Best Historical Hotels in Marmara Region

Raffles is part of the award-winning Zorlu Centre. Unlike many of the surrounding hotels, it is designed with a modern Turkish look. It doesn’t feature any Ottoman references. The public spaces outside the hotel are adorned with Turkish and international art. The hotel has many essential services. These include a kids’ club, bar, restaurant, sauna, steam room, fitness centre, pool, laundry and room service. They also have free Wi-Fi. The rooms are beautifully designed with works of art that are inspired by the Blue Mosque. They also have Nespresso machines and tablet computers for guests. Raffles has two restaurants: Arola and Lavinia. The first one focuses on Spanish cuisine while the second one specialises in contemporary Turkish mezes.

This hotel was transformed from a 19th-century palace to one of the most luxurious places you can stay when vacationing in Istanbul. It is located in Bosphorus, one of the best neighbourhoods in the city. This location allows visitors to watch the romantic sunset from a waterfront position. The hotel has 170 guest rooms, and these include 25 suites. The entire building features ancient Ottoman architecture, and the decorations are also inspired by contemporary designs. Visitors can also enjoy spending time in the large outdoor swimming pool that overlooks the Bosphorus Strait. Alternatively, they can spend time in the well-lit underground swimming pool. This one also features underwater music.

Sanasaryan Han, a Luxury Collection Hotel in Istanbul’s historical peninsula, merges neo-classical architecture with Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage. Originally built in 1895 and designed by Ottoman architect Hovsep Aznavur, the hotel stands near landmarks like the Spice and Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia. The 63 luxurious guestrooms offer views of Istanbul, present traditional Turkish décor, and local finishing touches like Turkish tea sets. After extensive restoration, the hotel now features a grand atrium, a library of historical books, and modern art installations, including monochromatic photographs of Istanbul by Harun Doğan. Sanasaryan Han’s dining options highlight local cuisine, while its Library Bar is a sophisticated setting to enjoy drinks. This hotel is a splendid urban sanctuary blending history, culture, and modern luxury.

The luxurious JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus sits in the beating heart of the bustling city while it’s nestled in the streets of Karaköy. The hotel itself displays a unique blend of modern comfort and traditional local charm while boasting the building’s original, 180-year-old Veli Alemdar Han and the 35-meter atrium. There are 130 deluxe guestrooms and one- and two-bedroom suites overlooking the glistening Bosphorus Strait. Guests are invited to enjoy delicious local and international cuisine in any of the eight diverse dining options featuring the stunning seasonal Sky Karaköy rooftop lounge with 360-degree views over the city. There is also the state-of-the-art Spa Soul with rejuvenating treatments and wellness facilities. Guests can take advantage of the 24-hour fitness centre. This hotel is pet friendly. The hotel’s central location places you next to Galataport and right between the city’s major airports – perfect for all types of stays.

The Luxury Editor discovered that if you want to get the inside track on the vibrant metropolis of Istanbul then stay in the über-cool Karaköy district. And the best address to call home? Well that’s ‘10 Karaköy’, a Morgans Original Hotel. Found in a landmark, renovated neo-classical building, transformed by award-winning architect Sinan Kafada, this luxury boutique property, with signature Rudolf restaurant by Rudolf van Nunen, is filled with art, and striking design. Expect style, glamour and luxury at this 71-room hotel.

This hotel is located in the convenient Besiktas district on the European side of the Bosphorus. It originally served as a palace for Turkish sultans. Many heads of state have stayed in this hotel, and this has only served to continue its tradition of serving royalty. The hotel has three restaurants, one of which is Tugra. This dining area provides classic Turkish cuisine and is well-known in Istanbul for its high quality. Visitors to the hotel enjoy 24-hour butler service, a luxury lounge, and a private entrance.

Located literally within touching distance of Istanbul’s UNESCO architectural and cultural wonders, the Hagia Sofia Mansions, Curio Collection by Hilton, offers a quintessentially luxurious guest experience. A collection of restored, historic mansion houses have been reimagined as beautiful, Ottoman-style palatial suites, with access to fine dining, relaxed sun-kissed courtyard cafés, bars and restaurants, and a unique spa housed in one of Istanbul’s ancient underground former cisterns. The UNESCO old city, the Sultanahmet Archaeological Park, on the European side is probably the most visited, and here one finds the Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton close to Istanbul’s Basilica Cistern, steps to the Hagia Sofia Grand Mosque and beside the Hürrem Sultan Hamam, and the former sultan’s Topkapı Palace. Yet despite being at the heart of this popular area, this Curio Collection by Hilton property has wonderfully authentic and tranquil areas including a beautiful dining courtyard with views to the Hagia Sofia museum and mosque and another charming restaurant with views to the historic sites.