The Best Hotels to Book in Istanbul, Turkey

Located in the district of Sultanahmet and just a five-minute walk away from the top attractions, White House Istanbul combines old-world charm with modern luxury. This traditional hotel has 22 airy rooms decorated in hues of white and gold. Enjoy a Turkish or international buffet breakfast at the Roof Garden, which offers views of the old city and the sparkling waters of the Bosphorus.

This family-run hotel in the Beyazit District is within walking distance of the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace. Established in 1986 and built in a former mansion, Niles Istanbul features 19th-century design elements throughout, including hand-painted ceiling decorations in the lobby inspired by the Ottoman era. The hotel has 29 standard rooms, eight junior suites and two duplex suites that have heated mahogany floors and private hammam-style Turkish baths. If you’re looking to explore the most historic sites, this hotel is the perfect base.

Cross the Golden Horn and dive into the lively district of Beyoğlu, where modern restaurants, nightlife and shopping blend in with historical landmarks. Pera Palace has existed here since the 19th century and is now a reminder of the past with an elegant tea salon and patisserie, a stylish restaurant and the Orient Bar. Modern amenities include a spa and indoor pool. Many prominent guests have stayed at this five-star hotel, including Agatha Christie, Ernest Hemingway and Greta Garbo. The Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, Pera Museum and numerous galleries are right around the corner.

Down the street from Pera Palace lies Soho House Istanbul, an extravagant hotel and members’ club that has 87 refined rooms. It took Italian architect Giacomo Leoni nine years to complete in 1882; he imported marble and rosewood from his home country and hired famous artists to paint scenes of Greek mythology on the ceilings. This mansion was originally the home of a powerful Genoese merchant and shipbuilder, and later housed the US consulate. Today, the hotel has the celebrated Cowshed spa, which offers luxury hammam experiences, a top-notch gym and exclusive bars and lounges.

The intimate side streets of the bohemian Çukurcuma neighbourhood are dotted with antique shops, design stores and charismatic cafes. The 18 high-ceilinged rooms of the Stay Galata Hotel are in a preserved 19th-century mansion that still has original marble stairways and tile flooring. Enjoy a drink at the terrace bar and lounge overlooking the old city and Galata Tower. An exceptional blend of historical charm and modern minimalism, this hotel is ideal for stylish travellers curious to experience what the sophisticated residents of Galata love about this neighbourhood.

This hotel is within walking distance of Bomontiada, a vibrant arts and culture complex. Once an Ottoman Empire beer factory, the complex is now home to a variety of restaurants and bars, as well as the popular music venue Babylon. Visit the weekend vintage bazaar in Bomontiada, or wander along the fashionable streets of Nişantaşı and Beyoğlu. The 51 rooms and suites at The House Hotel Bomonti were designed by British interior design firm Conran and Partners; think concrete floors and walls and plenty of marble and timber.

A restored 17th-century palace, formerly home to sultans from the Ottoman era, Çırağan Palace Kempinski is now a world-class luxury hotel. This five-star establishment has 310 rooms with a luxury spa and butler service. Located on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, it offers magnificent views of the Asian coast, best experienced from the outdoor infinity pool. It’s close to Dolmabahçe Palace and between the dynamic districts of Beşiktaş and Ortaköy, so there are plenty of opportunities for sightseeing and long strolls by the waterfront.