Must-see hotels in Istanbul

  • Sirkeci Mansion

    Sultanahmet

    Travellers love this terrific-value hotel overlooking Gülhane Park, with its impeccably clean, well-sized and amenity-laden rooms, some with park-facing…

  • Marmara Guesthouse

    Sultanahmet

    Few of Sultanahmet's family-run pensions can compete with the Marmara's cleanliness, comfort and thoughtful details. Owner Elif and team go out of their…

  • Hotel Empress Zoe

    Sultanahmet

    Named after the feisty Byzantine empress, this is one of İstanbul's most impressive boutique hotels. The four buildings house 26 diverse rooms joined by…

  • Witt Istanbul Hotel

    Beyoğlu

    Showcasing nearly as many designer features as an issue of Architectural Digest, this stylish apartment hotel in Cihangir offers spacious suites with…

  • Pera Palace Hotel

    Beyoğlu

    This famous hotel underwent a €23-million restoration in 2010 and the result is simply splendiferous. Rooms are luxurious and extremely comfortable, and…

  • Louis Appartements

    Beyoğlu

    The tower suite at this meticulously maintained and keenly priced hotel near the Galata Tower is the knockout option among the 12 suites and rooms on…

  • Hotel Alilass

    Sultanahmet

    One of Sultanahmet's few budget boutique hotels, the Alilass offers rooms decorated with evocative Ara Güler prints of Old İstanbul. Standard rooms are…

  • Hotel Ibrahim Pasha

    Sultanahmet

    Cultural tomes are piled in reception and throughout the 24 rooms of this exemplary design hotel, which also has a comfortable lounge with open fire, and…

  • Hotel Şebnem

    Sultanahmet

    A simple but elegant decor gives the Şebnem an edge over nearby budget hotels. Rooms have wooden floors, modern bathrooms and comfortable beds with good…

  • Casa di Bava

    Beyoğlu

    The two-bedroom penthouse apartment at this wonderfully located suite hotel is an absolute knockout, and the 11 one-bedroom apartments in the 1880s…

  • Four Seasons Istanbul at Sultanahmet

    Sultanahmet

    This luxurious hotel has an excellent position near Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque, with views of both and of the Bosphorus from its rooftop bar…

  • Akın House

    Istanbul

    To experience local life in the Golden Horn's most atmospheric neighbourhood, book a room in one of these traditional wooden houses near the Fener ferry…

  • Hotel Amira

    Sultanahmet

    A consistent performer, Amira has 34 comfortable, well-equipped rooms. The standard rooms are cramped, so it's worth paying extra for a deluxe version…

  • Sofa Hotel

    Nişantaşi, Bomonti & Harbiye

    This boutique choice offers rooms and two-bedroom suites that are replete with amenities including work desk, kettle and satellite TV. Service levels are…

  • Hotel Grand Peninsula

    Sultanahmet

    A sister hotel to nearby Peninsula and Hanedan, the Grand Peninsula was renovated in 2016, resulting in a pleasant property with scattered carpets and…

  • Hamamhane

    Beyoğlu

    Çukurcuma is one of the few enclaves in Beyoğlu to retain an authentic neighbourhood feel, so it's a great spot for a city sojourn. Each of the spacious…

  • Hotel Peninsula

    Sultanahmet

    Hallmarks here are friendly staff, comfortable rooms and bargain prices. Start your day on the sea-facing roof terrace with its sociable breakfast room…

  • Ottoman Hotel Imperial

    Sultanahmet

    This four-star hotel is in a wonderfully quiet location just outside the Topkapı Palace walls. Its large and comfortable rooms have plenty of amenities,…

  • Marmara Pera

    Beyoğlu

    A great location in the midst of Beyoğlu's major entertainment enclave makes this high-rise modern hotel an excellent choice. Added extras include a…

  • TomTom Suites

    Beyoğlu

    We're more than happy to beat the drum about this hotel, occupying a former Franciscan nunnery off İstiklal Caddesi. Its contemporary decor is understated…

  • Karaköy Rooms

    Beyoğlu

    Occupying five floors above one of the city's best-loved restaurants, Karaköy Lokantası, this splendid hotel has only 12 rooms – book well in advance. The…

  • Hotel Alp Guesthouse

    Sultanahmet

    This wooden building lives up to its location in Sultanahmet's premier small-hotel enclave, offering attractive and well-priced single, double, triple and…

  • Bahaus Hostel

    Sultanahmet

    Small, clean and secure, Bahaus stands in stark and welcome contrast to the huge institutional-style hostels on nearby Akbıyık Caddesi. The four- to 14…

  • Splendid Palas Hotel

    Princes’ Islands

    Set in a fully renovated heritage-listed 1908 building with whimsical cupolas, elegant lounge and Moorish-style inner courtyard, the Splendid Palas is…

  • Hanedan Hotel

    Sultanahmet

    One of Sultanahmet's best-value sleeping options, the Hanadan's 11 rooms feature double-glazed windows, satellite TVs, kettles and small white marble…

  • Cheers Hostel

    Sultanahmet

    The four- to 10-bed dorms at Sultanahmet's best hostel are worlds away from the barrack-like quarters at many of its competitors. Bright and airy, they…

  • Saruhan Hotel

    Sultanahmet

    Hitherto bereft of hotels, the quiet residential pocket of Kadırga is inching its way into the limelight, courtesy of impressive family-run operations…

  • Hotel Uyan

    Sultanahmet

    The Uyan's quietly elegant decor nods towards Ottoman style, but never goes over the top. Rooms are comfortable and mostly of a decent size; the…

  • Bankerhan Hotel

    Beyoğlu

    Budget and boutique aren't concepts that sit comfortably together, but this hotel on the edge of Galata and Karaköy can legitimately claim to be both. The…

  • House Hotel Karaköy

    Beyoğlu

    Part of the fashionable House Hotel group, this property is a stylish and evocative meld of old and new. Occupying a grand bank building, facilities…

  • Ahmet Efendi Evi

    Sultanahmet

    Mr Ahmet's House has an appealing home-away-from-home feel and is a great choice for those travelling with children, with a warm welcome from hostess…

  • Arcadia Hotel Blue

    Sultanahmet

    This modern hotel has memorable views of Aya Sofya, the Blue Mosque, the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara from its rooftop bar-restaurant, and other…

  • Big Apple Hostel

    Sultanahmet

    It may lack a backpacker vibe, but the compensations at this comfortable hostel include four-, six- and 14-bed dorms with curtained bunk beds, lockers,…

  • Sarı Konak Hotel

    Sultanahmet

    Guests here enjoy relaxing on the roof terrace with its Sea of Marmara glimpses, but also take advantage of the comfortable lounge and courtyard…

  • Istanbul Place Apartments

    Beyoğlu

    Operated by a British-Turkish couple, this apartment-rental company has 12 well-appointed and beautifully presented properties in historic buildings…

  • Cheers Midtown

    Beyoğlu

    Located near the Tophane tram stop, this offshoot of the Sultanahmet hostel of the same name offers seven private rooms and four cramped dorms sleeping…

  • Hush Hostel Moda

    Kadıköy

    Located in the thick of Kadıköy's entertainment district, this is a party hostel – expect plenty of noise. Private rooms with bathroom have air-con (dorms…

  • Osman Han Hotel

    Sultanahmet

    Amenity levels at this small and well-maintained hotel are high: rooms have comfortable beds, kettles, satellite TV and small bathrooms. The main…

  • Agora Guesthouse

    Sultanahmet

    The friendly Agora is worth considering for its comfortable bunk beds (with lockers big enough for backpacks underneath) and pleasant roof terrace. The…

  • Manzara Istanbul

    Beyoğlu

    Turkish-German architect and artist Erdoğan Altindiş has renovated eight residential apartments in Beyoğlu and rents them out to holidaymakers. Sleeping…

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