The Best Hotels In Izmir Turkey For Every Traveller

Known as the “Pearl of the Aegean,” Izmir, Turkey is both modern and historic, with more than 3,000 years of recorded urban activity. The city and all its various districts are tourist magnets in the summer, so make your reservation at one of these excellent hotels in Izmir – bookable on Culture Trip – before the temperatures start to rise.

1. Svalinn Hotel

Independent Hotel

Large double room at the Svalinn Hotel, with white, cream and chocolate-brown furnishings, and lots of carpeted floor space.

Classical opulence reigns supreme at the Svalinn, a four-star operation located on the main road that links Izmir’s Old Town with the Adnan Menderes Airport. Start the day by choosing from a table-bending breakfast buffet – featuring culinary contributions from both East and West – and a soak in the pool or a brief workout, before heading out to explore. Rooms are consistently praised for being spotless and representing excellent value, and the staff win stars for friendliness. There’s free parking for guests.

2. GAIA Bazaar

Boutique Hotel, Independent Hotel

Cosy en-suite double room at the GAIA Bazaar, with neutral furnishings including pendant rattan lampshades and a woven rug wall hanging.

The charming GAIA Bazaar is found on the western end of Izmir province in Alaçati, a town known for its pale stone houses and quaint narrow streets. A committed advocate of design and recycling, the hotel offers Standard, Deluxe, Superior and Suite rooms in which the bohemian-style furniture is upcycled or custom made in Bali – ask staff if you’re interested in purchasing any items. The onsite cafe and restaurant spreads out beneath hanging plants and softly-lit lanterns and offers a menu of traditional Turkish cuisine.

3. L’agora Old Town Hotel & Bazaar

Independent Hotel, Boutique Hotel

Double room at L’agora Old Town Hotel & Bazaar, with a floor-to-ceiling padded silver headboard, red silk bed linen and a traditional golden painting on the wall.

The four-star L’agora occupies a 300-year-old building in Izmir’s Old Town, surrounded by the sounds, smells and colours of the Kemeralti bazaar. As well as refined rooms that wouldn’t be out of place in a much more expensive hotel, its key draw is a central, open-air patio where you can enjoy breakfast, bar snacks, drinks and live music. L’agora is a clean, economical base from which to explore the historical part of Izmir, although it might be worth brushing up on your Turkish beforehand.

5. Key Hotel

Hotel, Airport Hotel, Bed and Breakfast

Sleek twin room at the Key Hotel, with brown, black and yellow furnishings, including shuttered windows and a mirrored ceiling with yellow strip lights over the beds.

Key Hotel offers 34 rooms and is located right on Izmir’s coastline, with an amazing view of the city and sea, especially during sunset. It is luxury-driven with modern amenities, airport transfers, meeting and event rooms, as well as a restaurant and bar. Book the enormous Grand Suite, for your own private terrace that overlooks the sparkling Gulf of Izmir.

6. Swissotel Grand Efes Izmir

Independent Hotel, Bed and Breakfast

Double room at Swissotel Grand Efes Izmir, with a dark brown leather headboard and a dark-wood relaxation nook around the floor-to-ceiling window, complete with chaise longue.

Overlooking Izmir’s famous promenade and right by the waters edge, Swissotel is a truly luxury option situated within landscaped gardens. This hotel’s 402 rooms have all the technology and modern amenities expected of a luxury offering, and there are three restaurants, two bars, and a spa and sport facility on the rooftop as well. From a daily breakfast buffet to evening hammam treatment, there’s plenty to keep visitors happy inside the hotel before they even begin to explore the city.

7. Mövenpick Hotel Izmir

Independent Hotel, Business Hotel

Double room at the Mövenpick Hotel Izmir, with neutral furnishings, en-suite bathroom, large mirror and flatscreen TV.

With a modern bar with a great sea and city view, the sophisticated Margaux Restaurant and Swiss Cake patisserie, and a convenient location in the city centre, the five-star Mövenpick Hotel Izmir offers unbeatable service at great value. Green Globe-certified and voted Turkey’s Leading Business Hotel, there’s nothing missing in terms of professional service.

8. Wyndham Grand Izmir Özdilek

Hotel, Independent Hotel, Bed and Breakfast

Compact twin room at the Mövenpick Hotel Izmir, with subtly patterned beige and silver furnishings, and a postcard-shaped window with wide sea view.

This enormous complex contains over 200 rooms and seven different restaurants and bars, making it feel like a city unto itself. The floor-to-ceiling windows allow for panoramic views of Izmir’s coast and make a stay here feel very special. Just some of the hotel’s perks are its nightclub, pool bar and spa with indoor and outdoor pools.

9. DoubleTree by Hilton Izmir, Alsancak

Boutique Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Spa Hotel

Double room at DoubleTree by Hilton Izmir, Alsancak, with large padded headboard, recessed ceiling lights and seating nook with city views.

With a location in the city centre, DoubleTree is close to all the shops and restaurants in the busy Alsancak neighbourhood as well as the famous Clock Tower and Kemeraltı Bazaar. This hotel is far from just location however, with a rooftop swimming pool, luxurious spa facilities, and a restaurant with beautiful views to offer its guests.

Mark Nayler contributed additional reporting to this article.

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