If you dream of visiting an exotic destination that bridges the East and West, then you can include Istanbul in your bucket list. It is by far the most fascinating city in the world that is built in two continents. Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that spans Europe and Asia across the Bosphurus Strait. It was historically referred to as Byzantium and Constantinople and is the largest city in Turkey and served as the focal point of several ancient empires. As a destination where different cultures converge; it is not hard to imagine that Istanbul does not lack on deluxe accommodations to welcome its visitors. To make your choices easier, we have line-up a list of five-star hotels to satisfy your fancy for a luxury travel experience in this enchanting city.
#1. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul, a captivating historical gem, is nestled in a century-old neoclassical abode in the heart of Istanbul’s oldest district, Sultanahmet. It is an intimate hotel with only sixty-five guestrooms that offers a calming oasis heightened by the thoughtful care and personalized service of the Four Seasons.
The rooms are awash with warm colors and have high ceilings and are equipped with remote control window blinds. The rooms and common areas offer a homey atmosphere which is only made more special by the cordial hotel staff. In addition, you can choose to stay in one of its eleven suites where some have steam rooms with marble seats reminiscent of small Turkish baths for an authentic pampering experience.
To satisfy your cravings, breakfast and buffet brunches are taken in the glass pavilion located at the courtyard; the venue is then transformed into Seasons Restaurant for lunch and dinner where Mediterranean cuisines takes center stage.
The central location of the property is a mere leisurely walk from top tourist attractions such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Likewise, with the iconic Hagia Sophia as its backdrop, the A’Ya Rooftop Lounge (pictured above) is the ultimate venue to enjoy a sundowner while savoring Turkish wines and cocktails.
#2. Raffles, Istanbul
The Raffles Istanbul is located in one of the city’s most desirable spots and occupies one of the four towers of Zorlu Center. The aforementioned is a hub for luxury shopping and home to the Turkey’s largest perform arts theater in Istanbul.
The Hotel offers commanding views of the city and Bosphorus from every vantage point. The Raffles Istanbul is modern in design and its interiors are adorned with a fabulous collection of specially commissioned artworks that mirrors Istanbul’s many facets. Likewise, its light and airy interiors are a breath of fresh air that were designed to create the feeling of tranquility within an urban center. Its public areas are spacious and radiates luxury through the lavish use of artisan chandeliers, sculptures, well-curated art installations and lush floral adornments.
The Hotel boasts of luxurious guestrooms highlighted by custom-made murals as headboards to depict a dreamy and somewhat fuzzy image of chandeliers from iconic landmarks to reflect its glorious history. All the rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies for the that priceless stunning vistas of the enchanting city and historic waterway.
To complete your Raffle experience, a drink at the famed Long Bar is recommended to try its Bosphorus Sling, a local twist to the timeless concoction attributed to the legendary bar of the first Raffles hotel in Singapore.
#3. The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul rises over the Bosphurus to provide stunning views of the famed waterway. It is a luxury hotel located in the Taksim neighborhood of Istanbul which is near notable landmarks such as Taksim Square and Topkapi Palace in the area.
The Ritz-Carlton is housed in the first twelve floors of Suzer Plaza, a towering multi-use and shiny building overlooking the famous Bosphorus. Aside from the impressive views, the Hotel is also known for its signature Ritz-Carton service combined with distinct local flare. This touch point is highlighted in the property’s chic guestrooms that features artistic local elements of glazed replicas of ancient Ottoman Empire coins and gorgeous cobalt-blue Anatolian ceramics in the rooms. Moreover, all 243 (including 23 suites) newly refurbished guestrooms are elegantly outfitted in light earthy tones and soothing creamy palette with lovely turquoise that reflects the famed Bosphorus.
Here, its panoramic windows put the city on full display so you can wake up to a marvelous sunrise over the bustling waterway. For a complete pampering time, a visit at the open-air spa facilities during the summer (June to September) is highly recommended.
The rooftop terrace has provisions for whirlpools, plunge pools, and loungers where you can partake on treatments overlooking the Bosphorus.
#4. The St. Regis, Istanbul
The St. Regis Istabul is located in a vibrant neighborhood in the heart of the Nisantasi district of the city. The location is famous for its luxurious boutiques, bustling culinary scene, the finest in art and lively entertainment. As such, to reflect the vibe of this dynamic locale, the Hotel was purposely-designed to highlight influences from modernist Art Deco elements.
From the moment you arrive, the elegantly designed lobby envelopes your senses into an art-deco-inspired atmosphere and eye-catching details of artistic Turkish origins. All 118 guestrooms showcase unique pieces from its contemporary art collection by internationally acclaimed Turkish artists and affords guests with views of either the Macka Park or the Abdi Ipekci Street thanks to its triangular and corner orientation. Essentially, the St. Regis Istabul’s guestroom and suites benefit from the bespoke service provided by its team of highly trained butlers that aim to please in providing insider guidance and assistance for a truly authentic experience of the city.
To satisfy your fancy for exquisite dining, the Hotel is home to Spago by renowned chef Wolfgang Puck and the eclectic St. Regis Brasserie for a refined dining experience unlike any other.
#5. Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
The Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul is your piece of “earthly paradise” in the heart of this exciting city where cultures converge and two continents meet to from a uniquely symbolic bridge spanning Europe and Asia.
This luxury hotel is your five-star retreat that blends the best of East and West cultural influences. As such, the Shangri-La Bosphorus unites the finest delicacies of Asia with Turkish hospitality in a luxurious environment on its European coast. It is well-located between Dolmabahce Palace and Naval Museum on the European coast of the Bosphorus.
This luxurious hotel that hugs the waterfront is home to exquisitely decorated rooms and suites with modern amenities, extensive dining options, indoor pool, and Chi Spa that are all complemented by the world-renowned heartfelt service of the Shangri-La brand. In addition, the Hotel has 186 guestrooms and majority of the 17 suites have their own private terrace; the most expensive of which are located on the corners of the hotel with panoramic views of the waterfront, Bosphorus, and Asia.
If you plan a visit, the views from the front rooms and the restaurant terrace overlooking the Bosphorus Strait is truly a sight to behold!
#6. Soho House, Beyoglu
The Soho House, Beyoglu is located in Palazzo Corpi in the center of Beyoglu district. It is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Bosphorus in Istanbul’s creative Beyoglu neighborhood. It is a venue for members to relax, eat and drink, and connect with the local community.
As such, it brings the scene of the Soho House to the creative melting pot that is Istanbul. The building, formerly housing the American Embassy, is an opulent 19th-century Palazzo with marble floors and textured walls decked out in the brand’s unrelenting style but with a Turkish twist. It has three restaurants, a rooftop terrace and enough quiet corners for meetings and lounging.
The Hotel has eighty-seven bedrooms of various sizes, including seventeen Mezzanine rooms and one Apartment. It also has a fitness center and spa as well as rooftop pools. Likewise, there is a chic lounge and bar called the Allis Istanbul that offers light breakfast or lunch and is open throughout the day to serve as the neighborhood’s social hub.
Here, as with all Soho Houses, the privileges of staying over is access to the member’s clubhouse where the cool crowd gather to the pulsating beats of the DJ while enjoying the majestic skyline of the city.
#7. Four Seasons at the Bosphorus
Another Four Seasons property made it on this list of luxury hotels in Istanbul. And why not? The Four Seasons at the Bosphorus is a gem of a hotel worthy of a visit if you want to get enchanted by its charming enclave.
The Hotel is housed in a 19th-century Ottoman mansion right at the edge of Bosphorus where Europe ends and Asia Manor begins; with the Asia-side just minutes away by sea. The Four Seasons at the Bosphorus is centrally located just steps from Besiktas ferry quay which makes it both an urban hotspot and a leisurely escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Hotel is also proud of its inviting waterfront pool and its serene spa with a staple hammam complete with dining venues and plush accommodations fit for royalty. All the suites express luxury and are housed in the historic building with views of the city’s iconic waterway.
Most notably, the Palace Roof Suites have a private sunken terrace overlooking the sea ideal for those private al fresco moments. Suffice to say, this posh 19th-century palace-turned-Four Seasons hotel offers endless possibilities to unwind within the vibrant city of Istanbul.
#8. Pera Palace Hotel
The Pera Palace Hotel is located on the western fringes of the bustling entertainment district of the Beyoglu with its myriad of shops, bars, restaurants and cinemas. The Hotel is considered the ideal place for travelers who prefer eating out and enjoy the nightlife.
The Pera Palace is a turn-of-the-century building with a Neo-classical façade. Nonetheless, the inside of this seven-stories hotel is as opulent as its gilded history with perfectly preserved interiors and well-curated fixtures and furnishings.
Its guestrooms have been refurbished to a high standard of extravagance with its high ceilings, generously large windows, king-sized bed with plush linens along with elegant Murano glass chandeliers, Turkish rugs that is positioned on immaculate wood floors, dark period furniture and rich draperies. As such, it is just a mere five-minute walk to the historic funicular, Tunel, that links in the train system at the Karakoy to bring passengers across the Golden Horn to the old city and Sultanahmet in a matter of minutes.
Suffice to say, when you stay in the Pera Palace Hotel, you are assured that you are well-positioned within the modern center and the historic old town so you may enjoy the best of both worlds.
#9. Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel
The Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel is truly a glorious palace befitting its five-star category in the luxury hotel scene of Istanbul. After all, it is the only genuine Ottoman Palace and Hotel where you can experience its historic grandeur and reflect on its mystique in a resort-style atmosphere.
It is nestled on the shores of the magnificent Bosphorus Strait that blends ancient mystique and modern five-star comforts. If you want to explore outside the palace grounds, the harbor side district of Ortakoy is within close walking distance from the Hotel. Here, you will enjoy a fascinating area full of seafood restaurants, antique stores, ceramic and jewelry shops.
On weekends, there is a vibrant street market with a fine selection of Turkish handicrafts and artisan finds. As a former palace for Ottoman Sultans, it has expansive courtyards lined with palm trees, gazeebos and its gorgeous waterfront infinity pool.
The Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel is home to 310 well-appointed guestrooms including 279 rooms and 20 suites in the main hotel section and 11 suites in the Imperial Palace.
#10. W Hotel Istanbul
The W Hotel Istanbul is nestled in the heart of the historic Akaretler Row Houses; an upscale neighborhood that is popular for its restaurants, cafes, and art galleries. Here, you can explore the local area of Besiktas and the upscale shopping district of Nisantasi for an authentic experience of Istanbul’s historic neighborhood that was transformed into a hip and trendy shopping district.
The W Hotel offers 136 well-appointed guestrooms and suites with a cool east-meets-west vibe that are equipped with modern comforts and everything you need to stay connected. It also comes with a fully-equipped fitness center with personal trainers that can customized your workout during your stay.
Afterwards, you can go to the W Lounge to indulge your palate with specialty cuisine inspired by the flavors of the world. A stay at the W Hotel will definitely change your perspective on luxury to one that lifts your soul to the pulsating energy of the local vibe.
#11. Park Hyatt, Istanbul
Park Hyatt Istanbul is nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Nisantasi where trendy boutiques, bars, fashionable cafes and restaurants are abundant. In addition, the Hotel is within walking distance of Taksim, the Bosphorus and the Istanbul Convention Center.
The Hotel has ninety well-appointed guestrooms and suites that truly captures the Hyatt signature elegance with local flare. Moreover, the rooms and suites feature rich wood layout with floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, and en suite bathrooms outfitted with steam rooms and tubs to relax after an active day of shopping or exploring the city.
Likewise, you can choose suites the offer a separate dining room, full Turkish baths, and private terraces with lovely views of the city and waterfront beyond. During your stay, take advantage of the whirlpools and steam room at the spa or take a swim in the rooftop pool.
#12. Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul is a collection of individual mansions nestled in the heart of Old Town. It is only a block away to reach the many attractions of the city such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, the Basilica Cistern among other notable iconic sights.
The Hotel is also home to a beautiful open-air dining courtyard, a spa and pool. Likewise, the open-air Green House Garden offers local and international favorites, afternoon tea, and shisha. Conversely, the Hotel is an intimate setting where you can enjoy the best that Istanbul has to offer in quiet and homey setting. Essentially, this 19th-century hotel has guestrooms that are elegantly designed and adorned with antique-style furnishings and private luxurious bathrooms.
#13. InterContinental, Istanbul
The InterContinental Istanbul is a luxurious hotel that towers above the modern Taksim district with guestrooms and suites that offer breathtaking views over the Bosphorus and the historic cityscape.
The Hotel is the ideal jumping point for exploring historical sites, museums, restaurants, clubs and trendy shops of the Ottoman’s capital city. It has three hundred ninety guestroom and suites that lures you to indulge your senses to the many sights of Istanbul with its amazing view.
During your stay, it is recommended to visit the top floor City Lights Restaurant and Bar, an exclusive venue where you can lounge in comfort amidst the backdrop of the ancient city of Istanbul. To satisfy your cravings, the Hotel offers extraordinary on-site dining that offers everything from gourmet delights to traditional Turkish flavors throughout the day.
You can also opt to indulge on a soothing massage treatments at the Spa InterContinental for truly relaxing stay.
#14. JW Marriot Istanbul Bosphorus
The JW Marriot Istanbul Bosphorus is located in an eclectic district of Karakoy with a celebrated past and rich future. As such, the Hotel offers a sense of place that embodies the neighborhood’s progressive ideals. It was built 180 years ago by Italian architects and has since been artfully transformed from its maritime legacy while retaining its original structure and 35-meter atrium; it is now heralded as one of Istanbul’s most elegance properties.
Here, you can explore a seemingly Bohemian neighborhood that is surrounded by alleys of boutiques, cafes, hip bars, and artisanal markets. Inspired by the diversity of its setting, JW Marriot Istanbul Bosphorus redefines the ever-evolving dining scene with its eight culinary concepts delivering international standards while celebrating authentic local flavors. Suffice to say, a stay at this historic property will engage you to the transformative influence of the district to local development and continuous rise of Istanbul as a major tourist destination.
#15. The Galata Istanbul Hotel – MGallery
The Galata Istanbul Hotel – MGallery is centrally located in the heart of Istanbul’s Beyoglu neighborhood that was beautifully resorted to its former glorious architecture. Interestingly, it was originally founded as a Turkish bathhouse in 1720 before becoming an illustrious bank nearly a century later.
In 2017, the entire structure underwent a major refurbishment that transformed it into the luxurious boutique hotel that it is today. It is definitely your exceptional choice when you plan a special vacation in a setting steeped in history. In addition, its unique charm is highlighted through the magnificent views from the hotel of two stunning points of interest: the Galata Tower and Golden Horn.
As such, its eighty-tree accommodations are well suited for travelers who prefer to comfortably rest in an elegant setting where personalized five-star service reigns supreme.