Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 best luxury hotels in Istanbul
A fusion of age-old glories and a cool, contemporary 21st-century culture, the magnificent metropolis of Istanbul is the only city on the planet to sit across two continents, Asia and Europe, with a narrow strait – the Bosphorus – in between them. Istanbul has been the capital of three great empires, the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and for more than 1,600 years over 120 emperors and sultans ruled the world from here. Today, it is Türkiye’s cultural and financial epicenter. With its myriad of world-famous mosques, glorious palaces, exquisite museums and colorful eateries, it’s also very popular with tourists. Here’s my selection of the 10 best luxury hotels in Istanbul, the fascinating city where East meets West.
There is more information below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite Istanbul luxury hotel in the comments section.
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10. THE RITZ-CARLTON ISTANBUL
- Hotel website: The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food and beverage credit).
9. SHANGRI-LA BOSPHORUS
Centrally located by the Bosphorus and close to shopping, sightseeing, and historic districts, Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul offers sanctuary in each of its 186 luxurious guest rooms and suites, while the restaurants provide exceptional dining experiences. Shang Palace is the hotel’s signature restaurant and Shangri-La’s culinary introduction to the city. Guests savor only the best Chinese-Cantonese dishes in a refined atmosphere. CHI The Spa introduces traditional Asian healing philosophies with its treatments, based upon the principles of restoring balance and harmony to the mind and body.
- Hotel website: Shangri-La Bosphorus
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, VIP welcome amenity, and $100 USD food and beverage credit).
8. RAFFLES ISTANBUL
Set in one of the most desirable areas in Istanbul, Raffles Istanbul captivates with its stunning Bosphorus views and gorgeous art collection, themed the “Dream of Istanbul.” The Forbes Travel Guide five-star awarded property for the 3rd consecutive years is located within Zorlu Center, where upscale fashion, fine food, and the arts converge. Hotel offers breathtaking views from its private terraces and a personalized butler service anticipates and answers all your needs. A rejuvenating hammam journey at The Raffles SPA is worth the detour, along with mouthwatering bespoke cocktails at the Long Bar or an enticing pan-Asian dinner at Isokyo.
- Hotel website: Raffles Istanbul
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. guaranteed upgrade at time of booking, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food and beverage credit; stays of 5+ nights will receive an additional $100 USD hotel credit for a total of $200 USD during stay).
7. PARK HYATT ISTANBUL – MACKA PALAS
Park Hyatt Istanbul – Maçka Palas combines historic art deco architecture with innovative design to create the perfect modern setting. Set in the fashionable Nişantaşi quarter, with plenty of trendy boutiques and restaurants nearby, the hotel exudes a timeless elegance that is at once relaxed and refined. Behind its art deco facade, you’ll discover the finest Istanbul has to offer – exquisitely designed guest rooms and 25 signature Park Premium rooms, featuring a Turkish hammam and spa experience; an exclusive spa and fitness center; and an outdoor pool. Be sure to check out the chic Wine Bar with its impressive cellar.
- Hotel website: Park Hyatt Istanbul – Macka Palas
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, local wine & fruit in room upon arrival, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit).
6. SIX SENSES KOCATAS MANSIONS
Located in the prestigious Sariyer district of Istanbul, the Six Senses property occupies two historic, three-level, sensitively-restored mansions – Kocatas Mansions and Sait Pasa. Both were built in the Ottoman era and previously owned by Necmettin Molla Kocataş, former Minister of Justice and founder of Kocatas Water. The 43 generously-sized guest rooms and suites have design features showcasing history, local flavors and Six Senses touches. This “Pearl of Bosphorus” shines through its commitment to community, sustainability, wellness and design, infused with touches of fun and quirkiness.
The numerous royals and heads of state staying at the Çırağan Palace are continuing a long tradition: in a previous life, this grandiose property on the European side of the Bosphorus was a residence for sultans. The regal feeling is most pronounced in the Palace suites, whose vaulted ceilings, elegant antiques and textiles evoke the opulence of the Ottoman Era. On-site dining options include Tugra, whose classic Turkish cuisine is considered among Istanbul’s finest. Lovingly restored and with an ideal seaside location overlooking Istanbul, the hotel provides a one-of-a-kind experience with its historic ambience, luxurious facilities, and impeccable service, including a personal butler for all palace guests. Award-winning dining venues feature a gastronomic journey, including the authentic Tuğra Restaurant, offering “the ultimate Ottoman dining experience,” complete with timeless palatial rituals.
- Hotel website: Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit).
4. ST REGIS ISTANBUL
Nestled in the heart of Nisantasi – known as Istanbul’s Fifth Avenue – the five-star St. Regis Istanbul is surrounded by exclusive shops, dining, art, and entertainment. Mere steps away are such destinations as Macka Park, the convention center, the city center, and the Bosporus. The hotel’s 118 sumptuous accommodations – including 10 suites, one of them being designed by Bentley – boast a unique identity of discrete luxury, timeless elegance, and compelling grace. Guests can experience exquisite rooftop dinner at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, savor international cuisine on the verdant terrace of St. Regis Brasserie, or be pampered with a bespoke treatment inside the hotel’s Iridium Spa.
3. FOUR SEASONS HOTEL ISTANBUL AT THE BOSPHORUS
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus reflects the changing face of modern Istanbul, infusing a 19th-century Ottoman palace with the contemporary elegance of its waterfront setting. Sunlight floods through the large windows in 145 guest rooms and 25 suites. Young guests enjoy the Mini Seasons Club while parents relax in The Spa, combining tradition with modern therapy. Enjoy the traditional Turkish hammam, famous for its purity, or lounge around the outdoor pool. Dine at Aqua, serving delicious seafood dishes with an extensive array of fine wines. Try YALI Lounge for all-day dining, and the chic indoor/outdoor bar.
- Hotel website: Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bospohorus
- Other accolades: The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in Turkey.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food and beverage credit).
- Review: read my review of the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus here.
2. MANDARIN ORIENTAL BOSPHORUS, ISTANBUL
On a stunning 200 m (700 ft) shoreline with panoramic views across the Bosphorus on the European side of Istanbul, the verdant Naile Sultan pine grove as its garden Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul is a chic and luxurious urban resort offering 77 spacious and luxuriously designed guest rooms with 23 suites each with a private terrace or balcony. A wide range of stylish wining and dining options including Novikov Istanbul and Mandarin Cake Shop, city’s first destination spa, two outdoor, one heated indoor pools accompanied by Kids Club for younger fans are offering is the perfect haven for discerning travelers.
- Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food and beverage credit).
1. THE PENINSULA ISTANBUL
Set on the iconic shores of the Bosphorus strait, The t property is home to 177 opulent guestrooms and suites, multiple dining venues serving local and international fare, plus lush gardens, indoor & outdoor swimming pools, and a full-service spa complete with hammam steam baths. Guests can also take advantage of the onsite shopping arcade, an 8,000-square-foot retail space. GALLADA & Topside Bar offer a celebratory menu inspired by the captivating flavours of ancient Silk Road cuisine from Türkiye through Central Asia to China with a vibrant atmosphere that takes you on a journey of the senses.
- Hotel website: The Peninsula Istanbul
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food and beverage credit).
