The Top 5 Hotels in Istanbul

As the capital of numerous empires throughout history, Istanbul stands as one of the world’s oldest cities. Spanning the border between Europe and Asia, this vibrant metropolis, home to more than 15 million inhabitants, offers an abundance of attractions. Highlights include the lively Grand Bazaar, the renowned Hagia Sophia, and the tranquil shores of the Bosphorus River.

Turkey is renowned for its hospitality, which means there are numerous excellent hotels offering exceptional service. It’s an ideal destination for a luxurious experience. I particularly appreciate that many hotels are situated in historic buildings, allowing you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history wherever you stay.

However, (as with any place), there are numerous mediocre choices as well. To assist you in saving time and money, here is my compilation of the top hotels in Istanbul:

Celine Hotel Ottoman Mansion

This four-star hotel is situated in a former Ottoman mansion in Sultanahmet, merely a brief stroll from Istanbul’s key attractions. The fact that the whole establishment preserves its historic ambiance and charm is something I adore. It features late Ottoman-style décor, including grand wooden ceilings, gilded paintings, hardwood floors, and period furniture. The lounge even boasts a fireplace.

The rooms are equipped with wooden wardrobes and desks, comfortable beds, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an electric kettle, a safe, and a minibar. Guests receive two complimentary bottles of water per room each day. The bathrooms feature marble sinks, deep bathtubs, and rainfall showerheads, which are a major perk in my opinion. Additionally, free toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, and a hairdryer are provided.

Each morning in the inner courtyard, an outstanding complimentary breakfast is available. I particularly appreciate the diverse selection that encompasses both Turkish and Western choices, offering a wide range of options such as fresh pastries and breads, fruits, eggs, and sweet cakes.

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2. Sultan Hamit Hotel

This three-star hotel offers an excellent option for an economical stay in the heart of historic Sultanahmet. The staff is very friendly and attentive, and each morning features a traditional breakfast buffet with fresh fruit, cold cuts, cheeses, breads, pickled vegetables, and dips. The rooms are simply decorated and somewhat outdated, but are consistently maintained in very clean condition.

Although the rooms are relatively small, they are equipped with a notable array of amenities. Each room includes a minifridge, desk, wardrobe, flatscreen TV, air conditioning, safe, and an electric kettle for tea and coffee. The bathrooms, while compact with somewhat weak shower pressure, are clean and feature complimentary toiletries, slippers, and a hairdryer. In summary, this is a solid, budget-friendly option for travelers who prefer to stay within walking distance of the main attractions.

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3. AJWA Sultanahmet

I am captivated by the timeless opulence of this magnificent five-star hotel. Entering the grand lobby feels akin to walking into a palace. The entire establishment is adorned with mother-of-pearl furniture, handmade silk carpets, original artwork, unique marble craftsmanship, and hand-painted ceilings. The hotel also features a luxurious spa that includes a hammam, indoor pool, steam room, sauna, and massage services. Additionally, there are two dining options—an Azerbaijani gourmet restaurant and a French patisserie. One of the restaurants is located on the roof, allowing guests to enjoy a vast breakfast selection while admiring breathtaking views of the Bosphorus River. Please note that this is a dry hotel, so no alcohol is available.

Each room is uniformly decorated in the Ottoman style and includes custom tilework and heated flooring. All the spacious accommodations offer a free minibar, wooden desk, flatscreen TV, Nespresso machine, and an electric kettle with an excellent selection of teas (this is Turkey, after all). The beds are comfortable and there is a pillow menu available for you to choose from. The bathrooms are expansive, featuring marble sinks and tubs, multiple showerheads, bidets, and complimentary toiletries, creating an experience akin to your personal traditional hammam.

For the utmost luxury in the heart of the old city, look no further. Although all of the historic attractions are just a short stroll away, a complimentary shuttle service is also available to transport you to the main sights if required.

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4. The Halich Hotel Istanbul in Karakoy

This four-star hotel provides stylish rooms with incredible city views. Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace each morning, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery as they start their day. The breakfast buffet also offers a wide selection. In the evenings, the rooftop transforms into a bar, making it a must-visit spot to take in the stunning panorama at least once.

The rooms at this place are bright and cheerful, featuring large-scale drawings of significant Istanbul landmarks on the walls. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, a desk, a mini-fridge, an electric kettle, a flat-screen TV, and a safety deposit box. The bathrooms, while somewhat dated, offer ample vanity space to spread out your belongings. The staff is extremely helpful, and there is even a hotel cat, lending a cozy, home-like atmosphere (cats are beloved and well-cared for in Turkey). The location is also excellent, providing the best of both worlds — it’s near the ferry that takes you to historic sites and within walking distance to the charming streets of Galata.

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5. Pera Palace Hotel

Erected in 1892 to accommodate Orient Express travelers, this luxurious five-star hotel radiates enduring old-world elegance. It was the first establishment in the Ottoman Empire (outside of palaces) to install electricity, attracting numerous notable guests, with rumors that Agatha Christie penned “Murder on the Orient Express” here. The hotel’s architecture is an exquisite blend of neoclassical, art nouveau, and oriental styles, featuring a grand lobby with towering ceilings, marble floors, and intricate chandeliers. Guests can enjoy a wide range of amenities, including an indoor pool, a spa complete with a traditional Turkish bath, sauna, steam room, and massage services, as well as a state-of-the-art fitness center. Dining options are plentiful, with a French patisserie, a tea lounge, and a gourmet restaurant known for its outstanding Turkish breakfast buffet.

The opulent rooms and suites are adorned with period decor, featuring antique furniture, luxurious fabrics, hardwood flooring, and large windows. Each spacious room is outfitted with a TV, mini-bar, safe, and Nespresso machine. The marble bathrooms, designed with a hammam influence, provide complimentary toiletries and plush bathrobes, with many boasting antique clawfoot tubs. Most rooms have balconies that offer views of Pera and the Golden Horn. Located just a 10-minute walk from Galata Tower, this accommodation promises a unique, historic, and luxurious experience.

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***

Istanbul, a city where East and West converge, presents an intriguing fusion of cultures and historical landmarks. I enjoy strolling through its vibrant streets while the iconic call to prayer resonates from the surrounding minarets. The city exudes a distinctive ambiance that is neither entirely European nor fully Asian. Be sure to allocate time to fully experience what Istanbul has to offer. Regardless of the length of your visit, selecting any of the recommended hotels will ensure a pleasant stay.