Istanbul Hotel Guide
From characterful conversions of historic buildings to sleek new contemporary properties, Istanbul offers a vast range of hotels, across different neighbourhoods. Whether you prefer a base on the shores of the Bosphorus, near the sights in the old city or in a prime shopping district, you’ll find a wide selection below.
Platinum Cardmembers enjoy elevated benefits when booking with Fine Hotels + Resorts and receive complimentary breakfast for two, guaranteed 4pm check-out and US$100 credit1 to use during your stay. Subject to availability, Platinum Cardmembers are also able to receive noon check-in and enjoy a room upgrade upon arrival2.
1Credit use varies by property
2Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade
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Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul
You can’t get any closer to the Bosphorus than the new Mandarin Oriental, which opened on the Kuruçeşme shoreline in August 2021. 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. You might even get lucky and spot the odd dolphin. Some of the bedrooms share the same outlook, most come with private balconies and all have elegantly streamlined décor with design details that celebrate Turkish heritage and artisanship. 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
The St. Regis Istanbul
Over the past couple of decades, Istanbul has witnessed a boom in high-rise dining, so the St. Regis is bang on trend in giving its rooftop over to one of the hotel’s two restaurants, an outpost of Wolfgang Puck’s foodie empire. From the large outdoor terrace at Spago, eight floors up, you can gaze out across the greenery of Maçka Park to the Bosphorus beyond as you enjoy a range of international flavours. The bar up here mixes a mean cocktail, including a Misty Mary, inspired by the early morning view of mist on the water and dramatically presented in a copper bowl surrounded by a cloud of dry ice. It’s the hotel’s take on a Bloody Mary, one of the signature features of all St. Regis properties, and the brand’s other famous trademarks are faithfully reproduced here as well: butler service, the nightly champagne-sabering ritual and traditional afternoon tea in the St. Regis Brasserie. There’s also a tranquil spa, where facilities include three treatment pools and two hammams – perfect for relaxing after a day spent exploring the boutiques and cafes of the local neighbourhood, Nişantaşi, or following the concierge’s hot tips for fun family outings.
Mim Kemal Oke Caddesi No 35, Nişantaşi Şişli, 34367
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Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
When it comes to visiting Istanbul’s main attractions, this boutique property makes the perfect 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. It’s safe to say the food’s moved up several notches, too: take your pick 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
Park Hyatt Istanbul – Maçka Palas
Park Hyatt Istanbul-Maçka Palas, the only five-star plus luxury hotel in Hyatt Hotel chains in Turkey, offers personalized service in a 100-year-old historical building in Nişantaşı, Istanbul. Hosting poets, writers, and athletes for a century, the 90-room historical building features a single and semi-Olympic outdoor pool and displays Istanbul photographs by Ara Güler. The hotel boasts the Nusr-Et Restaurant, the world’s only breakfast service with an extensive menu and personalized hot and cold delicacies. Kapicciiiinoo, Nusret Gökçe’s first coffee shop, serves a wide menu with the exclusive Gold Kapicciiiinoo, coffees, and detox waters. The café, with Turkey’s only La Cimbali M200 coffee machine, is complemented by the Woooww Gym, designed with Technogym products. Dolce Tea Time offers enjoyable afternoon tea hours, and the lobby bar impresses with its stylish design and assertive drinks for pleasant evenings. Fine & Cheese in the lobby bar presents meticulously selected wine & cheese duos. The Spa team provides regenerative treatments like aromatherapy and volcanic hot stone, followed by a specially designed Turkish bath for deep cleansing. Cipriani, inventor of Bellini and Carpaccio, is exclusive to Park Hyatt Istanbul. Park Hyatt hotels, designed for discerning travelers, promise elegant and gracious service on a personal, intimate scale. Park Hyatt Istanbul-Maçka Palas marks a significant step in Hyatt’s development in Europe, strengthening the global network of award-winning Park Hyatt brand.
Tesvikiye, Bronz Sokak No 4, Şişli, 34367
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Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
The Shangri-La is another five-star that’s bagged 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. As you’d expect from Shangri-La, 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
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Emerging as a symbol of contemporary luxury and rich tradition, The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul is an invitation to experience the best of what Istanbul has to offer. Surrounded by breathtaking views of Bosphorus, The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul promising a gastronomic journey featuring Anatolian, Japanese-Peruvian, Aegean, Mediterranean, French and contemporary world cuisines, the renowned hotel dining goes beyond breakfast, lunch, and dinner with bespoke experiences with 2 Michelin Guide listed restaurants. While immersive pools, Turkish hammam, and healing SPA make the hotel a center for wellness, the beauty salons offer a range of aesthetic offerings to enhance any occasion. There is also something for our youngest guests. Ritz Kids appeals to kids’ imaginations with a space to play and tailored excursions to Istanbul’s most colorful attractions. The fine selection of boutique shops, and jewelry stores celebrate the luxurious journey at the heart of the city.
Suzer Plaza, Askerocaği Caddesi No 6, Elmadağ/Şişli, 34367
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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. Positioned as a modern luxury hub, Raffles Istanbul seamlessly blends contemporary luxury with Istanbul's rich heritage for travelers.
Levazım, Koru Sok, Zorlu Center, 34340
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
The Ottoman Turks took inordinate delight in the steamy hammam, and the practice is very much alive and well at this former Ottoman palace turned opulent hotel, where the spa offers a luxurious, leisurely take on the traditional experience. Other wellness features include a sauna, steam room, whirlpool and indoor pool, plus all the massages, facials and wraps you could wish for. It’s not just spa-lovers who are thoroughly spoilt here; gourmet travellers, too, are in for a treat, with a great choice of in-house cafes, restaurants and bars, including Aqua for fresh seafood and Ocakbaşi for kebabs and meze. In summer, you can make the most of the large outdoor pool and hop on the hotel’s private boat for a Bosphorus tour; in winter, there are glass igloos on the shores for your romantic dinners. As for the accommodation, even the standard rooms (housed in two modern wings) have generous proportions, refined, classic design and comfy, cushion-topped window seats. If money’s no object, though, the place you really want to be is in one of the Bosphorus-facing palace rooms, where you open the grand curtains every morning to an even grander view across the water.
Çirağan Caddesi No 28, Beşiktaş, 34349
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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 – good news for Gold and Platinum Cardmembers looking to use the USD$100 Experience Credit they get to spend on qualifying dining, spa and resort activities when booking stays of two nights or more through The Hotel Collection. 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
Membership Rewards® Programme
Cardmembers enrolled in the American Express Membership Rewards® programme will earn one additional bonus Membership Rewards point in addition to their standard earn rate (for a total of 2 points) for every full £1 spent on flights, prepaid hotels, car hire and experiences booked through the American Express Travel website americanexpress.com/en-gb//travel. Specific Card products or limited time promotions may offer additional Membership Rewards points, please see individual Card or promotion Terms and Conditions for more information. Additional Membership Rewards points cannot be earned on products which are not prepaid but are paid directly to the supplier, including cruise bookings and select hotel bookings. These bookings will not earn two Membership Rewards points for every £1 spent but will be earned at the normal rate of one point for every £1 spent. Full Terms and Conditions apply, please visit americanexpress.co.uk/termsandconditions.
To use Pay with Points, you must book your eligible purchase through American Express Travel and charge to a Membership Rewards programme-enrolled American Express® Card. Eligible purchases through American Express Travel exclude non-prepaid car rentals and non-prepaid hotels. Points will be debited from your Membership Rewards account, and credit for corresponding amount will be issued to the American Express® Card Account used. If points redeemed do not cover entire amount, the balance of purchase price will remain on the American Express Card account. When paying with a combination of your American Express Card and Membership Rewards points, only the value applied to the Card is eligible to earn Membership Rewards points.
Membership Rewards Terms and Conditions apply when booking on americanexpress.com/en-gb/travel/. Please visit visit americanexpress.com/en-gb/rewards/membership-rewards/terms/ for the Membership Rewards programme information and terms and conditions or call +44 0800 917 8053 to request a copy. For more information on Pay With Points visit americanexpress.com/uk/travel/how-to-pay-with-points. To earn or exchange Membership Rewards points, Cards must be registered to the American Express Membership Rewards programme and be active and current in their payments. Please allow up to ten weeks for Membership Rewards points to be credited to your Account. Bookings are subject to the full American Express Travel Terms and Conditions. To view these, please visit americanexpress.co.uk/termsandconditions.
Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program benefits are available for new bookings made through Platinum Travel & Dining Concierge, Business Platinum Travel & Dining Concierge, the Dedicated Centurion® Team or American Express Travel (americanexpress.com/en-gb/travel/) with participating properties and are valid only for eligible Platinum Cardmembers or Centurion® Members and excludes Platinum Credit Companion Cards. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. The average total value of the program benefits is based on prior-year bookings for stays of two nights; the actual value varies. Noon check-in and room upgrade are subject to availability and are provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 Credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the credit. To receive the credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits. The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day. To receive the breakfast credit, the breakfast bill must be charged to your hotel room. The breakfast credit will be applied at check-out. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amont will be applied at check-out.
Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay).Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and
amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for FHR program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.
The Hotel Collection (THC) benefits are available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more made through American Express Travel (americanexpress.com/en-gb/travel/), Platinum Travel & Dining Concierge, Business Platinum Travel & Dining Concierge or the Dedicated Centurion® Team, with participating properties and are valid only for eligible Preferred Rewards Gold Cardmembers, Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Cardmembers, Platinum Cardmembers or Centurion® Members and excludes Platinum Credit Companion Cardmembers. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. Noon check-in, late check-out and the room upgrade are subject to availability; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of US$100 credit and additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the US$100 credit will be applied to eligible charges up to US$100. To receive the US$100 credit, the eligible spend must be charged to your hotel room. The US$100 credit will be applied at check-out. Advance reservations are recommended for certain credits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional THC benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke the THC benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your THC benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in US Dollars or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for THC program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card.
International Airline Program (IAP)
1. Current International Airline Program Partners: Air Europa, American Airlines, British Airways, Delta, Etihad Airways, Emirates Airlines, Iberia, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.
2. American Express reserves the rights to change these conditions from time to time with 21 days prior notice and/or to discontinue the whole program.
3. Airlines reserve the right to change, cancel or restrict flight operations without notice. IAP upgrades or specially negotiated fares may be limited by airlines to certain flights and/or dates (“blackouts”). IAP is subject to the terms and conditions of each participating carrier. American Express does not guarantee that seats or tickets will be available. Cabins of service and discounts vary by airline and route. Discounts are applicable to adult fares however some airlines extend savings to child fares.
4. To qualify for the IAP upgrades or specially negotiated fares:
a) Your journey must start and end at the same port as designated by the participating airline and be completed within the period during which your selected carrier participates in the program. You will be advised of any applicable dates at the time of booking;
b) IAP tickets must be purchased through the Platinum Travel Service and must be charged to a valid American Express Platinum Card which is in good standing;
c) The Platinum Cardmember who purchases the ticket(s) must be one of the travellers;
d) IAP tickets are non-transferable and non endorsable.
5. Any travel on non-participating airlines must be ticketed and paid for separately and is not part of the IAP. Certain code share or flights on the worldwide partners of the participating airlines may not apply.
6. Certain IAP airlines or non-participating airlines impose restrictions such as ticketing time limit on advance booking to indicate a timeline for ticketing upon making your reservations. For each individual airline Terms & Conditions, please check with the Platinum Travel Service for details.
7. IAP upgrade offers or specially negotiated fares may not be combined with any other promotion, discount, negotiated or corporate rate.
8. American Express acts only as an agent for travel service providers and does not own or operate any airline or means of transportation. American Express is not liable for service deficiencies on the part of airlines or other service providers, including but not limited to: accidents and injuries; delays; changes in routes or itineraries; loss, theft or damages to possessions. American Express strongly advises travellers to insure themselves against travel risks. Travellers are responsible for ensuring that they have valid documentation and for complying with the health, customs, currency and other laws of any country they enter or attempt to enter.
9. IAP is available to Platinum Cardmembers from a variety of participating airlines each with specifically designated ports of departure and arrival. Please refer to the Platinum Travel Service for details of participating airlines, applicable routing and timetables and fares in force at any particular time.
10. Other International Airline Program Terms & Conditions may apply.
For full Terms and Conditions for Global Lounge Collection®, please visit our Global Lounge page.
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