We’ve found the best boutique and luxury hotels in Istanbul, Türkiye, from historic mansions to slick new builds

Already checked out Bodrum and looking for your next adventure in Türkiye? The very best boutique and luxury hotels in Istanbul offer unique stays that open a world to the city’s colourful past alongside charming contemporary spaces. Take a look.

You might also be interested in reading our review of the Istanbul Taste of Two Continents Food Tour from Yummy Istanbul or our experience with a Hyatt Honeymoon in Istanbul.

The best boutique and luxury hotels in Istanbul, Türkiye

1. The Bank Hotel Istanbul | Karaköy, Beyoglu

Hotel: The Bank Hotel Istanbul
Address: Azapkapı, Bankalar Cd. No:5, Karaköy, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 62
Brand: Design Hotels / Marriott
Year opened: 2014
Style: Heritage bank building with contemporary luxury interiors
Best for: Design lovers wanting a stylish base in Karaköy
Family amenities: Family rooms and suites available
Wellness facilities: Turkish hammam, spa, sauna, steam room, massage suites
Prices starting from: £190 per night

The Bank Hotel is, as its name suggests, located in a former bank in Istanbul’s trendy Karaköy neighbourhood. The grand façade has been carefully preserved, while the interiors have been given a modern yet sophisticated update by designer Sinan Kafadar, who accents the sweeping staircases and marble columns with pops of bright colour and contemporary artwork.

The hotel has just 62 rooms, which are decorated with jewel-toned heavy curtains and armchairs. The most luxurious is the 83sq-m Penthouse Suite, which has its own living area, balcony and bathroom featuring white Brazilian marble.

Perfect for escaping the intensity of the city, the hotel’s spa combines a Turkish hammam with sauna, steam rooms, and massage suites. Offering three restaurants and bars, including the Silk Road-themed Serica, the jewel in the crown is the Bank Roof Bar, which has sweeping views over the Hagia Sofia and the Bosphorus Straight, while serving authentic Turkish cuisine such as beef kofta with aioli, and orange and vanilla panna cotta.

Read our full review of The Bank Hotel.

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2. Neorion Hotel | Sirkeci, Fatih

Hotel: Neorion Hotel
Address: Orhaniye Cd. No:14, Sirkeci, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 53
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 2011
Style: Traditional Ottoman-inspired boutique stay
Best for: Easy sightseeing near Istanbul’s historic landmarks
Family amenities: Family rooms and babysitting available
Wellness facilities: Indoor pool, jacuzzi, hammam, massage area
Prices starting from: £140 per night

The Neorion Hotel takes top spot as one of the most beautiful yet centrally located hotels in Istanbul, just a stone’s throw from the Hagia Sofia and the Galata Bridge. Although the building is not original, you would never question the beautifully maintained stained glass, Turkish-style textiles, and pretty exterior. Each of the 53 rooms continues to reflect the city’s heritage, with intricate paintings above the bed, Turkish rugs, and cool tiled floors, plus panoramic city views from superior suites.

The Turkish breakfast is enough to fill you up each day, but after a day of exploring, the free mezze served each afternoon in the living-room style lobby is a welcome treat. The spa is an unexpected addition, given the hotel’s small size, but it manages to encompass a small pool, jacuzzi, hammam, and massage area where you can relax with scrubs and body peels.

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3. Hotel Empress Zoe | Sultanahmet, Fatih

Hotel: Hotel Empress Zoe
Address: Akbıyık Cd. Adliye Sk. No:10, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 23
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 1997
Style: Artistic boutique hotel filled with antiques and Turkish character
Best for: Romantic stays in the heart of Sultanahmet
Family amenities: Family suites and interconnected rooms
Wellness facilities: Rooftop terrace and peaceful gardens
Prices starting from: £165 per night

Cultural enthusiasts will adore Hotel Empress Zoe, a collection of 23 rooms spread across multiple vintage townhouses surrounding a common courtyard next to a Turkish bathhouse dating back to 1483. If that’s not enticing enough, each individually styled room highlights the diversity of local craftsmanship by including local art, carpets, textiles, paintings, as well as wood and stone into the décor.

Pleasantly unexpected, the choice of rooms at the Empress Zoe is mind-boggling. Each brings something unique to the table, whether in size, interiors, views, or amenities. However, you need not worry about the standard niceties as all the rooms offer air-conditioning, heating, en-suites, toiletries, and a heady mix of regional heritage. Still, pick a room with a balcony for that extra bit of space and possibly some stunning sights of the Marmara Sea or the city.

Run by American sisters Christina and Ann Nevans, one must appreciate the delicacy with which they’ve integrated Turkish elements into the length and breadth of the hotel, keeping it authentic in disposition. As such, don’t miss out on spending time in the central garden, home to the hotel bar, perfect for an evening mingle. Of course, Empress Zoe’s rooftop terrace is another hidden nook on the property that leaves you in complete awe of Istanbul with its Blue Mosque vistas.

Read our full review of Hotel Empress Zoe.

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4. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet | Sultanahmet, Fatih

Hotel: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Address: Sultanahmet, Tevkifhane Sok. No: 1, 34122 Fatih, İstanbul
Number of rooms: 65
Brand: Four Seasons
Year opened: 1996, with extensive refurbishment in 2023
Style: Contemporary with oodles of stylish design elements added to accentuate the building’s architectural heritage
Best for: Luxurious, relaxing stay in a former Ottoman prison
Family amenities: Courtyard, Winter Garden, Pergola seating area, On-site restaurants 
Wellness facilities: Fitness centre, Access to the swimming pool at the nearby sister property
Prices starting from: £475 per night, depending on room choice and season.

Design house Goddard Littlefair’s recent refurbishment of the Four Seasons at Sultanahmet has given the one-time neoclassical prison building a new individuality without diminishing its former glory. Furthermore, its proximity to the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque enhances its appeal as a central luxury hotel in the heart of Istanbul. 

The building’s structure and interiors are surprisingly at odds with what one would expect of a prison. Originally designed by Mimar Kemaleddin Bey in 1918, the property is a striking example of Turkish neoclassical architecture. The atmosphere is villa-like, with a beautiful façade that welcomes residents into a space filled with mosaic walls, handcrafted furniture, customised lighting, rich materials such as brass, marble, and wood, and a regal colour scheme. The rooms highlight local art and history through paintings and artisanal furnishings, with marble en-suites, handwoven Turkish kilim, free WiFi, TV, and an espresso machine, adding local and contemporary amenities to the scene.  

Diners at the hotel are in for a treat thanks to the three fantastic in-house dining spots. Avlu, with Anatolian cuisine, and Lingo Lingo, with modern takes on classics, are where one goes to relish the finest dishes. In contrast, The Rooftop is all about the mood, an idyllic setting from which you get uninterrupted views of the city’s most iconic buildings. 

For some rest and relaxation, there’s Kurana Spa, or head on over to the lively central courtyard for a fragrant respite.      

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5. Hotel Ibrahim Pasha | Sultanahmet, Fatih

Hotel: Hotel Ibrahim Pasha
Address: Terzihane Sk. No 7, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 24
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 2010
Style: Elegant Ottoman townhouse conversion
Best for: Boutique charm with Blue Mosque views
Family amenities: Family rooms available
Wellness facilities: Rooftop terrace and lounge spaces
Prices starting from: £170 per night

A mere 100 metres from Istanbul’s spectacular Blue Mosque, Hotel Ibrahim Pasha is hidden quietly along a narrow street. The hotel looks modern and unassuming from the outside, and so it should, since it was created by merging two spacious Ottoman townhouses. Inside, it still feels like a home, if a very sumptuous one, with flickering fireplaces, leather sofas, and fully stocked bookshelves.

Rooms come with queen-sized beds, ensuite bathrooms with rain showers, plus thick oriental rugs, antique wooden sofas and warm lighting. The hotel doesn’t offer lunch or dinner, but breakfast is a delectable spread of croissants, meats, cheeses, and fresh juice, plus you can enjoy a drink in the rooftop bar for sunset views over the minaret-littered skyline.

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6. Kocatas Mansions Istanbul | Sariyer

Hotel: Kocatas Mansions Istanbul
Address: Merkez Mahallesi, Meserburnu Cd. No:5, Sarıyer, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 45
Brand: Minor Hotels
Year opened: 2020
Style: Ultra-luxury Ottoman waterfront mansions
Best for: Wellness-focused luxury on the Bosphorus
Family amenities: Family suites and children’s experiences
Wellness facilities: Signature Six Senses Spa, hammams, pools, wellness programmes
Prices starting from: £520 per night

Occupying two elaborately restored heritage mansions consisting of 45 suites, all with uninterrupted views of the Bosphorus Strait, Kocatas Mansions Istanbul is a treat for all the senses.

From the sweeping double staircase to the beautiful handpicked art dotted throughout and rooms that wouldn’t look out of place in a palace, it is the ultimate Turkish escape. The waterfront rooms are simplistically elegant, with antique writing desks and oriental furnishings, as well as free-standing tubs in the marble bathrooms. The hotel’s multiple restaurants could keep a guest satisfied forever, but the picks of the crop are Chef Erdal’s Turkish restaurant in the hotel’s atmospheric courtyard, and the stunning 1860 Lounge, which has cosy armchairs on the terrace and views over the water.

If you do one thing here, heading to the spa should be on the list. Offering a full range of amenities including a pool, three hammams, two saunas and steam rooms, an anti-ageing centre, alchemy bar, and organic herb garden; there is no spa in the world quite like it.

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7. The Stay Nisantasi | Nisantasi, Sisli

Hotel: The Stay Nisantasi
Address: Harbiye Mah. Abdi İpekçi Cd. No:30, Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 44
Brand: The Stay Hotels
Year opened: 2013
Style: Minimalist contemporary boutique hotel
Best for: Fashion, shopping and stylish city breaks
Family amenities: Suites suitable for families
Wellness facilities: Fitness facilities and in-room wellness treatments
Prices starting from: £240 per night

The Stay Nisantasi was the brand’s second Turkish opening, following the success of Stay Bosphorus. Also designed by the city’s renowned Autoban Design Group, the property shares its street with the likes of Prada and Chanel. Interiors are minimalist chic with neutral grey tones, unique design pieces and sleek curved rooms.

In the bedrooms, the plush carpets are deep enough to sink into, although the large bathrooms made of full marble have glass walls, leaving little room for privacy. Larger suites also have wood-decked balconies with central city views, ideal for enjoying a slow morning and a light breakfast. The Nisantasi Lounge, which is the sole restaurant onsite, serves a small but curated menu of international dishes such as Caesar Salad, Tagliatelle and the hotel’s own ‘The Stay’ Burger.

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8. Grand Galata Hotel & Spa | Galata, Beyoglu

Hotel: Grand Galata Hotel & Spa
Address: Bankalar Cd. No:27, Karaköy, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 20
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 2021
Style: Contemporary urban boutique hotel
Best for: Trendy stays close to Galata Tower
Family amenities: Family-friendly room options
Wellness facilities: Indoor pool, hammam and sauna
Prices starting from: £145 per night

If Galata Tower is on your hit list for visiting Istanbul, then Grand Galata Hotel & Spa could be the perfect place for you to stay. A selection of spacious and contemporary rooms in muted tones offers exquisite views of the nearby neighbourhoods, with some even having vistas of the sea.

There’s an indoor pool, hammam, and sauna if you’re in need of some downtime, and the rooftop restaurant and bar is the place to be for sundowners.

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9. Sirkeci Mansion Hotel | Sirkeci, Fatih

Hotel: Sirkeci Mansion Hotel
Address: Taya Hatun Sk. No:5, Sirkeci, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 32
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 2007
Style: Ottoman mansion-inspired boutique hotel
Best for: Friendly service and traditional Turkish hospitality
Family amenities: Family rooms and child-friendly services
Wellness facilities: Indoor pool, Turkish bath, sauna and spa
Prices starting from: £175 per night

Housed in a stunning former konak, an opulent residence of the Ottoman Empire, Sirkeci Mansion’s unbeatable location is within walking distance of the Hagia Sofia and Topkapi Palace. The hotel’s interior retains its old-world style, with heavy emphasis on pink tones and antique wood, stained glass domes to let in light and delicately patterned carpets.

The rooms are similarly old-fashioned, with hardwood floors, headboards stretching to the ceiling and your own embroidered Turkish style bathrobe. Deluxe rooms even manage to squeeze in a balcony overlooking Gulhane Park and a Jacuzzi. The hotel’s wellness centre, which has an indoor pool, spa, sauna, and Turkish bath, is bathed in a deep pink light akin to much of the hotel’s wallpaper and has no shortage of rose petals to create a romantic atmosphere. Neyzade serves traditional Turkish cuisine, which you can enjoy either in the formal dining room or out on the terrace, which also serves all-day drinks and has sunbeds with leafy park views.

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10. Vakko Hotel & Residence | Nisantasi, Sisli

Hotel: Vakko Hotel & Residence
Address: Abdi İpekçi Cd. No:43, Nişantaşı, Şişli, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 31 suites
Brand: Vakko
Year opened: 2022
Style: Fashion-led luxury residence hotel
Best for: Luxury shopping weekends and long stays
Family amenities: Adults-focused property with limited family facilities
Wellness facilities: Spa treatments, aromatherapy and wellness therapies
Prices starting from: £600 per night

Vakko Hotel & Residence epitomises designer boutique hotels in Istanbul. A passion project of the renowned Turkish fashion and lifestyle brand, the adult-only residence occupies an 11-floor building and consists of 31 suites and one restaurant. The real magic is on the inside, where sophisticated elegance exudes from every corner, and attention to detail forms an integral part of the hotel’s service mantra. Not to forget, the complimentary butler service had us wowed from the very beginning. 

Rich but muted colour tones of beige and gold welcome guests to their private quarters, each drowning in the very best of luxury furnishings. Soundproofing, hypoallergenic beds, an espresso machine, a wine rack, a hand-held steamer, 24-hour room service, and a surround sound system are just a few features that help enhance the time you spend in any room. The tipping factor that makes Vakko one of the best places to stay in the city is the spaciousness of these beautiful habitats that come with walk-in cupboards, separate dining and living spaces, fully-equipped kitchens, and marble en-suites.

The hotel’s in-house restaurant, Vakko L’Atelier, is an equally spectacular spot to dine and socialise throughout the day. Whether going al-fresco or sitting indoors under the skylight, the food here, a fusion of French and world cuisines, will surely tickle your taste buds. Should you desire a bit of pampering, the hotel’s spa is always ready to oblige with its range of ayurvedic and aromatherapy treatments. 

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11. Witt Istanbul Suites | Cihangir, Beyoglu

Hotel: Witt Istanbul Suites
Address: Defterdar Yokuşu No:26, Cihangir, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 18
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 2008
Style: Contemporary design suites with apartment-style living
Best for: Longer stays and creative travellers
Family amenities: Apartment-style suites suitable for families
Wellness facilities: Rooftop garden and wellness-focused amenities
Prices starting from: £210 per night

Created by leading Istanbul-based design firm Autoban, Witt Istanbul Suites is an oasis of contemporary calm in the city’s busy Cihangir district. It is clear that no expense has been spared on the interiors, since there are only 18 apartment-sized rooms, with plenty of wood, leather, and stone accents. With just three rooms per floor, each one has a king-sized bed, king wardrobes, a Nespresso machine, and Molton Brown toiletries.

The bathrooms alone are worth staying here for, dressed head to toe in grey marble, with six shower heads for an always-on spa feeling. The hotel opts not to have an on-site restaurant, being surrounded by so many excellent eateries, although breakfast can be delivered to your room each day. You can enjoy a refreshing drink in the rooftop permaculture garden, which has been created to encourage sustainable agriculture, and from where you can spot almost every iconic sight in Istanbul.

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12. The Marmara Taksim | Taksim Square, Beyoglu

Hotel: The Marmara Taksim
Address: Taksim Meydanı, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 388
Brand: The Marmara Group
Year opened: 1976
Style: Contemporary luxury city hotel
Best for: First-time visitors wanting a central location
Family amenities: Family rooms and babysitting services
Wellness facilities: Spa, rooftop pool, Turkish bath and fitness centre
Prices starting from: £230 per night

With the rush of Taksim Square all around, a vantage location providing stunning city panoramas, and spaces that place you in the midst of colours influenced by Ottoman kaftans, The Marmara Taksim, a grand sojourn comprising over 350 abodes, club rooms, and suites, is a five-star boutique hotel in Istanbul teeming with exotic character and style.

Renovated in 2011, under the watchful eyes of the Dallas-based design firm Wilson Associates, the hotel is much preferred by travellers who want immaculate service, top-class amenities, and worldly luxury. The rooms at the Marmara Taksim showcase modern design interwoven with the latest indulgent accommodation. You can expect high-speed WiFi, 40″ TVs, in-room dining, desks, armchairs, coffee/tea makers, branded toiletries, and inviting beds in all the abodes.

Facilities at the hotel cover all possible grounds, with the spa and wellness centre providing much-needed rejuvenation. At the same time, the rooftop pool proves to be a refreshing respite and the hotspot to catch a birds-eye view of the city’s rooftops. Gourmands need not step outside, either. Marmara Taksim is home to a lobby restaurant and bar, the Café Marmara, and the absolutely drool-worthy Chocolate Shop, famous for its truffles, cakes, and creative desserts.

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13. Georges Hotel Galata | Galata, Beyoglu

Hotel: Georges Hotel Galata
Address: Serdar-ı Ekrem Cd. No:24, Galata, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 20
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 2011
Style: Parisian-inspired boutique luxury hotel
Best for: Chic rooftop dining and Galata nightlife
Family amenities: Larger suites suitable for small families
Wellness facilities: Rooftop terrace and wellness-focused stays
Prices starting from: £220 per night

Think of an 1882 historic building close to the Genovese Galata Tower, reimagined as a luxurious city escape in 2011, and the fog over Georges Hotel Galata starts to lift. Designed by Alex Varlık and Eric Kamhi in collaboration with local artisans and architect Han Tümertekin, the hotel embraces the idea of understated chic while delivering its guests with one of the coolest places to stay in Istanbul – Georges doesn’t even have a sign outside its main entrance.

The rooms here take on a more eclectic persona, albeit a subdued one, where vintage-styled decorative mouldings juxtapose the rather in-vogue bare-brick walls. Bathrooms are equally hip thanks to the all-glass enclosures and black marble tiling. As for creature comforts, there’s parquet flooring, duck-down duvets, desks, and plenty of space to move around. We recommend opting for one of the sea-view rooms with a balcony to be blessed with gorgeous panoramas featuring the Bosphorus and the Prince’s Islands.

Should you choose to go with one of the interior rooms, do plan a meal at the hotel’s in-house restaurant. The rooftop terrace eatery is a great location to admire the surroundings while indulging in thoughtfully prepared signature cocktails and delectable recipes.

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14. Hotel Amira | Sultanahmet, Fatih

Hotel: Hotel Amira
Address: Küçük Ayasofya Mah. Mustafa Paşa Sk. No:79, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 34
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 2010
Style: Contemporary boutique hotel with Ottoman touches
Best for: Comfortable stays within walking distance of Hagia Sophia
Family amenities: Family suites available
Wellness facilities: Fitness room and rooftop relaxation terrace
Prices starting from: £160 per night

Even though Hotel Amira proudly sits in the historical neighbourhood of Sultanahmet, its façade has a modern, almost Californian architectural look that complements its close-to-the-water location. Architect and interior firm Design Partners International carry similar aesthetics inside, filling up the common spaces with a classic meets bohemian aura brought about through beautiful large paintings, turquoise bookshelf, coloured lights, and oddities such as park-like benches in the reception area.

The 34 rooms are more elegant in their spirit, spacious and cosy, with luxe extras promising a contemporary stay. All the abodes at Amira come with air conditioning, free WiFi, and 24-hour room service, and include a buffet breakfast. The choice of a jacuzzi tub or rain shower in the en-suites, LCD TVs, desks, designer coffee tables, and balconies are elements that further add to the oomph factor of the rooms.

Nearby the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, plenty of sights around the hotel that are worth exploring. This is precisely why Amira’s rooftop bar and restaurant, Amiralto, acts as an idyllic spot for an evening wine session and culinary adventure with gorgeous city-wide sceneries after a hectic day discovering the wonders of Istanbul.

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15. Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus | Uskudar

Hotel: Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus
Address: Kuleli Cd. No:43, Çengelköy, Üsküdar, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 24
Brand: Vakko
Year opened: 2005 (reimagined in 2022)
Style: Refined Bosphorus waterfront retreat
Best for: Quiet luxury away from the city centre
Family amenities: Spacious suites suitable for families
Wellness facilities: Hammam, fitness centre and spa treatments
Prices starting from: £650 per night

Vakko Hotel Sumahan Bosphorus truly lives up to its name. Wherever you go, whether by the open window of your room or in the outdoor restaurant, you can hear the water lapping nearby. The building, once an Ottoman distillery, is now kitted out with modern design features, although you can still sample a glass of raki in the bar, which the distillery once produced.

The architects, Nedret and Mark Butler, have ensured that despite the sleek furnishings around the hotel, the rooms are surprisingly cosy, all with endless views over the Bosphorus, cosy fireplaces, wooden beams, and soft woven rugs. Some loft suites come with an in-room hammam, although you can also head to the hotel’s own hammam and fitness centre, which offers treatments using Turkish scents such as bergamot and rose.

Vakko L’Atelier makes divine French pastries on the lobby floor, while Caviar Kaspia brings the famed Parisian caviar institution to the Turkish capital, and Vakko Le Specialità  is all about classic Italian dishes.

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16. Fragments Hotel | Cihangir, Beyoglu

Hotel: Fragments Hotel
Address: Cihangir Mah. Tel Sk. No:8, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 15
Brand: Independent
Year opened: 2017
Style: Affordable contemporary boutique hotel
Best for: Budget-friendly boutique stays in Cihangir
Family amenities: Family rooms available
Wellness facilities: Rooftop restaurant and spa tubs in select rooms
Prices starting from: £120 per night

Ideally located within walking distance of Taksim Square, Fragments Hotel is a modern boutique hotel in Istanbul that is surprisingly affordable. The interiors are crisp, spacious, and contemporary, with some rooms featuring balconies and spa tubs, perfect for moments of relaxation.

The rooftop bar/restaurant, Arwin, offers great views of the city and serves a selection of local and international – we particularly enjoyed the Turkish breakfast. What makes this hotel really special is the incredible team who are always so friendly and happy to help.

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17. Bebek Hotel | Bebek

Hotel: Bebek Hotel
Address: Cevdet Paşa Cd. No:34, Bebek, Beşiktaş, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 22
Brand: The Stay Hotels
Year opened: Relaunched in 2022
Style: Chic waterfront boutique hotel on the Bosphorus
Best for: Stylish couples’ escapes by the water
Family amenities: Adults-only hotel
Wellness facilities: Rooftop terrace and wellness-focused stays
Prices starting from: £320 per night

Swapping city souks for the water’s edge, The Stay’s Bebek Hotel is perched right on the Bosphorus in a vintage 1950s property. The interiors were designed by architect Mahmut Anlar and feature plenty of dark wood, gold fixtures and modern art. The rooms, many of which have sea views, contrast wooden walls and antique chests with soft green carpeting. The spacious Corner and Bosphorus Suites have touches such as embroidered pillows and glass drinks cabinets, so you can have a tipple while taking in the view.

For yet more spectacular scenery, head to the rooftop bar, which has cosy string lights and comfy rattan chairs for a picture-perfect sundowner. After dark, stay for dinner in Bebek Terrace Restaurant for traditional Turkish or seafood dishes. We love the Dragon Restaurant, which serves Istanbul’s best Chinese food.

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18. Pera Palace Hotel | Pera, Beyoglu

Hotel: Pera Palace Hotel
Address: Meşrutiyet Cd. No:52, Tepebaşı, Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Number of rooms: 115
Brand: Independent luxury hotel
Year opened: 1895
Style: Belle Époque grand hotel with Orient Express heritage
Best for: Old-world glamour and historic luxury
Family amenities: Family suites and babysitting services
Wellness facilities: Pera Spa, indoor pool, hammam, sauna, fitness centre
Prices starting from: £260 per night

Pera Palace needs little introduction as one of Istanbul’s oldest and most opulent hotels. Opened in 1895 and designed by renowned architect Alexander Vallaury, it has played host to guests ranging from Ernest Hemingway to Greta Garbo. Although the hotel’s façade hints at its interiors, once inside, the excess you imagined is magnified tenfold. From the Kubbeli Lounge, with its six glass domes, chandeliers, marble columns, and gilded ceilings, to Room 101, which honours the life and work of Mustafa Atatürk, every room is more impressive than the next.

Standard rooms feature antique furniture, marble bathrooms, and photos of Turkish life, while many of the larger rooms are named for past visitors, such as the Agatha Christie and Mata Hari Suites. The 400sq-m Pera Spa has an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, TechnoGym equipment and massage rooms. Deciding between the five restaurants and cafes is tricky, but we recommend either the Kubbeli Lounge, for old-style glamour and a piano accompaniment while you eat, or the sugary pink Patisserie de Pera for an afternoon of French cakes and Turkish treats, alongside a strong cup of coffee.

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21. Golden Horn Bosphorus Hotel | Sirkeci, Fatih

Hotel: Golden Horn Bosphorus Hotel
Address: Hocapaşa mah. İstasyon Arkası Sok, No:9 Sirkeci, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey 34112
Number of rooms: 40
Brand: Grand Horn
Year opened: 2024
Style: Modern with a hint of vintage 70s style and colour palette
Best for: Families, couples and business travellers wanting to experience comfort close to the city’s main attractions
Family amenities: Double-storey loft lounge
Wellness facilities: Technogym fitness centre
Prices starting from: £75 per night, depending on room type and season.

Old meets stylish at the Golden Horn Bosphorus Hotel, located in the well-connected and picturesque Sirkeci district of Istanbul. The recently opened hotel welcomes guests to a luxurious residence that boasts some of the best views of the Bosphorus. Architectural and interior design by Şahin Sari Architecture capitalises on the property’s iconic waterfront location, using large windows to offer guests unobstructed views while allowing natural light to warm the interiors.

The rooms, while laden with modern amenities, have a certain retro ambience, brought about by colourful furnishings, padded headrests, marble-top side tables and desks, as well as brass light fittings. En-suite showers, coffee- and tea-making facilities, toiletries, daily housekeeping, and smart TVs ensure your time indoors is relaxing.

A boutique property, Golden Horn’s lobby cafeteria and lounge serve as ideal spots for a relaxing bite or a meeting.

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22. Cronton Design Hotel | Sirkeci, Fatih

Hotel: Cronton Design Hotel
Address: Hobyar Mah. Rahvancı Sok. No: 5 34112 Sirkeci, Istanbul
Number of rooms: 39
Brand: Cronton
Year opened: 2022
Style: Old-world grand, with traditional interiors given a recent modern refurbishment
Best for: Travellers wanting to bask in the historic opulence of the city’s architecture
Family amenities: On-site restaurants
Wellness facilities: Turkish Bath, Sauna, Hygiea Spa & Wellness, and Beauty Room
Prices starting from: £150 per night, depending on room type and season.

An imposing sense of elegance runs through every alcove of the Cronton Design Hotel, situated within the historic Vakıfhan building, originally designed in 1911 by architect Kemaleddin. In its present identity as a premium designer boutique hotel in Istanbul, the property celebrates its historic grandeur while adding features to delight present-day travellers. Among the most notable of its design components are the vibrant façade and the hotel’s four-sided view of the city.

The 39 rooms of the hotel are striking from the moment you step inside. High ceilings, marble en-suites, plush furnishings, brass detailing, wooden flooring, and a design theme that focuses on the history of 1st Vakıfhan give each room ample character. The Executive King Suite deserves special mention for its refined décor, which includes a standalone bathtub, leather couches, decorative accent headwalls, and designer lampshades.

The hotel’s spa offers the chance to unwind with a Turkish bath or bespoke facial treatments. Meanwhile, the Sirkeci Restaurant 1912 enchants gourmands with its regional cuisine bursting with local flavours.

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23. Me by Mula | Fatih

Hotel: Me by Mula
Address: Küçük Ayasofya, Mustafapaşa Sok. No: 18, 34080 Fatih, İstanbul,
Number of rooms: 27
Brand: Mula Hotels
Year opened: 2023
Style: Luxury boutique with a grand villa-like attractiveness and an intimate setting
Best for: Couples and family travellers
Family amenities: Family rooms, buffet breakfast
Wellness facilities: Fitness centre
Prices starting from: £245 per night, depending on room type and season.

Right in the heart of the Old City, close to attractions such as the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace, Me by Mula is a lovely boutique hotel in Istanbul that charms with its simplicity.

The abodes at Me by Mula, while current in their design, have a somewhat majestic appeal thanks to soft tones of gold and beige. In-room features, common irrespective of the type of room you pick, include air conditioning, en-suites, mini bar, Nespresso, complimentary WiFi, 46″ Smart TV, and central heating. Our accommodation pick, though, has to be the terrace room, which comes with extra al-fresco space and sea views.

The hotel’s Nishane Restaurant, with its indoor-outdoor seating, offers residents the chance to enjoy a buffet breakfast or delicious à la carte dishes throughout the day. Mula Terrace is a quiet spot from which to admire stunning views and to lounge with a drink or two come evening.

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24. Orientbank Istanbul Hotel | Sirkeci, Fatih

Hotel: Orientbank Istanbul Hotel
Address: Hobyar Mah Findikci Remzi Sok No: 7 Sirkeci, Istanbul
Number of rooms: 36
Brand: Marriott: Autograph Collection
Year opened: 1912, with latest renovations in 2021
Style: Old-world grace with Art Deco features
Best for: Travellers looking to stay in a historically iconic hotel
Family amenities: Breakfast included in rooms, Butler service
Wellness facilities: Pillow menu
Prices starting from: £250 per night, depending on the room type and season.

Dating back to the early 1900s, history is an integral part of the Orientbank Hotel. Built initially as the Deutsche Orientbank by architect August Jasmund, it enjoys a prime position in the Sultanhamam area of the city. Guests with a penchant for the vintage will love discovering that the hotel still features original heirlooms from its construction, including the Copper Terrace Dome, the handmade marble spiral staircase, the Art Deco elements, the wooden revolving door, and most of the exterior frontage.

The rooms here follow a vintage theme, with soft-coloured walls and furnishings. Luxury niceties in your private space include premium linens, toiletries, a mobile key, butler service via WhatsApp, a pillow menu, high-speed internet, and a tea- and coffee-making machine.

Dining at the hotel is thematic, from breakfast served in the Lobby Lounge to the intimacy of the basement Jazz Club and the seasonal Kuppel Lounge on the roof, for a romantic sundowner.

Find out more about Orientbank Istanbul Hotel or Book through Booking.com  Book through Expedia Book through Agoda

Frequently asked questions: best boutique and luxury hotels in Istanbul