The 13 best hotels in Istanbul, Turkey
Hotels in Istanbul unfold like timeless tales, weaving ancient grandeur with modern elegance, where each view whispers the city’s vibrant soul.
Along the Bosphorus and within winding alleys, hotels in Istanbul stand as gateways to both past and present. Each space, whether wrapped in Ottoman opulence or sleek modernity, holds echoes of ancient whispers. Here, guests find not just luxury but a rare, immersive encounter with Istanbul’s timeless, unfolding story.
This article contains affiliate links.
Best hotels in Istanbul
1. Çırağan Palace Kempinski
© Çırağan Palace Kempinski
2. The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul
© The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul
Rising gracefully in Istanbul’s lively core, The Ritz-Carlton paints a scene where Turkish heritage and modern luxury intertwine effortlessly. Its 239 rooms and suites, each a place of elegance, open to sweeping views over the Bosphorus and the city’s storied skyline. The spa offers indulgence with a traditional Turkish hammam and holistic treatments crafted for ultimate relaxation. Culinary wonders beckon from diverse dining venues, celebrating both local and global flavors. With unmatched service and a prime waterfront location, this hotel captures Istanbul’s timeless allure.
3. Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus
© Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus
Set along a quiet shoreline where locals jog by morning, the retreat feels both refreshingly private and close to Old Town’s energy. Its 100 rooms, envisioned by a design team, embody Istanbul’s spirit—bathrooms adorned with tulip tiles, Ottoman emblems in the minibar, and tree-of-life motifs grace the walls. Dining options span Italian, Asian fusion, and Cantonese, all with terrace seating for dolphin spotting. Three pools—two outdoors and one within the wellness center—complement a lavish spa with 14 treatment rooms, traditional marble Hammams, and a gym for yoga, cycling, and Pilates.
4. The Peninsula Istanbul
© The Peninsula Istanbul
Life in Istanbul pulses around the Bosphorus, and naturally, the hotels follow suit. This hotel in the bustling Galataport complex has swiftly become a favorite, with a rooftop restaurant drawing locals and travelers alike. Four adjacent buildings have been elegantly refashioned into a seamless blend of history and modernity: the grand Bauhaus-inspired Lobby restaurant, once a terminal, contrasts with a bright, newly built wing featuring spacious suites overlooking the water. The 177 rooms reflect refined Peninsula comforts, yet it’s the spa that steals the show—a serene sanctuary with an expansive pool, eight treatment rooms, and a gleaming marble hammam worthy of Istanbul’s grandest traditions.
5. Six Senses Kocatas Mansions
© Six Senses Kocatas Mansions
This Istanbul hotel by Six Senses emerges from two beautifully restored Ottoman mansions nestled in Sariyer’s lush, upscale enclave, a private boat journey from the city’s heart. Its elegance is soft, and creamy, like lor cheese, with beams of sunlight flooding through tall windows onto pale marble, finely paneled walls, and ornate moldings. Culinary delights fuse pan-Asian and Italian flavors, while Earth Lab’s eco workshops and curated cultural experiences capture Istanbul’s seamless blend of heritage and innovation.
6. Soho House Istanbul
© Soho House Istanbul
A grand 19th-century Italianate palazzo, once the U.S. Consulate, now channels Soho House’s signature vibe with stunning ease. Upon opening, Soho House Istanbul became the group’s crowning jewel, retaining every intricate detail: oak-paneled walls, frescoed ceilings, Art Nouveau ironwork, and marble stairs with a rich, smoky hue. This stately setting balances refined mid-century decor with local touches—leather, velvet, and cane armchairs, antique Turkish rugs, and hammams in the spa. Above, a lush rooftop terrace hosts a new Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, perfectly suited to Beyoğlu’s bohemian soul, where culture, cafes, and art converge.
7. Pera Palace Hotel
© Pera Palace Hotel
In Istanbul’s vibrant Beyoğlu district, the Pera Palace Hotel stands as a testament to timeless elegance and rich history. Established in 1892, this iconic hotel has hosted illustrious guests, including Agatha Christie and Ernest Hemingway. Its 115 rooms and suites blend classical charm with modern amenities, offering views of the Golden Horn. Guests can indulge in the renowned afternoon tea at the Kubbeli Saloon, savor Turkish and international cuisine at the Agatha Restaurant, or unwind at the Pera Spa. The Pera Palace Hotel seamlessly combines heritage with contemporary luxury.
8. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul
© Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul
The Four Seasons graces Istanbul with not one, but two magnificent palatial retreats, each offering its allure on either side of the Golden Horn. On the Bosphorus side, an Ottoman palace-turned-hotel captures breezy waterfront elegance, its terrace decked in red and white cabanas between the sparkling blues of pool and sea—a dream in summer. Meanwhile, the location, once a prison for Ottoman-era writers, holds a deeper romance; its sunny yellow facade now encircles luxurious rooms filled with kilims, neoclassical pieces, and woven Turkish fabrics.
9. Raffles Istanbul
© Raffles Istanbul
Raffles brings a whole new luxury to the city, blending gleaming glass and designer flair in the Zorlu Center, an expansive fusion of Dubai glamour and upscale shopping, set high on a Beşiktaş hill. Here, it’s all about bold allure: enormous crystal chandeliers dazzle, gourmet restaurants impress, and sparkling pools invite, both in the vast spa and on the rooftop at Lounge 6, where sweeping views pair with elegance. The wine-red Long Bar crafts Istanbul-inspired cocktails, all attended by personal butlers, rise above the city, some offering panoramic Bosphorus vistas.
10. Cronton Design Hotel
© Cronton Design Hotel
Cronton Design Hotel, nestled in Istanbul’s historic Sirkeci district, offers a harmonious blend of contemporary luxury and cultural heritage. Housed within a meticulously restored 1911 building, the hotel features 39 elegantly appointed rooms and suites, each reflecting the building’s rich history. Guests can indulge in a world-class spa, featuring a traditional Turkish hammam and a range of holistic treatments. Culinary delights await at the hotel’s diverse dining venues, offering both local and international cuisines. With its prime location near iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, Cronton Design Hotel provides an unparalleled experience in Istanbul’s vibrant heart.
11. AJWA Sultanahmet
© AJWA Sultanahmet
In Istanbul’s storied Sultanahmet, AJWA Sultanahmet emerges as a lavish hotel, weaving Ottoman grandeur with modern refinement. Since 2017, this five-star haven has enchanted guests with 61 rooms, each a masterpiece adorned with mother-of-pearl furnishings and rich Tabriz silk carpets. Guests can retreat to the serene spa, where a traditional hammam and indoor pool await. The rooftop Zeferan Restaurant unveils breathtaking views over the Marmara Sea, pairing them with exquisite Azerbaijani flavors. Steps from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, AJWA Sultanahmet radiates Istanbul’s timeless allure.
12. JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus
© JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus
In Istanbul’s historic Karaköy, JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus emerges as a luxurious hotel where modern elegance meets storied heritage. Set within a beautifully restored building, its 130 rooms and suites are crafted with a keen eye for both comfort and sophistication. Guests can immerse themselves in serenity at the world-class spa, dine on exquisite flavors in a rooftop setting overlooking the Bosphorus, or find tranquility in the historic atrium. Ideally situated near Galataport, this hotel offers an unforgettable experience.
13. Sumahan
© Sumahan
In a city teeming with palace hotels, Sumahan offers a refreshing twist—a modern reimagining of an 1820s distillery. Family-owned for generations, this waterfront hotel was carefully restored by its current custodians, an architect couple with a personal touch from their designer daughters, lending an inviting warmth to the space. Thirteen airy, light-filled rooms and suites (some featuring private hammams) reflect a minimalist aesthetic rarely seen here. The garden, shaded by palms, fruit trees, and oleander, feels like a tranquil riverside haven, perfect for dolphin-watching in summer or cozy fires in winter.
Best areas to stay in Istanbul
Istanbul’s neighborhoods are a tapestry of diverse experiences, each offering a unique flavor of the city’s rich heritage and vibrant life. In Sultanahmet, the historic heart, first-time visitors can immerse themselves in the grandeur of landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, all within a stroll. For those seeking a lively nightlife and shopping scene, Taksim Square and the adjacent Istiklal Street serve as bustling hubs of activity. The artistic enclave of Galata, with its iconic tower and bohemian atmosphere, appeals to those seeking a blend of history and modernity. Karaköy, once a port district, has transformed into a trendy area with chic cafes and galleries. On the Asian side, Kadıköy offers a more laid-back vibe with its markets and seaside promenades. Each district provides a distinct flavor of Istanbul, ensuring a memorable stay.
Learn more about Istanbul
Istanbul, where East meets West, is a city of contrasts and harmonies. Its historic heart, Sultanahmet, is a tapestry woven with the threads of Byzantine and Ottoman grandeur, where the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapı Palace stand as silent storytellers of a rich past. Beyond this core, neighborhoods like Galata, with its artistic soul, Taksim Square’s vibrant pulse, and Kadıköy on the Asian side’s tranquil shores, each offer a unique melody to the city’s symphony. Museums such as the Istanbul Archaeology Museums and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts are windows into the nation’s artistic evolution. A short journey beyond the city leads to the serene Princes’ Islands and the ancient city of Troy, inviting exploration of Turkey’s rich past.
Best hotels in Istanbul FAQs
In the heart of Istanbul, the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, The Peninsula Istanbul, and Raffles Istanbul, Zorlu Centre offer unparalleled luxury and convenience.
For an opulent stay, consider the Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Six Senses Kocataş Mansions, and The Ritz-Carlton.
Budget-friendly options include the White House Hotel Istanbul, Sirkeci Mansion, and Hotel Amira Istanbul.
Indulge in relaxation at the Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, Swissotel The Bosphorus, and The St. Regis Istanbul.
Enjoy a refreshing swim at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, Raffles Istanbul, and The Ritz-Carlton.
Family-friendly hotels in Istanbul include the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, Swissotel The Bosphorus, and The Peninsula Istanbul.
For a romantic getaway, consider the Six Senses Kocataş Mansions, Çırağan Palace Kempinski, and The Peninsula Istanbul.
Experience waterfront luxury at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, The Peninsula Istanbul, and Raffles Istanbul.
