Some of Our Favorite Hotels in Istanbul

Istanbul is a city of approximately 15 million, the largest city in Europe and one of the largest cities in the world.  We could likely dedicate a whole blog to the hotels of Istanbul, but instead, we’ve compiled a short list of a few of our favorite hotels in Istanbul and organized them by neighborhood.

In the Sultanahmet area – or the Old City

Yesil Ev

A restored mansion in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul.  Furnished in the 19^th Century style of a winter mansion, Yesil Ev offers the warm and friendly atmosphere of an old Istanbul home. A favorite of many Western tourists, Yesil Ev has also played host to various distinguished guests including: President Mitterand, Jean Paul Gaultier, Larry King, Rachel Weisz and the Prince of Belgium.  Rooms start from 180 euro.

Four Seasons Istanbul at Sultanahmet

This hotel consistently wins international travel awards and is rated among the top hotels in the world. Having stayed at this particular property, I can say from first-hand experience that it is worth most of the hype.  If you want to stay in the Sultanahmet district, and you can afford this hotel, it is certainly the best property in this area.

With only 65 guest rooms and an open courtyard, the hotel is extremely intimate and feels almost like you are staying in a fine home versus a hotel.  The staff is impeccably professional and accommodating. Many Westerns are excited about the fact that the property is a former Turkish prison, however, don’t expect to see any traces of what the prison may have looked like.  The property is completely transformed and modern.

On the Bosphorus – Besiktas

Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel Istanbul

One of the most glorious hotels in Istanbul, Ciragan Palace, a water side palace (or Yali), the hotel sits right on the Bosphorus in the luxurious Besiktas neighborhood.  In 1987, a Japanese company Kumagai Gumi restored the palace and the doors opened in 1990 and again in 1992 after a second restoration.  Ciragan Palace underwent yet another renovation in 2007.

280 rooms with 33 suites, the hotel has many amenities including Maybach transfer and helicopter transfer from Ataturk Airport. Ciragan Palace is the only hotel in Istanbul with a helipad on their grounds. If you cannot afford the rates (which start at 500 Euro + VAT per night for a Park View room and can range up to 1500 Euro per night), we strongly recommend that you visit the hotel for high tea or a cocktail in the lounge.  If you are interested in Turkish cuisine, a visit to the award winning Tugra restaurant in Ciragan Palace is a must.

Four Seasons Bosphorus

Another coveted, luxury hotel, The Four Seasons Bosphorus, gives a fresh, eclectic spin on a 19^th century palace. There is a private dock for guests who would like to be taken to coastal nightclubs. The hotel has many amenities, including a swimming pool beside the Bosphorus, state of the art fitness center and a 22,000 square foot spa with 10 luxurious treatment rooms (wow!).  Room start at 500 euro and up (way up) per night.

Les Ottomans

Located at the most magnificent section of the Bosphorus, the “Muhsinzade Mehmet Pasha Mansion” has been brought back to life, under the hostship of Ahu Aysal, as “Hôtel Les Ottomans”.  Aysal purchased the mansion in the 80′s and spent seven years and nearly $65 million to restore the property.  Room rates range between 1800 Euro and 5400 Euro per night.  The concierge can also arrange for a private yacht to take you and your guests to the south of Turkey.

The hotel consists of ten, original and unique suites, restaurants, meeting rooms, a luxurious spa and wine cellar.  The hotel incorporates the philosophies of Feng Shui into its design elements and boasts a certificate of Feng Shui authenticity from the Yap Cheng Hai Academy.   Les Ottomans is also a member of the Small Luxury Hotels.

W Hotel Istanbul

Located in Beskitas, the W is a modern centerpiece along the historic Akaretler Row Houses.  A true depiction of East meets West, the W has managed to restore the property into a trendy, chic hotel with unique sleeping rooms, the W Lounge and Jean Georges’ Spice Market restaurant.  The hotel also has a 24 hour fitness center and pets are welcome.  Best of all, the W is in the one of the best neighborhoods of Istanbul if you’re looking for modern shopping, restaurants and night life.

Taksim

Lush Hotel

We first came across this small hotel located in the young, hip Taksim/Beyoglu neighborhood, in the NY Times “36 Hours in Istanbul”.  The hotel is best suited for the younger, cosmopolitan traveler who is interested in style and art in a fun location.  The hotel is located in a 19^th century building and decorated in an Ottoman-Pop Art style.  22 rooms, 300 to 400 sq ft each with daily art performances, a restaurant and a booming location.  The hotel offers hotel transfers for about 35 euro and room from 240 euro.

Asian Side of Istanbul

Ajia Hotel

A beautiful, boutique hotel on the Anatolian, or Asian side, of Istanbul.  Though the building is historic, the hotel is decorated in a “zen” or contemporary style.  The Yali (waterfront mansion) once belonged to a Pasha and has only 15 sleeping rooms – 10 deluxe rooms and 5 suites. If you can splurge, enjoy the split-level suites that overlook the Bosphorus with private balconies.  The benefit of being on the Asian side of Istanbul is that it is far less crowded, and although it is the Asian side, it feels more Western.  The beautiful Badat Cadesi is a wide street filled with shopping and restaurants.  The room rates start from 250 euro.

For more information or to book at trip please contact us HERE OR phone us at 312.263.1991 or 800.677.8875

Tagged as: Bosphorus Hotels, Four Seasons Istanbul, Istanbul Hotels, Luxury Hotels Istanbul