Accommodation · Hotels · Middle East · Regions · Turkey
3 of the best luxury hotels in Istanbul
Four Seasons Bosphorus
This hotel is absolutely stunning! It boasts the best location in town right on the waters edge of the Bosphorus. From the minute you walk into the hotel you are in awe of the amazing location, setting, views, elegance and luxury. Marble foyer, elaborate flower arrangements, polite and courteous staff make you feel instantly welcome.
The hotel is situated in a 19th Century Ottomans Palace, which used to be the sultans harem in the old days. Now there are 171 luxurious rooms and 25 suites located in the old palace and in the 2 newly added wings. Its not a huge hotel, which makes it even more intimate and luxurious.
Our only complaint is that 900 Euros get you only a partial view from Deluxe room. Only a few rooms / suites have the views of the Bosphoros despite hotel being on the waters edge. If the view is important to you – be prepared to part with 2,000 Euros plus for the Palace Bosphorus room. It is certainly not a cheap option but you will remember the stay here for years to come.
For ultimate pampering go for the One Bedroom Bosphorus suite (it will set you back about 3,800 Euros per night).
Hotels best feature terrace on the Bosphoros with stunning views spreading as far as the eye can see. Enjoy a delightful breakfast, lunch or an elegant dinner, hang out by the pool on a hot summer day whatever you choose to do, youll enjoy every moment!
We love al fresco dining on the terrace, polished silver service, hammam treatments in the spa.
Not our favourite having to pay an outrageous price for a view
All in all it is one of the top Four Seasons Hotels in the world. For a special treat book a suite with stunning views of the Bosphorus.
Kempinski Hotel Bosphorus
Another stunning hotel a couple of doors down from the Four Seasons. It is located in the original Sultans palace and is nearly twice as big as the Four Seasons. The service doesnt always feel as personal but for 700 Euros you a get a superior room with the partial view of the Bosphorus or a larger Deluxe Bosphoros View room for 1200 Euros.
The pool on the terrace is a real treat, especially if you travelling in summer with children. Start your day with a long lazy breakfast on the terrace, followed by the swim & sunbathing on the waters edge and follow with an afternoon of sightseeing and shopping. A day fit for a Sultan!
Pera Palace Hotel
For something different and a little more affordable try this historic Grand Dame of Istanbul. Overlooking the Golden Horne this stylish establishment offers the romance of old Istanbul with all the luxuries of the modern city. Pera Palace Hotel was designated with “museum-hotel” status in 1981, when, as a tribute to the founder of modern Turkey, Room 101 was converted into the Atatürk Museum.
People like Ernest Hemingway and Agatha Christie were frequent visitors to this historic hotel and up to this day this Pera Palce is home to many writers. Umberto Eco has checked out just a few days before our stay. The location in Beyoglu district is excellent for expoling the city. Youll find yourself surrounded by the cute cobble stone streets dotted with gourmet cafes and designer boutiques.
For a special treat book the Piano Suite a stunning suite with your own grand piano as the name suggests. It is decorated in modern designer style with dark velvet sofas, mirrors, black wood. Located on the top floor it has a cosy attic feel and offers breathtaking views of Istanbul.
We love – Enjoying a Nespresso coffee on the balcony of your Piano Suite with the spectacular view of Istanbul.
Not our favourite – Standard rooms don’t have the nicest outlook as there is a busy road and a carpark close by. Request a room on a highest floor.
All in all Excellent historic hotel in old town. Service cant be faulted (Jumeirah hotels pride themselves on impeccable service) and Piano suite is a real treat.
Have a wonderful stay in Istanbul!
Marina Noble is Founder of The Lux Traveller.
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Istanbul is a colourful busy city that has a lot to offer to modern day luxury traveller. It has a lot of history, culture, one of the world’s most beautiful harbours and a lot of luxurious hotels and restaurants. We have chosen 3 of the best hotels for you to sample – choose any one and a fantastic stay in Istanbul is guaranteed for your Istanbul vacation.
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I stayed at the Swissotel Bosphorus a couple of years back and found it to be an amazing choice as well–highly recommended!
Sharon – theworldwider.net