Istanbul, a fascinating city built on two Continents, divided by the Bosphorus Strait. This is one of the greatest cities in the world where you can see a modern western city combined with a traditional eastern city, it’s a melting pot of many civilizations and different people.
While no longer officially the Capital of Turkey, this thriving city is more famous than Ankara and is still the commercial powerhouse of Turkey.
Istanbul was the European Capital of Culture, 2010
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.
Four Seasons Hotel-Bosphorus is situated along the Bosphorus. The renovated 19th-century Ottoman palace features a historic architecture in harmony with luxurious details. An indoor pool and a heated outdoor pool with free parasols and sun loungers are available. The seafront property also has a garden and a spacious terrace with panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
This luxury hotel is only a 4-minute walk from one of Istanbul’s lively scenes, Besiktas Square.
Located in the heart of Istanbul, this 19th-century hotel offers luxury rooms just a 2-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia and Sultanahmet Mosque.
The rooms at Hagia Sofia Mansions are elegantly designed with antique-style furnishings and include a minibar and en suite bathrooms. Some rooms have a relaxing seating area.
The hotel's Sarnıç Fine Dining Restaurant serves dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Guests can also enjoy local cuisine at Hagia Sofia Mansions' lush garden, which features tropical flowers and a fountain.
Unlike the majority of luxury hotels in Istanbul, Raffles stands out as a symbol of a modern, self-confident Turkey. The hotel forms part of the award-winning Zorlu Center, which comprises an upmarket shopping center and performance venue.
All guests are assigned a personal butler. Service is attentive without being obsequious. The spa and wellness facilities are outstanding, with three hammams, seven separate treatment rooms and two couples' suites. The outdoor pool has expansive city views, the indoor one is bathed in natural light, and there are yoga and pilates studios as well as a state of the art gym.
This former tobacco warehouse which dates back to the Roaring Twenties, has been given a vibrant lease of life as one of Istanbul's most prestigious hotels. Virtually hugging the waterfront on the European side of the historic Bosphorus Strait, the views from front rooms and the restaurant terrace are superb.
The hotel is in Beşiktaş, an up-and-coming district full of lively bars and restaurants, sandwiched between the superb Maritime Museum and the quirky Palace Collections Museum. The opulent Dolmabahçe Palace is just a few minutes' walk away.
History enriches hospitality at Six Senses Kocataş Mansions, Istanbul - the city where East meets West. Occupying two restored heritage mansions and set overlooking the Bosphorus, the 45 guest rooms and suites showcase tradition and locality. Dining choices on offer include authentic Turkish cuisine, a delightful courtyard setting, and a return the mansions' golden era of La Belle Époque. Toro Latin GastroBar by Richard Sandoval is inspired by Pan-Latin and Asian cuisines.
Sofitel Istanbul Taksim is located in Taksim Square, a bustling entertainment hub of Istanbul.
There are 202 stylish guestrooms including 33 suites, each of which comes with Hermés products while all other guestrooms are equipped with Atelier Cologne bathroom amenities. Guests staying at Sofitel Istanbul Taksim will be able to enjoy stunning views of Taksim Square or the nearby Bosphorus strait. Guests, which stay in Club and suite rooms, have exclusive access to the property’s Club Millésime, with special services such as private check-in, personalized service, afternoon tea, and treats among others.
Swissôtel The Bosphorus is a Family-friendly Istanbul hotel in Istanbul City Center, near Dolmabahce Palace. Along with 5 restaurants, this hotel has a full-service spa and an indoor pool, a health club, a bar/lounge, and a poolside bar are onsite.
All 566 rooms feature thoughtful touches like espresso makers and bathrobes, plus free WiFi, free wired Internet, and flat-screen TVs with satellite channels. 24-hour room service, minibars, and free bottled water are among the other amenities available to guests.
