Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet occupies a former prison. It's ironic, once you're inside, you might not want to leave. Situated on a quiet cobblestoned street, the three-story Neoclassical building that dates to 1918 is a stunner especially at night when it's dramatically illuminated. Its mustard-yellow facade is embellished with marble trim and blue enamel and has ivy vines climbing up to the roof.
Inside the lobby, traditional accents add authentic touches to contemporary decor, and well-heeled couples and families fill its airy corridors. There are soaring arches, floors inlaid with Turkish tile, handwoven kilim rugs, and intricate patterns carved into dark wood furniture. The setting in the piano bar is completely different. The space is styled like a Victorian townhouse's parlor, and afternoon tea is served in an elegant drawing room, with sky blue walls, a mosaic tile floor, and a fireplace. What was once the prison's exercise yard is now a sprawling interior garden, anchored by a glass roof building resembling a hothouse that contains the hotel's restaurant. It's surrounded by cafe tables and chairs for dining in fine weather.
