As the capital of several empires, Istanbul It is one of the oldest cities in the world. Situated on the border between Europe and Asia, this vibrant metropolis of over 15 million people has plenty to explore, from the bustling Grand Bazaar to the iconic Hagia Sophia and the serene banks of the Bosphorus River.
Türkiye is famous for its hospitality, which means there are many fantastic hotels here with fantastic service. It’s a great place to take a dip. I especially love that many hotels are located in historic buildings, so you’re always soaking up the city’s history no matter where you go.
But (like anywhere), there are also many poor options. To help you save time and money, here is my list of the best hotels in Istanbul:
1. Celine Hotel Ottoman Mansion
This four-star hotel is located in a former Ottoman mansion in Sultanahmet, a short walk from Istanbul’s main attractions. I love that the whole place retains its historic atmosphere and character. It is decorated in a late Ottoman style, with large wooden ceilings, gold paintings, wooden floors and period furniture. There is even a fireplace in the living room.
Rooms feature wooden wardrobes and desks, comfortable beds, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, an electric kettle, a safe and a minibar. You’ll also receive two complimentary bottles of water in the room per day. Bathrooms have marble sinks, deep soaking tubs and rain showers (a big plus in my opinion). There are also complimentary toiletries, bathrobes, slippers and a hairdryer.
Every morning in the interior patio you can enjoy an excellent complimentary breakfast. I especially enjoy that it has Turkish and Western options, with a great variety, including freshly made cakes and breads, fruits, eggs and sweet pastries.
2. Sultan Hamit Hotel
This three-star hotel is a great choice for an affordable stay in the historic center of Sultanahmet. The staff is very welcoming and helpful, and a traditional buffet breakfast with fresh fruit, cold cuts, cheeses, bread, pickled vegetables and sauces is served every morning. The rooms are minimalistically decorated and a little dated, but always kept very clean.
Although the rooms are a bit smaller, they are equipped with a surprising number of amenities. In every room, you’ll find a mini-fridge, a desk, a closet, flat-screen TVs, air conditioning, a safe, and an electric kettle for making tea and coffee. The bathrooms are small (with a bit weak shower pressure), but clean and come with free toiletries, slippers, and a hairdryer. Overall, this is a good no-frills option for budget travelers who want to be within walking distance of major attractions.
3. AJWA Sultanahmet
I love the timeless decadence of this magnificent five-star hotel. Walking into the grand lobby is like stepping into a palace. The entire place is decorated with mother-of-pearl furniture, handmade silk carpets, original artwork, unique marbles, and hand-painted ceilings. There is also a luxury spa with a hammam, indoor pool, steam room, sauna, and massage service. There are also two restaurants (a gourmet Azerbaijani restaurant and a French patisserie). One of the restaurants is on the rooftop, and I love that I can enjoy the huge breakfast while taking in the stunning views of the Bosphorus River. (Just keep in mind that this is a dry hotel, so no alcohol is served.)
All rooms are furnished in the same Ottoman style and even feature specially commissioned tiles and underfloor heating. All spacious rooms come with a complimentary minibar, wooden desk, flat-screen TV, Nespresso machine and electric kettle with a large selection of tea (this is Turkey, after all). The beds are comfortable and you can choose your pillow from a pillow menu too. The bathrooms are large and have marble sinks and bathtubs, multiple shower heads, bidets and complimentary toiletries. It almost feels like your own personal traditional hammam.
This is the ultimate luxury in the heart of the Old Town. Plus, just a short walk from all the city’s historic attractions, there is a free shuttle service available that can take you to the main sights if you need it.
4. The Halich Hotel Istanbul Karakoy
This four-star hotel offers stylish rooms with epic views of the city. In fact, breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace every morning so you can enjoy the view as you start your day. The breakfast buffet also has plenty of variety. In the evening, the rooftop turns into a bar, so come here at least once to enjoy the stunning panorama.
The rooms are bright and cheerful, with large-scale drawings of important Istanbul landmarks on the walls. All rooms also feature air conditioning, a desk, a mini-fridge, an electric kettle, a flat-screen TV, and a safe. The bathrooms are a little dated, but they have nice large vanities so you can put all your things. The staff are exceptionally helpful and there is even a cat in the hotel, giving the place a homely feel (cats are loved and very well cared for in Turkey). The location is also excellent, as here you have the best of both worlds: it is close to the ferry that will take you to all the historical sites, but within walking distance of the atmospheric streets of Galata.
5. Pera Palace Hotel
Built in 1892 to welcome passengers on the Orient Express, this opulent five-star hotel exudes timeless, old-world charm. It was the first building in the Ottoman Empire to have electricity (aside from palaces) and tons of famous guests have stayed here (Agatha Christie supposedly wrote Murder on the Orient Express here). The hotel is designed in a mix of neoclassical, art nouveau, and oriental styles, with a grand lobby featuring high ceilings, marble floors, and elaborate chandeliers. There’s also an impressive array of amenities, including an indoor pool, spa (with a traditional Turkish bath, sauna, steam room, and massage services), as well as a well-equipped fitness center. There are also several restaurants, including a French patisserie, a tea room, and a gourmet restaurant serving a fantastic Turkish breakfast buffet.
The luxurious rooms and suites feature period furnishings, with antique furniture, plush fabrics, wooden floors and floor-to-ceiling windows. All spacious rooms are equipped with a TV, minibar, safe and Nespresso machine. The hammam-inspired marble bathrooms include complimentary toiletries and comfortable bathrobes, and many bathrooms have antique claw-foot bathtubs. Most rooms have balconies with views of Pera and the Golden Horn. Just a 10-minute walk from the Galata Tower, this is the ideal place for a unique, historic and luxurious stay.
***Istanbul the city where East meets West, is a fascinating mix of cultures and history. I love wandering through its bustling streets as the iconic call to prayer echoes from the surrounding minarets. It has a unique atmosphere that is not exactly European, but not exactly Asian either. Definitely plan to spend some time enjoying the city. But no matter how much time you have, choose one of the hotels above and you are sure to have a great stay!
