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, Besiktas

Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms Rooms and suites on the Bosphorus, rising to expansive Signature Suites, many with waterfront terraces
Amenities Novikov Istanbul, Olea & Bar and Bosphorus Lounge dining, The Spa with Turkish hammam, indoor and outdoor pools, fitness centre, Kids Club
More European Bosphorus shore between Ortaköy and Bebek, a short drive from Ortaköy square and Bebek bay

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.

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Marmara Region, Istanbul, Besiktas

Raffles Istanbul

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 185 rooms and suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows and a private balcony framing Bosphorus and two-sea views.
Amenities İsokyo pan-Asian and Lavinia Lounge dining, Long Bar and Writers Bar, Forbes Five-Star Raffles Spa with Turkish baths, naturally lit indoor pool, 24-hour butler service
More High above Zorlu Center in Beşiktaş, overlooking the Bosphorus with the shopping and arts complex at its base

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.

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Marmara Region, Istanbul, Besiktas

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms Rooms and suites in a restored Bosphorus palace, from Courtyard and Bosphorus rooms to the Palace Roof and Atik Pasha suites
Amenities Aqua seafood restaurant, Yali lounge and Ocakbaşı terrace, spa with hammam, indoor and heated outdoor pools, sauna and steam room, fitness
More On the Bosphorus waterfront in Beşiktaş, near Dolmabahçe Palace and Nişantaşı

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.

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Marmara Region, Istanbul, Besiktas

Shangri-La Bosphorus

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 186 rooms and suites with chandelier-accented, Ottoman-meets-Asian interiors, rising to the Bosphorus Duplex and Barbaros suites
Amenities Shang Palace and IST TOO dining, Lobby Lounge and Le Bar, Chi, The Spa, health club
More On the Bosphorus in Beşiktaş, a 15-minute walk from Dolmabahçe Palace

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.

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Marmara Region, Istanbul, Sisli

The Ritz Carlton Istanbul

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 239 rooms and suites above the Bosphorus, culminating in the Nobu Suite with its terrace ofuro tub
Amenities Nobu, Michelin Guide-listed Atölye, Limoré and Bleu Lounge dining, The Roof rooftop infinity pool, Spa Soul with eight treatment rooms and hammam, 17m indoor pool, fitness centre
More Perched above the Bosphorus in Dolmabahçe, walking distance from Dolmabahçe Palace and Kabataş

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.

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Marmara Region, Istanbul, Sisli

Park Hyatt Istanbul – Macka Palas

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 90 rooms and suites in a 1922 Art Deco palace, with city or Bosphorus views and a Park Spa Suite that has its own Turkish bath
Amenities Cipriani Restaurant and Roof Bar 805, spa with Turkish hammam, 20m rooftop pool, 24-hour gym
More In Nişantaşı beside Maçka Park, housed in the historic Maçka Palas building

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.

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Marmara Region, Istanbul, Sisli

The St. Regis Istanbul

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms Nişantaşı rooms and suites with butler service, up to the Bentley Suite designed with Bentley Motors
Amenities Spago by Wolfgang Puck and St. Regis Brasserie, Iridium Spa with indoor pools and Turkish baths, 114 sqm Technogym fitness room
More In fashionable Nişantaşı beside Maçka Park, a short hop from the Bosphorus

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.

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Marmara Region, Istanbul, Fatih

Sanasaryan Han, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Istanbul

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 63 rooms and suites in a restored 1895 han, from 40 sqm Charm Junior Suites to the 70 sqm Sanasaryan Han Suite
Amenities Siran Restaurant, Siran Terrace, The Library Bar, concierge and 24-hour room service
More In Sirkeci in the Old Town, walking distance from Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar

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.

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Sanasaryan Han, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Istanbul
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Marmara Region, Istanbul, Beyoglu

JW Marriott Istanbul Bosphorus

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 130 rooms and suites with Bosphorus views inside the restored 180-year-old Veli Alemdar Han, up to two-bedroom suites
Amenities Octo Turkish and IOKI Nau Nikkei dining, Sky Karaköy rooftop bar, Galata Lounge, Skull & Bones bar, Spa Soul with hammams, fitness centre with sauna and steam
More In the Veli Alemdar Han in Karaköy, on the Bosphorus beside Galataport and steps from Galata Tower

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.

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Marmara Region, Istanbul, Beyoglu

10 Karakoy

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 71 rooms and suites in the neoclassical Balıklı Han, from Signature Rooms under original high ceilings to the Rooftop Terrace Suite
Amenities Brasserie Ten all-day dining, Bahane On10 rooftop meyhane, Kupaj Lounge & Bar, Seagull Terrace
More In Karaköy on the Beyoğlu shore, walking distance to Istanbul Modern and the Galata Bridge

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.

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Marmara Region, Istanbul, Besiktas

Ciragan Palace Kempinski

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 317 rooms and suites, including palace suites within the restored Ottoman imperial building, many facing the Bosphorus
Amenities Tuğra, Bellini and Gazebo restaurants, Le Fumoir bar, Sanitas Spa with hammam, outdoor infinity pool
More On the Bosphorus in Beşiktaş, between Dolmabahçe Palace and Ortaköy

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.

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Marmara Region, Istanbul, Sisli

Grand Hyatt Istanbul

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 360 rooms and suites, many Bosphorus-facing, rising to Penthouse Terrace and Presidential suites
Amenities 34 all-day dining, L'Entrecôte at Library, Grasidi Gastro Garden, Mezzanine Lounge & Bar, Gaia Spa, outdoor pool, 24/7 fitness
More In Harbiye by Taksim Square, within reach of the historic peninsula's Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace

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.

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