We’ve found the best boutique hotels in Istanbul from historic mansions to slick new builds
Explore Turkey's capital in style.
Already checked out Bodrum and looking for your next adventure in Turkey? The very best boutique hotels in Istanbul offer unique stays that open a world to the city’s colourful past alongside charming contemporary spaces. Take a look.
The best boutique hotels in Istanbul, Turkey
1. The Bank Hotel Istanbul
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 Bosphorus Straight, while serving authentic Turkish cuisine such as beef kofta with aioli, and orange and vanilla panna cotta.
Find out more about The Bank Hotel Istanbul
2. Sumahan on the Water
Sumahan on the Water 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 owners and 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 spa and fitness centre, which offers treatments using Turkish scents such as bergamot and rose. The waterside restaurant serves three delicious meals a day including the Sumahan breakfast platter, and lunch dishes such as grilled octopus and walnut baklava.
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3. Neorion Hotel
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 manages to encompass a small pool, jacuzzi, hammam, and massage area where you can relax with scrubs and body peels.
Find out more about Neorion Hotel
4. Hotel Empress Zoe
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 unexpecting, 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.
Find out more about Hotel Empress Zoe
5. Pera Palace Hotel
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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6. Hotel Ibrahim Pasha
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.
Learn more about Hotel Ibrahim Pasha
7. Six Senses Kocatas Mansions
Six Senses need no introduction as one of the world’s most exclusive, luxurious, and carefully designed hotel brands. Their Kocatas property is no exception, occupying two elaborately resorted heritage mansions consisting of 45 suites all with uninterrupted views of the Bosphorus Strait.
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 at any Six Senses, 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, anti-ageing centre, alchemy bar, and organic herb garden; there is no spa in the world quite like it.
Learn more about Six Senses Kocatas Mansions
8. The Stay Nisantasi
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.
Find out more about The Stay Nisantasi
9. Bebek Hotel
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, however we love the Dragon Restaurant, which serves Istanbul’s best Chinese food.
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10. Sirkeci Mansion Hotel
Housed in a stunning former konak, an opulent residence of the Ottoman Empire, Sirkeci Mansion’s unbeatable location is walking distance from 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 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.
Read more about Sirkeci Mansion Hotel
11. Vakko Hotel & Residence
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 but 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 tastebuds. Should you desire a bit of pampering, the hotel’s spa is forever ready to oblige with its range of ayurvedic and aromatherapy treatments.
Discover more about Vakko Hotel & Residence
12. Witt Istanbul Suites
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, 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 onsite 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.
Learn more about Witt Istanbul Suites
13. The Marmara Taksim
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.
Find out more about The Marmara Taksim
14. Georges Hotel Galata
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.
Learn more about Georges Hotel Galata
15. Hotel Amira
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 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.
Find out more about Hotel Amira
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