
Best Luxury Hotels in Turkey
Turkey is the ultimate country of contrasts and fusion, the original cultural and ethnic melting pot. It will excite and inspire in equal measure. Geographically and culturally, it is where East meets West, where the call to prayer is heard over the pealing of church bells. Once the centre the Byzantine Empire and then of the Ottoman Empire, there is evidence everywhere – churches, mosques, monasteries, castles, forts – of the fascinating journey Turkey has been on since time immemorial. Istanbul (or Constantinople, depending on which historical period floats your boat) is the most populous city in Europe and straddles the Bosphorous Straight that separates Europe from Asia. Cultural highlights include the Byzantine Hagia Sophia mosque, the Ottoman Blue Mosque and the Greek Orthodox Hagia Triada. If you’re looking for a little retail therapy, the Grand Bazaar is an absolute must.
Beyond the cities, the contrasts continue unabated. The mountains are super-sized and the forests deep, lush and green. The other-worldly topography of the Cappadocia region is truly mind-blowing and best viewed from the basket of a hot air balloon. Not to forget the plethora of ancient coastal towns and modern beach resorts – the nearly 5,000-mile coastline has hidden coves and expansive beaches for every shade of sun worshipper. The food fusion is a delight for every palate, with inspiration drawn from Eastern Europe, the Balkans, Arabia, the Mediterranean and the Maghreb.
Read on to discover some of our favourite luxury hotels in Turkey.
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Beyoglu
JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus

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.
Istanbul, Beyoglu
Soho House Istanbul

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.
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Besiktas
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

The Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul is the perfect destination for a five-star getaway by the waters of the Bosphorus Strait. The hotel is comprised of exquisite guestrooms and suites featuring the expansive 474sqm one- and two-bedroom Royal Bosphorus Suites overlooking the Strait and equipped with a private gym and winter gardens. There are six dining venues on site including shorefront dining at the Mediterranean Bosphorus Lounge and Cabanas. Guests are welcome to take advantage of the opportunity to recharge in The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul while enjoying any of the many treatments on offer or simply making use of the range of wellness facilities. The hotel boasts an indoor, outdoor and a children’s swimming pool as well as a fully equipped fitness centre with spin and pilates studios.
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Besiktas
Raffles Istanbul

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.
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Besiktas
Shangri-La Bosphorus

This hotel is part of a Hong-Kong group. It is located in Besiktas district on the European banks of the Bosphorus Strait. The hotel has a classic design, with a lot of marble being part of the construction. To complete the look, the hotel employs Turkish and Asian staff. Service in the hotel is personalised and swift. Some available amenities in the hotel include a bar, laundry, pool, room service, hammam, fitness centre, parking and a restaurant. The hotel has 186 rooms, and these have been noted to be some of the most spacious in the entire city.
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Sisli
The St. Regis Istanbul

This hotel is located in the Nisantasi district and thus lies in the European side of Istanbul. The bedrooms in this hotel have a warm feeling and are decorated with copper and aluminium Art Decos. All rooms have a butler service. The hotel has a top-level restaurant and bar, but visitors can also choose to visit the many dining areas in the surrounding places. St. Regis Istanbul has seven floors, all of which are creatively designed with natural materials and excellent art. In the basement is an Iridium spa with seven massage rooms and a hammam.
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Beyoglu
10 Karakoy

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.
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Besiktas
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus

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.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Sisli
Park Hyatt Istanbul – Macka Palas

This hotel is set in the Nisantasi neighbourhood, and this place has been noted to be one of the best shopping centres in the city. The hotel is housed in a historic building that was constructed in 1922. It has, however, been redesigned to match modern levels of luxury and convenience, especially with regard to the showers and tubs. One of the highlights of this hotel is the wine bar that serves 70 varieties. It also has a fitness centre, free Wi-Fi, two meeting rooms and a spa.
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Besiktas
W Istanbul

This hotel is located in the central part of Istanbul. The Nisantasi shopping centre is just about 15 minutes away from the hotel. The construction and design of this building have generally transformed the surrounding areas since it features classy modern architecture. That being said, some aspects of traditional Islamic architecture have been retained as references to the history of the place. The hotel has many useful amenities, including a spa and free Wi-Fi. It is important to note that Wi-Fi is only free in the public spaces of the hotel.
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Sisli
The Ritz Carlton Istanbul

This hotel is set near the Taksim Square, and that puts visitors within walking distance of many tourist attractions in the city. A notable advantage of this hotel is the east-facing rooms that give you a perfect view of the beautiful Bosphorus. This is the best place to stay in if you enjoy watching the sunset as you enjoy a glass of wine. The rooms in this hotel are spacious, and they all reflect some forms of Ottoman designs.
Marmara Region, Istanbul, Sisli
Grand Hyatt Istanbul

This hotel is located in Taksim Square, a central position in the city. This location allows visitors to visit many places in the city using public transport. The hotel has four different types of rooms: standard rooms, deluxe rooms, grand club rooms, and suites. Standard rooms are on the lower floors. Visitors can enjoy using the climate-controlled fitness centre. It is supplied with water, towels, weights, and machines. The rooms have LCD televisions, a desk and work area, a dining table, a minibar, and a Nespresso coffee maker. The minibar is fully stocked with beer, juices, and snacks.