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Istanbul, Turkey, sits between Europe and Asia across the Bosphorous Strait. It’s an old city with many reflections of times past such as old empires. There is the open-air Hippodrome from the Roman era in the Sultanahmet District and the Egyptian obelisks.
There are rare Christian mosaics and the precious Byzantine Hagia Sophia.These are just a few of the attractions that Istanbul has to offer. There is also the cuisine, shopping, art galleries and museums.
To see as many of them as you can, you need to have a well-positioned base to call home. The best areas to stay are Sultanahmet, Karokoy and Beyoglu. The following are the best and good value hotels in Istanbul.
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What are the 10 Best Hotels in Istanbul City Centre?
1. AJWA Sultanahmet ★★★★★ (Top)
The Blue Mosque, 8 min. from AJWA Hotel
Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet is more than one of the city’s five-star hotels in Istanbul. It’s one of the best experiences you’l ever have in living in the lap of luxury and being catered to like royalty. Inside, guests are surrounded by the best of everything like deep-pile Persian carpets, marble tiles and walls, selected artwork and other exquisite decor. There are 61 rooms and suites. At the hotels Zeferan Restaurant, enjoy panoramic views as well as halal Turkish cuisine such as rice dishes, grilled meat and fresh vegetables. At Sukkari Pattisserie, sip on the best teas from all over the world. Rest and relax and be pampered in the world-class spa which is one of the finest in all the hotels. Work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center or enjoy a Turkish bath and sauna.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet ★★★★★ (Luxury)
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is just a few minutes away from historic sites such as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The hotel in a neoclassical home in the middle of the Old City that goes back centuries ago. The 65-room hotel has old charm and modern fittings, decor and equipment. Privacy and comfort are guaranteed in the rooms and suites. Dining and wining is on Mediterranean cuisine and is an elegant affair at the restaurant’s Seasons Restaurant. You can also be served in The Lounge on the lobby or choose in-room dining. There is also the A’ya rooftop lounge where you watch the sun go down with cocktails at hand.
3. The St. Regis Istanbul ★★★★★ (Top)
Located in Nisantasi District which is the most vibrant part of Istanbul, St.Regis Istanbul is one of the leading hotels. It is all about modernist Art Deco, world-class facilities and warm, dedicated service. Every night will be in your best in luxury rooms and suites that have won awards. St. Regis is also known for signature butler service that includes complimentary beverages served in-room, packing, unpacking and ironing. Excellence is carried on at Spago Restaurant and at Regis Brassiere where exquisite meals are served and only the best, premium label drinks are poured. At Iridium Spa, experience blissful face and body treatments. Venture outside and shop for designer fashion labels, visit leading art galleries and visit other attractions near the hotel.
4. Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul ★★★★★ (Bosphorus View)
Ciragan Palace Kempinksi Istanbul is in a class of its own in the Ottoman Palace and Hotels category. It is the only one in Bosporus and one of outstanding quality. This palace hotel has the ambience of a resort and offers the ultimate in luxury. The hotel section has 279 rooms and 20 suites while the imperial palace section has 11 suites. At the bars and restaurants, memorable dining and wining experiences are a promise. Ciragan Palace and Hotel is also the venue of choice for high level meetings for private meetings, corporate events, weddings and social events. The property has an optimum spa and heated infinity outdoor pool. The elite also love the fact that this is one of the few hotels they can access by helicopter, yatch or car.
5. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus ★★★★★ (Luxury)
Four Seasons hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorous looks like something out of a story book. It is not one of the most hotels in the city. It is the most expensive hotel in Istanbul. On the outside, this converted Ottoman palace has a stone walkway, sunny seating areas, French doors, lush flowers and gardens and tables set in front of bay windows. Inside, there are tubs facing high windows so you feel like you are bathing in the sun, marble bathrooms with wood shutters and large, cozy beds with padded headboards. Go swimming in the indoor pool or soak in the sun on the sunny deck and look down on the dock on a private cruise yatch.
6. Clarion Hotel Golden Horn ★★★★★ (Great Value)
Golden Horn, Istanbul
Stay at the Clarion Hotel Golden Horn and take a trip back to times past. Historical sites are as close as 10 minutes away. This includes places like Hagia Sofia, the Spice Market, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet, the Grand Bazaar and Hippodrame. The hotel is also close to Byzantine churches, the Greek Orthodox Patriach and Fener-Balag District where ancient wooden houses still stand. At the front of the hotel is Miniaturk, the pioneer miniature park where selected geographies are on show. After all the touring and sight-seeing, go back to the Clarion and sit down to a meal of the best international dishes at Halic Restaurant & Atrium Lobby Cafe. Sip on Turkish coffee and beverages at the lobby bar. At night, go to sleep in well-appointed standard, deluxe, deluxe with balcony rooms or suites for the best views you can have.
7. Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul ★★★★★ (Great Value)
Levent District
Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul stands in the Levent neighbourhood which puts it close to two shopping malls and a metro train station. Guests can relax in one of the best spas; a three-storey spa that has an indoor pool. End the day in spacious rooms with wood panelling and get fresh in marble bathrooms with rain showerheads. The rooms have large, flatscreen TV where you can watch movies on demand or cable. Kick back with a drink at the Gold Bar or enjoy the finest, most indulgent treatments at the Casia Spa or work out at the fitness centre.
8. Pera Palace Hotel ★★★★★ (Golden Horn Views)
Galata/Karaköy Quarter of Istanbul
Pera Palace Hotel, which goes back to the 19th Century, is one of the most unique hotels in Istanbul with its blend of the old and the new. It combines art nouveau, neo-classical and oriental style with all the modern comforts and amenities. Guests can take their pick from 115 rooms including 16 suites. Delectable meals are served at the signature restaurant Agatha and at the hotels French Patisserie. There is also the hotels famous tea lounge Kubbeli Lounge. The accommodation has an indoor pool with jet stream, a spa, Turkish Hammam and a fitness centre. There is also the Atatürk Museum Room which was created as a tribute to famous Turkish leader by the same name.
9. Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul ★★★★★ (Rooftop Pool)
Dolmabahçe Palace, 3 min. drive from Swissotel
Swissotel The Bosphorous is a five-star hotel that stands in the middle of the city on the European shores of the Bosphorous. It occupies 65 acres of age-old gardens and is close to shopping districts and a pulsating night life in various entertainment spots. There are 566 rooms and suites and has every modern fitting and fixture to ensure luxurious living. Meeting and event spaces that can hold as many as 1,200 is available. This includes a ballroom that is perfect for personal events like weddings. This is also the hotel that has the award-winning Purovel Spa & Sport offering world-class treatments and one of the best rooftop pools in all hotels.
10. Dosso Dossi Hotels Old City ★★★★ (Affordable)
Hahia Sophia, 4 min. on foot
Dosso Dossi Hotels Old City is highly rated as one of the best value hotels in Istanbul. It is in Sultanahmet District which puts attractions such as the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia Museum and Basilica Cistern in close proximity. The Sultanahmet Tram Station is four minutes away. Guests have at their disposal a sauna, spa and fitness centre. They also get free WiFi, round the clock service at the front desk and concierge service. The sound-proofed rooms have air conditioning, a safe, electric kettle and TV. Children get toys, strollers, a high chair, strollers and meals made specially for them. It is one of the best family hotels. Start your morning with a buffet breakfast and Turkish cuisine is served at the Tulip Restaurant. Drinks and beverages are poured at the lobby bar. A Turkish bath, steam room, sauna and fully fitted fitness centre are available.
What are the 4 Best Boutique Hotels in Istanbul?
1. The Bank Hotel Istanbul, a Member of Design Hotels ★★★★★ (Top)
Galata Tower
If you want to stay at a boutique hotel, try The House Hotel Karakoy. This hotel is all about modern art and flair and conveniently located close to the centre of the city’s financial district. This location makes for easy access to attractions like Galata Port, the free-spirited Pera Quarter and the historic area of Sultanahmet. It stands on two magnificent neo-Renaissance buildings that date back to 1863. Every night will be a good night in one of the 61 rooms and five suites. On the inside, it’s all about luxury with a soothing colour palette, marble bathrooms and customized lighting and features. A resident curator selects artwork and organizes exhibitions, events and other cultural activities. Appetites are satisfied at the hotel’s lounge on the fifth floor and the restaurant on the ground floor.
2. Soho House Istanbul ★★★★★ (Boutique)
Galata/Karaköy Quarter of Istanbul
Soho House Istanbul is on Palazzo Corpi which is from the 19th Century in Beyoglu District. One thing that makes it stand out from other hotels is that it is a members only club. It sleeps guests in 87 rooms. Amenities include a screening room that sits 57, a drawing room, pantry kitchen, dining room, games room, Embassy Club, club bar. Local Turkish and European cuisine are served and drinks can be enjoyed in the bar that has traditional Turkish seating. Guests can relax in the spa and steam room and work out in the health fitness where classes areoffered. Local membership gives members access to other Soho Clubs around the world.
3. Katelya Hotel (Affordable)
Blue Mosque, 4 min. on foot from Katelya Hotel
In Sultanahmet District, just five minutes away from the Blue Mosque is Katelya Hotel. It is rated as the best value hotels in Istanbul. Guests get free WiFi, free parking and uniquely decorated rooms that are as classic as they are modern. They have flat screen TV with satellite channels, a safe, tea and coffee machines, air conditioning and a mini bar. Hair dryers and complimentary toiletries are available in private bathrooms. An open buffet breakfast is served in the morning and there are many cafes and restaurants in the area. Also close by are the tram station, Topkapi Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Grand
Bazaar and Taksim Square.
Bazaar and Taksim Square.
4. Hotel Ibrahim Pasha (Affordable)
Blue Mosque, 2 min. frmo Hotel Ibrahim Pasha
If you are looking for a quiet place to call home while in Istanbul, consider Hotel Ibrahim Pasha Hotel. The hotel occupies two Ottoman homes on a secluded street in Sultanahmet. There are two fireplaces in the ground floor lobby and four storeys above. The rooftop terrace has a panoramic view of the Sea of Marmara and the Blue Mosque. There is also a bar that is accessed only by guests. A complimentary breakfast is served and a personal concierge is always at hand to offer any assistance needed. Free WiFi is available and guests can browse through a well-stocked library where a daily newspaper and magazines are available. Airport transfers can be arranged.
What’s the Best Hotel with Spa & Pool?
1. Raffles Istanbul ★★★★★ (Luxury)
Ortaköy Mosque in Besiktas
Raffles Istanbul presents a new perspective in the city of Istanbul Turkey that has so much history. It rises up towards the sky, offering a vantage view of the Bosphorous. Inside, it’s all about unmatched luxury and the top-quality accommodation and dining experiences. One place to experience this is at Raffles Spa where guests can enjoy blissful treatments such as Eastern massages and Turkish baths. There is also the Raffles Butler service which sees every need and whim seen to and makes Raffles one of the best hotels. It’s also all luxury when it comes to food and drink. Go for casual lunch or dinner to world-class wining and dining at the hotels many bars and restaurants. Private dinners can be organized and so can private events like weddings. Meeting rooms are available. You will have the greatest shopping experience at the Zorlu Centre which is attached to the hotel.
What’s the Best Hotel with View of Bosphorus?
1. Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul ★★★★★ (Top)
Dolmabahçe Palace, 11 min. from Shangri-La Bosphorus
If you want to stay at a place that has the best view of Bosporus, book into Shangri-La Bosphorous, Istanbul. The hotel is on the European banks of Istanbul Turkey on a 1930s building. It is in the Besiktas District and just 15 minutes away from the famous Dolmabahce Palace. The luxurious rooms have high-speed internet, a docking station for iPads, marble bathrooms with heated floors and Bvlgari toiletries making it one of the hotels with the best amenities. Continental dishes from Southeast Asia, Mediterranean and Turkey in the hotel’s Shang Palace. Chinese and Japanese dishes are also served. In the lobby lounge, over 100 types of teas and pastries are served. There is an indoor heated pool, hot tub, Turkish bath, steam room and suites with private spa.
Best Hotels in Istanbul City Centre
One must place to visit in Istanbul is Sultanahmet or Old Town. It is full of ancient sites and streets filled with vendors selling different things. Apart from some of the best hotels to stay at, there are also shops and restaurants ranging from affordable to high end.
In Beyoglu, you will enjoy street food, shops and a vibrant nightlife. One of the best places to visit in Beyoglu is Karakoy. It has very interesting streets between the cruise quay and Tophane tram station. New cafes are always being opened and you can find unique clothes and jewelry in shops and from street vendors. There is also the famous Julius Meinl Coffee Shop in Karaköy.
You cannot leave Istanbul without visiting Taksim Square in the centre of the city city centre. There are locals playing music on the streets and vendors selling a variety of street food like baklava sweets and kebabs. Try Turkish coffees and teas too. are just out of this world. At Grand Bazaar, shop for clothes, jewellery, bags, souvenirs and so much more. There is pretty of street food here too and many restaurants. The nougats and sweets are a real treat.
