Istanbul hotels

If you’re a history buff or simply looking to add a touch of luxury to your stay in Istanbul, the Pera Palace is the perfect choice. This iconic hotel’s storied past is what first drew me to it, having been the preferred lodging for some of the most famous guests to visit the city, including Ernest Hemingway and Agatha Christie.
If you appreciate a good dose of historical significance in your accommodations, the Pera Palace Istanbul is not to be missed. Its opulent Art Nouveau-style architecture and elegant interior design transport you back to the glamorous days of the early 20th century.
And with a mix of French, Italian, and Turkish cuisine offered at the Orient Terrace, you’ll get a taste of the city’s history and culture without even having to step outside.

The Ciragan Palace Kempinski is one of the best luxury hotels in Istanbul. Housed inside an opulent palace originally built in the 17th century, this is much more than a hotel. Its prime spot on the European shores of the Bosphorus is my favorite place to take out-of-town guests for unrivaled views of the shimmering water and the palace grounds.
Take a stroll along the water’s edge or dip into the heated infinity pool, with towering palm trees decorating the outdoor space. The poolside bar and restaurant offer crafted cocktails and delectable bites. You can also savor the flavors of the Ottomans at the Gazebo Lounge restaurant.
With over 300 rooms and suites, you can select a more modern experience with comfortable hotel rooms or opt for the full regal treatment with the palace suites, featuring Bosphorus views.

Set inside a century-old Turkish prison – yes, prison! – this luxury hotel has come a long way from being home to the city’s criminals. Built in 1918 in Turkish Neoclassical architecture, the hotel has retained its emphasis on pointed arches, ornate tiles, and several domes and towers to showcase some of the grandeur of Sultanahmet, making it one of the most unique hotels in Istanbul and a favorite place to stroll in admiration.
Within just a short walk from the Hagia Sophia mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque, it’s one of the best places to stay in Istanbul close to the main attractions. With just 65 rooms, enjoy the more intimate experience of staying at a boutique hotel with attentive staff across the spa and dining.
Avlu Restaurant is set in a traditional courtyard surrounded by a beautiful garden and serves up fresh takes on modern Anatolian cuisine.

Head up to the rooftop terrace restaurant, 24, and you’ll soon extend your stay. This glamorous bar is perched above the city, offering an impressive panorama of the Bosphorus, the Galata Tower, and the Sultanahmet skyline.
It’s one of my favorite boutique hotels in Istanbul to enjoy a morning coffee or evening cocktail and soak up the magic of the city – of course, there’s more to the hotel than the terrace. Created and designed by Alex Varlik and Eric Kamhi in 2011, the luxury boutique hotel is housed in a restored historic building first constructed in 1882.
Retaining its exposed brick walls, with floor to ceiling windows and black marble bathrooms, the rooms strike a balance between old and new design. Perfect for a romantic weekend, most of the rooms have a private balcony with city or sea views.

Weaving together contemporary design and modern Turkish artwork, Novotel Bosphorus is ideal for design and culture lovers who want to explore the iconic sites of Istanbul, as well as the brand new Galataport district.
Offering double or twin bedrooms or larger suites with Bosphorus views, the space is carefully designed to fulfill your needs, with every room featuring a desk, lounge, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Start the day off right with a buffet-style breakfast or head to the top floor of the hotel for the Michelin-recommended Mürver Restaurant – a personal favorite – overlooking the peninsula.
Relaxation doesn’t just stop at the food either – Novotel also features an indoor swimming pool, sauna, steam bath, and Turkish bath with massage services for complete rejuvenation on your holiday.

Swissôtel The Bosphorus Istanbul does not do things on a small-scale. Nestled within historical gardens near the Bosphorus, there are over 560 rooms and suites on offer for those seeking both luxury and comfort. I love the Swissotel’s versatility to cater to a variety of guests, whether you’re heading to the city on a business trip or with a large family.
Even their most basic rooms are fit for a king, with large beds, marble bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows offering views over the city’s minarets and harbor below. SABROSA is the go-to restaurant for weekend brunch, with Turkish and Peruvian cuisine offering an imaginative combination.
But my absolute favorite part of the hotel is the rooftop bar, spa, and pool trifecta. In the evening, head up to 16 ROOF for a sunset cocktail overlooking the Bosphorus – after a spa treatment, of course.

The InterContinental Istanbul brings to Istanbul the exceptional world-class amenities and luxury that the brand is known for. Situated right in Taksim Square, it’s surrounded by green parks and is just a short walk from İstiklal Street and the Atatürk Cultural Center, making it an ideal base for either business travelers or those looking for an urban escape.
The 390 tastefully decorated rooms feature local artwork, large open windows, and rich colors reflecting traditional Ottoman design. Couples can indulge in the Bosphorus Suite with a jacuzzi on the balcony overlooking the Bosphorus, or Business Suites feature plenty of room to work and relax with separate living and dining areas with great sea views.
The Pool Bar provides a haven during the summer, with refreshing cocktails served all afternoon, but don’t overlook the award-winning Safran Restaurant for fine Turkish dining overlooking the Bosphorus.

If you want to explore modern Istanbul while feeling like a resident instead of a traveler, The Stay is for you. This hotel truly stands out for its residential design aesthetic, and being situated in the more local – and trendy – neighborhood, Nisantasi.
It even features its own curated art collection that I highly recommend viewing, which showcases a harmonious blend of established masters and emerging talents from Turkey. The rooms have been meticulously crafted by the renowned design firm, Autoban, so you can expect them to be stylishly decorated and fully equipped with modern amenities.
Their one-stop dining spot, Nisantasi Lounge, is a combined lobby lounge, restaurant, and bar featuring a range of drinks and modern cuisine on offer from morning until night. The Stay Hotels were the first hotel group in Turkey to be awarded carbon neutral status by the internationally recognized Bureau Veritas.

The Six Senses Kocatas Mansions Istanbul should be your go-to spot for a romantic getaway, making it one of my favorite fancy hotels in Istanbul. Situated in the Sariyer district, the hotel inhabits a converted historic waterside mansion. You’ll find just 43 guest rooms and suites, each reflecting both a bygone era and contemporary Turkey, with brass headboards and neutral toned textures.
But what truly sets the Six Senses Kocatas Mansions apart as one of the best hotels in Istanbul is its fabulous hilltop spa, featuring amazing views of the upper Bosphorus like no other place (it’s usually a view only seen by Turkey’s wealthiest residents).
Inside the historic stone house, this oasis seamlessly blends into its surroundings with five treatment rooms and a private suite, hammam, and steam rooms – don’t miss the pool, either!

As one of the most unique hotels in Istanbul, The Bank Hotel is housed inside a former 19th century bank. It has been transformed to retain much of its historic character while also offering the modern traveler plenty of amenities.
For those looking to fully immerse themselves in the city with a lengthy stay, the duplex suites offer self-contained accommodation with a mini kitchen, white marble bathroom, and work desk. For even more luxury, upgrade to the penthouse suite for impressive views of the Bosphorus and Golden Horn, along with a romantic bathtub surrounded by panoramic windows.
There are multiple places to relax with a drink at The Bank Hotel, from the Bank Roof Bar to the sophisticated Lobby Bar & Restaurant – one of my local hangout spots. Plus, you can indulge a little further in complete relaxation at the on-site white marble Turkish hammam.