Ankara, the cosmopolitan capital of Turkey, is often overlooked by travellers racing further south or east. However, modern Turkey began here, shaped by founding father Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, whose hilltop mausoleum, Anıtkabir, still feels like a place of pilgrimage. Elsewhere, the Byzantine-era Citadel District retains ancient fortifications amid atmospheric lanes and alleyways of Ottoman-era houses, while the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations helps calibrate the sheer antiquity of the region. This being Turkey, expect a warm welcome at the best boutique hotels in the city – all bookable on Culture Trip.
On the edge of the city, near the Çankaya governmental and business quarter, No 19 Boutique Hotel has a modern exterior and a plant-dotted atrium with cantilevered balconies. Sleek well-furnished rooms feature wooden floors and generally all-white furniture; a few have TVs fixed to quirky suspended half walls. You won’t actually need a tuxedo at the snazzy Tuxedo Bar, but you’ll get the full bells and whistles if you follow it up with a meal at Culina Restaurant.
The Notte Hotel location, on a small steep road near Kuğulu Park and the Karum Mall, places you in the heart of a low-key, clean-cut neighbourhood. Modern rooms feature striped carpets and tasteful furnishings with sensible muted decor. A real plus here is the secret garden – a lovely all-season terrace that’s left open in summer but enclosed and heated like a cosy conservatory in winter.
Close to Anıtkabir, the impressive mausoleum of Mustafa Atatürk, the Hotel İçkale facade features pillars and a curvy pediment that herald the flamboyant decor within. Goblets of wine flow in the Piano Bar, while some windows give way to views of Atatürk’s hill-raised tomb. All in all, it’s a rather comfortable and fun place to stay – especially when you uncover the underground pool and hammam.
The rearing-horse statue outside the modestly modern Atli Otel building references the name (atli means equestrian), and equine motifs in carvings, mouldings and artwork are subtly displayed throughout the property. But you’ll likely notice the statement-making atrium first, with a large glass chandelier, wishbone staircase and tiers like a wedding cake. After all the drama, rooms and suites are pleasingly subdued, confected in creams, quilted throws and cushioned couches. Spa facilities are a cut above too – including a 25m (82ft) indoor heated pool.
Named after the capital city of ancient Phrygia, near present-day Ankara, the Gordion Hotel is an eclectic blend of Ottoman-meets-European style, cannily wrapped in a part neoclassical facade. It’s a fastidiously elegant place, beautifully adorned with period furniture – especially leather Chesterfields and bergère armchairs – Italian marble and sumptuous textiles, yet the ambassadorial, almost courtly, feel is never overbearing. A collection of medals and decorations, along with framed lithographs of monuments and grandees, further cements the carefully curated historical vibe.
Originally a 17th-century caravanserai (roadside inn and trading post), the impeccably restored Divan Çukurhan is now a high-end property with a preserved historical fabric. Traditional timber-frame walls enclose the centrepiece, a covered courtyard, and rooms bear a crossroads-evoking, curios-filled style, ranging from pared-down Ottoman detailing and decor to South Asian statuary and portraits of Chinese nobles.
In south-central Ankara, near tranquil Seğmenler Park, the funky four-storey Check Inn building is adorned with L-shaped neon lights and zany Pop-art prints. Public areas are a mix of Buddhist statuary, armoured-knight mannequins and travel chests, while rooms and lofts might feature cow-hide armchairs with (decorative) stirrups or telescopes on spindly tripods alongside sensible beds and sofas. A rooftop restaurant and a small wellness centre with a hammam neatly round off this small but well-appointed property.
Set within a beautifully restored Anatolian mansion in the historic Kaleiçi neighbourhood, Angora House is one of the most authentic hotels in Ankara. Close to the renowned Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, this boutique hotel is perfect for those who want to soak up the first area of settlement in the city. The six rooms take advantage of the historic structure and feature antique furniture while also offering modern amenities and comfort. Enjoy a great Turkish breakfast in the lovely courtyard.
We and our partners use cookies to better understand your needs, improve performance and provide you with personalised content and advertisements. To allow us to provide a better and more tailored experience please click "OK"
