We are talking about the Room Mate Emir, a 47-key property designed to reflect the striking contrasts of Istanbul. Interior design references the building’s neo-classicist roots, but the style is thoroughly contemporary, with a whiff of a decadent spirit. Pops of color, eclectic decor, and a hint of old-world glamour live in one space with the original painted ceilings, exposed brickwork, and parquet floors. The rooms are comfortable, with simple, chic decor, retro lighting, and Nordic-inspired furniture. A lounge bar on the terrace is the destination for delightful Turkish cuisine — and panoramic city views.
Alternatively, book Room Mate Emir via
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Official Website. Photos © Room Mate Emir
Travel+Style's favorite places to stay in the Eternal City
The below shortlist makes a worthy companion to the main list.
Getting there: The flight-comparison sites such as Skyscanner (www.skyscanner.com) or Kayak (www.kayak.com) will help you find the best flights and deals.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 01/09/2024
Travel+Style's favorite places to stay in the Eternal City
