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.
Mediterranean Region Turkey, Belek
Regnum The Crown
With 568 rooms and suites, Regnum The Crown makes a bold statement on the Belek coastline, offering a lavish destination resort where grandeur meets Mediterranean warmth. Set against pine forests and the blue waters of the Antalya Gulf, the hotel unfolds as a palatial retreat with soaring atriums, marble-clad halls and interiors that marry contemporary elegance with regal accents. The atmosphere is designed for both indulgence and comfort, making it a place where families, couples and groups alike can enjoy an experience defined by space, variety and service.
Choose from a wide array of restaurants and bars, including international buffets, Turkish specialities, gourmet à la carte dining and lively cocktail lounges. The expansive spa focuses on wellbeing with hammams, thermal areas and bespoke treatments, while multiple pools, an aqua park and direct access to a private beach ensure there is always somewhere to relax or play. A dedicated fitness centre and tennis courts complement the facilities, while younger guests have their own world within the kids club. Suites and premium categories offer Club Lounge access and butler service, ensuring privacy and personalised attention. With its golf courses nearby, chauffeur transfers, and extensive choice of entertainment, Regnum The Crown presents a holiday environment that combines resort luxury with a sense of theatre on Turkey’s southern coast.
Aegean Region, Yalıkavak
The Bodrum EDITION
Perched on a hill just 3km from the gorgeous Yalikavak Marina, The Bodrum EDITION offers enthralling coastal views of the turquoise coast with its terraces, promenades and seaside pools and spa. Sleek, sharp and stylish, this hotel offers luxuriant food, both casual and refined, as well as two sensational bars for a romantic Mediterranean-inspired evening. With spacious rooms, suites and bungalows on offer, you can expect polished stone floors, marble baths and bright, light decor for ultimate relaxation. The service is kingly at this majestic five-star resort.
Aegean Region, Bitez
Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum
This luxury resort is set on a spectacular section of Bodrum’s coastline, with stunning beaches, seaside pools and terraces. Its 75 airy rooms and 9 suites are decorated with modern furnishings complimented by a Turkish twist, enticing such esteemed visitors as the Saudi royal family. Its 4 restaurants feature everything from both contemporary and traditional Aegean cuisine to sushi, making best use of locally caught fish and rarer global options. The hotel’s own boats are available to hire for coastal excursions, including a luxury yacht features in James Bond’s Casino Royale. Take advantage of the dazzling and well-stocked seafront bar on the evening, watching the lights bounce off the seawater.
Aegean Region, Yaliciftlik
Kempinski Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum
Hidden upon a cliff-top which overlooks the spectacular Barbaros Bay and its unspoilt landscape, this Kempinski owned resort is ideal for those looking for seafront style and natural grandeur. Classically decorated with high ceilings, traditional Turkish architecture, drapes and opulent furnishings, guests have access to private beaches lusciously kitted out with wicker beds and shielded, green vegetation. The service is friendly and the facilities top notch, with a choice of 3 restaurants on-site: Italian, Aegean and Vietnamese. A Turkish themed beach bar offers poolside lunches and evening drinks on a spectacular seafront patio.
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
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.
Aegean Region, Bodrum
Macakizi Bodrum
Maçakizi hotel is named after the Queen of Spades, known for her intelligence and beauty and the hotel certainly lives up to its namesake. Stylish and sophisticated with a cool laid-back vibe it’s easy to see why this is a popular choice for the cool crowd in Bodrum, with celebrities such as Mick Jagger named on the guest book. The hotel is conveniently located and comprises of 74 rooms including 21 suites – for the utmost in privacy choose the Upper Deck suite which is hidden away on the hillside. Guests can take a quick dip in the small hotel pool or head to the seafront deck for the full Aegean aquatic experience. For those wanting something less strenuous guests can indulge in a treatment in the open-plan Nuxe spa treatment rooms. Dinner here is a glamorous affair in terms of ambience and cuisine with a wonderful menu ranging from fresh Mediterranean dishes to traditional Turkish cuisine. Each dish is a work of art and dining here truly is gastronomic experience. The Maçakizi family is expanding with the recent additions to its portfolio including Villa Maçakizi for the ultimate in a private getaway and the Maçakizi Halas 71 the sophisticated yacht which is available for charter and features the unique and high class dining experience the hotel name has become famous for.
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 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.
Aegean Region, Bodrum
Kaya Palazzo Resort & Residences
The luxurious Kaya Palazzo Resort & Residences can be found in the very heart of and contemporary accommodations in the form of spacious guestrooms with swim-up options; deluxe suites with private gardens; and spectacular villas with private pools. Guests can choose from multiple on-site dining options including Terrace À La Carte serving local and international flavours, Palazzo Lounge with live DJ performances and Lounge 40 where you can enjoy an expertly crafted cocktail. The hotel’s spa and wellness facilities include saunas for total relaxation. There is also a fully equipped fitness room. Guests can take advantage of the 24-hour butler services and the entertaining, family-friendly Kids club. The Kaya Palazzo Resort & Residences is the ideal location for a 5-star getaway full of sun and sea views.
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, 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.