Best Luxury Hotels in Istanbul
Truly unique and utterly jaw-dropping, Istanbul is a melting pot of history, culture and empires that have all influenced this magnificent city. From the Ottoman and Byzantine to the Roman and Egyptian, the imprints left behind through art and architecture are some of the greatest examples in the world. Straddling both Europe and Asia thanks to the Bosphorus Strait, this indulgent destination, once only discoverable to those allowed behind the palace doors is now home to some of the best bars and clubs, restaurants and retail all of which ooze with decadence. A weekend or a week here and you will feel like the royalty that the city was built for. Here are our favourite 5-star and luxury hotels to stay at in the city.
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Fatih
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
(5 stars)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.
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton
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Marmara Region, Istanbul, Beyoglu
Soho House Istanbul
(5 stars)The luxurious Soho House Istanbul is located within the Palazzo Corpi in the historic Beyoğlu district. The building was built in 1873 and showcases many original features including stunning 19th century frescoes. The hotel is comprised of 87 lavish guestrooms ranging from small bedrooms to mezzanine rooms to spacious apartments, all fitted with every modern comfort. Guests are welcome to choose from four on-site restaurants serving a range of local and international cuisine. There is also the rejuvenating Cowshed Spa fitted with a traditional Hammam and offering a range of relaxing treatments. Guests are welcome to take advantage of the fitness centre complete with a boxing ring and rooftop views over the Bosphorus. There is a screening room and a beautiful art collection to admire. A selection of event spaces and experiences are also available to book for anything from celebrations to members-only wellness retreats.
