Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

You can’t get any closer to the Bosphorus than the new Mandarin Oriental, situted on the Kuruçeşme shoreline. Grab one of the prime waterfront tables on the terrace at Olea or Novikov, the two fine-dining restaurants, and while you’re tucking in to refined Italian or Italian-Asian fusion food, you get to enjoy an unobstructed view across the strait to the hills of Asia on the other side. The hotel is a little off the beaten tourist track, but the quieter location is exactly what many fans love about staying here. That, and the fact that it comes with all the usual luxuries you expect from the MO brand, including an upscale shopping arcade, fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pools and a lavish spa where treatments range from traditional hammams to high-tech detox therapies. There are also some interesting bespoke experiences on offer for guests, including Bosphorus cruises, private gallery and museum tours and an evil eye glass-blowing workshop.

Kuruçeşme, Muallim Naci Caddesi No 62, Beşiktaş, 34345 

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

When it comes to visiting Istanbul’s main attractions, this boutique property makes a great base. The smaller of the city’s two Four Seasons, with just 65 bedrooms, it sits right at the heart of the historic Sultanahmet district, within easy strolling distance of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, plus the Grand Bazaar, about a 20-minute walk away. Looking at the bright neoclassical façade, with its arched windows, decorative tiles and climbing jasmine, it’s hard to believe this was once a prison for political dissidents. Today it’s luxury all the way, the spacious, high-ceilinged rooms are decorated in warm subtle shades and adorned with original artwork. The Kinan Spa pampers guests with assorted face and body treatments; and the former exercise yard is now a prettily landscaped garden courtyard, with tables and chairs dotted among the flower beds. Take your pick of food from modern Anatolian cuisine in Avlu, meze in Lingo Lingo, and haute-couture patisserie in La Pistache. And don’t miss the rooftop lounge, where you can sip cocktails or Turkish wines as you admire the views.

Tevkifhane Sokak No 1, Sultanahmet, 34110 

Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul

The Shangri-La is another five-star that’s located on a prime waterfront spot on the banks of the Bosphorus – in this case, handily placed next door to the Beşiktaş ferry terminal and the excellent Naval Museum, and just 10 minutes’ walk from the Dolmabahçe Palace. The building was once a tobacco warehouse, but its contents today are way more glamorous and behind the deceptively simple façade lies a world of opulence. In the imposing lobby, acres of intricately patterned marble stretch ahead of you, extravagant chandeliers twinkle overhead and the clumsy will want to keep a respectful distance from the gilded console tables bearing displays of Chinese porcelain. Bedrooms blend cool tones, classic comfort and contemporary elegance, and pile on the luxurious details, from super-soft robes to heated bathroom floors. Complimentary cakes are brought to your room every afternoon but for something more substantial, try the authentic Cantonese cuisine in Shang Palace, head to IST TOO for Turkish and international dishes or take High Tea (themed around a hot air balloon trip) in the Lobby Lounge. There’s also a luxurious spa, complete with a hammam, fitness centre and indoor pool, plus – family bonus – a separate pool for children.

Sinanpaşa Mah, Hayrettin Iskelesi Sok No 1, Beşiktaş, 34353 

Raffles Istanbul  

Raffles Istanbul is a unique destination with unparalleled views of this thriving metropolis and the Bosphorus. The hotel boasts 185 rooms & suites, 66 spacious residences, and modern interiors adorned with a curated art collection. The legendary Raffles Butler Service adds a touch of emotional luxury. Guests savor exclusive privileges at the Bosphorus Lounge, where they can relish a unique atmosphere on the 22nd floor of the hotel.  The Raffles Spa beckons with its rejuvenating treatments, featuring traditional Turkish baths and saunas, wellness pools, and sensory showers, providing a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation. The diverse dining options include Lavinia for afternoon tea, İsokyo for Pan-Asian fusion, and Rocca Grill & Terrace for Mediterranean delights. The Long Bar and Writers Bar offer an exclusive space for elegant dinner parties, and intimate celebrations. Event venues, including the grand Raffles Ballroom and meeting rooms, cater to gatherings of various sizes. Adjacent to Zorlu Center, the hotel provides easy access to luxury shopping brands and cultural events at Zorlu Performing Arts Center. 

Levazım, Koru Sok, Zorlu Center, 34340  

Swissôtel The Bosphorus 

Istanbul has an exciting food scene and working your way around the local restaurants is usually one of the joys of a city break here. If you’re staying at the Swissôtel, though, you’ll find plenty of gastronomic options without even leaving the hotel’s beautiful 65-acre grounds. Experience a wide variety of  international cuisine all day in Sabrosa; authentic Punjabi dishes in Madhu’s (Istanbul outpost of the London original); and the spectacular rooftop bar, 16 Roof, which serves up palatable sushi selection and fusion Turkish cuisine, creative cocktails and panoramic views. Particularly unexpected is Chalet, a 120-year-old wooden cabin transplanted here from Switzerland, where the menu showcases traditional Swiss dishes. If you overdo it on all the food, don’t worry – there’s plenty of opportunity to work it all off in the hotel’s seriously impressive fitness and wellness facilities, which include a spa, sports centre, tennis courts, pools and exercise classes. Rooms don’t disappoint either: they’re spacious and contemporary, with floor-to-ceiling windows that make the most of the fabulous views.

Vişnezade Mah Acisu Sok No 19, Maçka, Beşiktaş, 34357