We give you the ultimate list of the absolutely best luxury city hotels in Istanbul. They are as diverse as the city itself, but what’s common to all are the best standards and levels of luxury and convenience. 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.
Website: Six Senses Kocatas Mansions, Istanbul, Turkey. Photos © Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas
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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:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey.
Photo © Four Seasons Hotels Limited
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:
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Soho House Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey.
Photos (including the leading shot at the top of the article) © 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:
Expedia | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus. 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 defines 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 see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Stay Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey. 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:
Tablet Hotels | Expedia or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosporus, Istanbul, Turkey.
Photo © Four Seasons Hotels Limited
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 see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The St. Regis Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey. 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 a hotel that prides itself on almost zero emission. 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 Bonvoy or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Gezi Hotel Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey. 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, 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.
Website: Raffles Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey. 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.
Website: The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul at the Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey.
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.
Website: Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey. 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, a Member of Design Hotels via: Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Design Hotels & Marriott Bonvoy | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Bank Hotel Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey. 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.
Website: Park Hyatt Istanbul – Macka Palas, Istanbul, Turkey. 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.
Website: Witt Istanbul Suites, Istanbul, Turkey. 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, 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.
Website: Pera Palace Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey. 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.
Website: Bebek Hotel By The Stay Collection, Istanbul, Turkey. Photo © The Stay
The Stay Nisantasi is located at the heart of one of the trendiest shopping and entertainment districts. In fact, the hotel sits right above a Prada store, and other top luxury boutiques (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermes) are minutes away. There are only forty-four rooms here. They are eminently elegant; their style defined by bespoke furniture, oak-paneled walls, and luxe marble bathrooms. The hotel has a sophisticated atmosphere, e.g., at its cozy library lounge designed by the internationally acclaimed Autoban studio.
Alternatively, book The Stay Nisantasi via: Tablet Hotels | Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: The Stay Nisantasi, Istanbul, Turkey. 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 the 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 see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: W Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey. 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 Fairmont Quasar Istanbul Hotel via:
Expedia | Agoda | Hotels.com | FRHI Hotels & Resorts or see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Fairmont Quasar Istanbul Hotel, Istanbul, Turkey. 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.
Website: 10 Karakoy Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey. 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. Sumahan on the Water 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.
Website: Sumahan on The Water, Istanbul, Turkey. 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, today 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.
Website: Orientbank Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection, Istanbul, Turkey.
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 see what others think on TripAdvisor.
Website: Georges Hotel Galata, Istanbul, Turkey. Photo © Georges
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.
Website: Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey. 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.
Website: Room Mate Emir, Istanbul, Turkey. Photos © Room Mate Emir
Travel+Style's favorite places to stay in the Eternal City
There are dozens upon dozens of luxury hotels in Istanbul, but we think that only a precious few belong to the above list. That said, there are some runners-up we thought are at least worth a mention.
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Author: Travel+Style. Last updated: 10/05/2023
