Luxury Hotels in Istanbul: Palaces, Bosphorus Views and Where Each One Fits

Istanbul has one of the most varied luxury hotel scenes in Europe. You can sleep in a former Ottoman palace on the Bosphorus, in a converted prison next to the Hagia Sophia, or in a glass tower overlooking the business district. Choosing well is less about star ratings and more about matching the location to your plans. This guide groups the city’s high-end hotels by area.

On the Bosphorus

The European shore between Beşiktaş and Ortaköy, and further north towards Bebek and Tarabya, has the most famous waterfront hotels. Some occupy historic palaces and mansions, others are modern buildings with terraces over the water. Expect a garden or pool on the shore, spa facilities and the view of ships passing in the strait. Getting to the old city takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. See also Bosphorus view hotels.

• Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul – Yıldız, Beşiktaş
• Mövenpick Hotel İstanbul Bosphorus – Balmumcu, Beşiktaş
• Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul – Sinanpaşa, Beşiktaş
• Six Senses Kocatas Mansions – Merkez, Sarıyer
• Swissotel The Bosphorus, Istanbul – Vişnezade, Beşiktaş
• The Grand Tarabya – Tarabya, Sarıyer

In the old city

A handful of high-end hotels in Sultanahmet are set in historic buildings within walking distance of the Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace. They tend to be smaller and more intimate than the Bosphorus properties.

• AJWA Sultanahmet – Emin Sinan, Fatih
• Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet – Cankurtaran, Fatih
• Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton – Sultan Ahmet, Fatih
• Radisson Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet – SultanahmetKennedy Cad, Fatih
• Radisson Hotel President Old Town Istanbul – Beyazıt, Fatih
• Sirkeci Mansion – Hoca Paşa, Fatih

Beyoğlu, Karaköy and Taksim

This is where you find historic grand hotels from the late Ottoman era as well as newer design-led luxury hotels in converted banks and offices near Galataport. A good choice if you want restaurants and nightlife close by. Read more in hotels in Karaköy and hotels in Taksim.

• Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection – Hacımimi, Beyoğlu
• CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul – Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu
• DeCamondo Galata, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel – Bereketzade, Beyoğlu
• InterContinental Istanbul, an IHG Hotel – Gümüşsuyu, Beyoğlu
• JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus – Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Beyoğlu
• Pera Palace Hotel – Evliya Çelebi, Beyoğlu
• The Artisan Istanbul MGallery – Omer AvniInonu Caddesi, Beyoğlu
• The Galata Istanbul Hotel MGallery – Arap Cami, Beyoğlu
• The Peninsula Istanbul – Kemankeş Karamustafa Paşa, Beyoğlu

Nişantaşı, Şişli and the business districts

Large international hotels around Harbiye, Şişli, Levent and Maslak serve business travellers and shoppers. They are close to the metro and often have good weekend rates when the business crowd leaves.

• Divan Istanbul – Harbiye, Şişli
• Fairmont Quasar İstanbul – Mecidiyeköy, Şişli
• Grand Hyatt Istanbul – Harbiye, Şişli
• Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel & Conference Center – Merkez, Şişli
• Istanbul Marriott Hotel Sisli – Merkez, Şişli
• Le Méridien Istanbul Etiler – Etiler, Beşiktaş

What you usually get at this level

• Larger rooms than the city average, often with views
• A spa with hammam, pool and fitness centre
• Several restaurants and bars, often with a rooftop or waterfront terrace
• Concierge services for restaurant bookings, Bosphorus boat trips and transfers

Booking tips

• Rooms with a Bosphorus or sea view can cost considerably more than “city view” rooms in the same hotel. Check exactly which view the room category has.
• Business-district hotels often discount at weekends; Bosphorus hotels are busiest in late spring and early autumn.
• Ask about airport transfers; luxury hotels often arrange them, but they are rarely free.

Listings in our directory show the hotel’s address, map location and phone number. Rates and room types should always be confirmed with the hotel itself.

Frequently asked questions

Which area is best for a luxury stay?

For views and calm, the Bosphorus. For sightseeing on foot, Sultanahmet. For restaurants and nightlife, Karaköy and Beyoğlu.

Is it worth paying for a Bosphorus view?

For a special occasion, many people think so. If you will be out all day, a hotel in a central area with a rooftop bar may give better value.

Are there luxury hotels on the Asian side?

Yes, a few, mainly along the Bosphorus shore in Üsküdar and Beylerbeyi and around Kalamış. See hotels in Kadıköy.