8 Best Hotels in Istanbul, Turkey

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With the number of visitors to Turkey increasing every year, Istanbul's hoteliers are busy keeping up with the growing demand. New lodgings, from five-star hotels to smaller boutique inns, are opening all the time, while older establishments are busy renovating and expanding. This means there are plenty more options than there were in the past, but because Istanbul is such a popular destination, it's not the travel bargain it used to be. Hotels in Istanbul tend to quote their rates in U.S. dollars or euros, depending on which currency has a more advantageous exchange rate. Most lodgings, save four- and five-star hotels, include a full Turkish breakfast with the room rate.

The majority of visitors to Istanbul stay in the Sultanahmet area, where they are conveniently in walking distance to most of the city’s major sights, including Aya Sofya, the Blue Mosque, Topkap? Palace, and the bazaars. Sultanahmet has a good selection of hotels, smaller family-run guesthouses, and some charmingly stylish inns, many of which are decorated in typical Turkish style, with traditional touches like kilim carpets or old-fashioned furnishings. The rooms here generally tend to be on the small side, and bathrooms often only have showers, but what's lacking in space tends to be more than made up for in character and atmosphere. The downside of staying in Sultanahmet is that at the height of the season, the area is overrun not only with tourists but touts who will approach you at every turn. On the upside, stiff competition in the area means that Sultanahmet usually has the best deals in town; some hotels even offer a 5% to 10% discount for payment in cash, or a complimentary airport transfer if you stay three or more nights.

For a wider range of hotel options in somewhat less tourist-oriented neighborhoods, head across the Golden Horn. The Beyo?lu district, only a 15- or 20-minute tram ride or cab ride from the sights of Sultanahmet, has emerged as an attractive alternative to the Old City. Entrepreneurs have caught on to the tourism potential of the historic area and are restoring elegant, century-old buildings and giving them new life as hotels. Staying near Taksim Square or in one of Beyo?lu’s trendy sub-neighborhoods—such as ?i?hane/Tünel, Cihangir, Galata, or Karaköy—puts you closer to Istanbul's best restaurants and nightlife spots and also gives you a chance to stroll through the area’s lively backstreets.

For the most luxurious, indulgent accommodations, stay in one of the large, modern, high-end hotels that are mostly clustered in the upscale neighborhood of Ni?anta?? and along the coveted strip of the Bosphorus between Be?ikta? and Ortaköy. You’ll pay considerably more to stay in these digs but the perks can include incredible waterfront views, swimming pools and top-notch fitness facilities, and sophisticated dining options. Wherever you stay, you may notice that hoteliers are starting to embrace traditional Turkish styles and motifs; one new trend is to design hotel bathrooms like hammams. Though the setup may be less familiar than a traditional shower or bath, these bathrooms can be quite luxurious, with marble-lined tubs and heated floors.

Celal Sultan Hotel

$ | Salkımsöğüt Sok. 16, Istanbul, 34410, Turkey

Three conjoined, restored town houses make up this comfortable, well-maintained hotel, which has new furnishings designed to look old-fashioned and an inviting lobby with a cozy bar decorated with colorful Turkish rugs and kilims. The compact standard rooms feature white furniture, attractive textiles in pastel or earth tones, and decorative flourishes; higher room categories also offer separate sitting areas and some have good views. A rooftop terrace, with sofas, glass tables with wrought-iron chairs, and potted plants, is a relaxing place to hang out, while the upper-level restaurant provides a fine view of the Aya Sofya.

Pros

  • On a quiet street
  • Personable staff
  • Rooftop terrace

Cons

  • Standard rooms and bathrooms are small
  • Some guests report poor sound insulation in rooms
  • Rather high rates
Salkımsöğüt Sok. 16, Istanbul, 34410, Turkey
212-520–9323
hotel Details
31 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

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Darussaade Hotel Istanbul

$ | Akbıyık Cad. 90, Istanbul, Turkey

Two adjoining 19th-century houses offer old-world charm and comfortable rooms close to Sultanahmet's main sights. It's decorated in Ottoman-Victorian period style, with cozy furnishings that include brass beds and lamps, floral wallpaper and textiles, wooden floors with plush area carpets, and old-fashioned-style telephones. Most rooms face the neighborhood, though a few on the upper floors have views of the Sea of Marmara or the top of the Blue Mosque. Breakfast is served in summer on a rooftop terrace, which has the same view and is also the site of a Turkish restaurant offering à la carte lunch and dinner selections. Service is both friendly and efficient.

Pros

  • Comfortable, nicely furnished accommodations
  • Very helpful staff
  • Rooms receive lots of natural light

Cons

  • Some small rooms
  • Most rooms don't have views
  • Old building
Akbıyık Cad. 90, Istanbul, Turkey
212-518–3636
hotel Details
23 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

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Esans Hotel

$ | Yeni Saraçhane Sok. 4, Istanbul, 34122, Turkey Fodor's Choice
Esans Exterior

The emphasis at this delightful, family-run, bed-and-breakfast is on guest satisfaction, and the 10 rooms in the restored wooden house are decorated with thoughtful attention to detail, like lovely Ottoman-Victorian-style wallpaper, upholstery, and linens; wooden floors and ceilings; and old-fashioned furniture. Tile-lined bathrooms feel fresh and modern; a couple have showers with exterior-facing stained-glass windows. A large roof terrace, where breakfast is served, has excellent views.

Pros

  • Good value
  • On a quiet street
  • Staff go out of their way to assist

Cons

  • No elevator
  • Lack of soundproofing can be an issue
  • Some rooms are small
Yeni Saraçhane Sok. 4, Istanbul, 34122, Turkey
212-516–1902
hotel Details
10 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Hotel Peninsula

$ | Akbıyık Cad., Adliye Sok. 6, Istanbul, Turkey

One of the best values in Sultanahmet, this well-located hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms with decorative touches that include mirrors, small artworks, kilims, and gauzy draped fabric; three rooms have a partial sea view. The lower level of the inviting two-floor rooftop terrace, where a homemade breakfast is served in summer, has fine views of the Sea of Marmara, while the upper section has several hammocks that are extremely popular with guests. If the Peninsula is full, try its sister hotel, the Hanedan, just across the street.

Pros

  • Great value
  • Near major sights
  • Service is genuinely friendly and accommodating

Cons

  • No elevator
  • Loud call to prayer from mosque directly behind hotel
  • Bathrooms a bit small and basic
Akbıyık Cad., Adliye Sok. 6, Istanbul, Turkey
212-458–6850
hotel Details
14 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Hotel Tashkonak Istanbul

$ | Küçük Ayasofya Cad., Tomurcuk Sok. 5, Istanbul, 34400, Turkey

Occupying two adjacent, Ottoman-style wooden houses on a quiet side street, Hotel Tashkonak has appealing rooms, friendly service, and a spacious, leafy garden patio that is a calming oasis in busy Sultanahmet. Cozy rooms have old-fashioned touches like chandeliers, boudoirs with mirrors, ornamental designs painted on the ceilings, and framed Ottoman prints and watercolor paintings; three family rooms comfortably sleep four to five people each. The roof terrace has a sweeping view of the Sea of Marmara, and complimentary tea is offered every afternoon in the garden.

Pros

  • On a quiet street
  • Lovely secluded garden is a gem
  • Good value

Cons

  • Rather small rooms
  • No elevator and lots of stairs
  • Walls are thin
Küçük Ayasofya Cad., Tomurcuk Sok. 5, Istanbul, 34400, Turkey
212-518–2882
hotel Details
32 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Muyan Suites

$ | Dizdariye Medresesi Sok. 13, Istanbul, Turkey

The large rooms and suites at this cozy hotel on a quiet backstreet not far from the Çemberlitaş tram stop are attractively if a bit eclectically decorated, with brocade satin upholstery in Ottoman patterns, hanging Middle Eastern–style brass and cloth lamps, ornate mirrors, and kilims on parquet floors. Bathrooms, featuring patterned blue-and-white vintage-looking tiles, have tubs or rain showers and an extensive range of complimentary toiletries. Family suites hav sofa beds in a separate living room off the bedroom, and one deluxe room has a small private patio in the back.

Pros

  • Good for families
  • Very friendly, attentive staff
  • Excellent breakfast

Cons

  • Thin walls
  • Some bathrooms showing wear and tear
  • No roof terrace or any area with views
Dizdariye Medresesi Sok. 13, Istanbul, Turkey
212-518–6061
hotel Details
14 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Perili Köşk

$ | Ayyıldız Cad. 103, Istanbul, Turkey

Rooms in this tiny hotel tucked away near the entrance to Değirmenburnu Park are simply but tastefully decorated, with old radios and furniture adding nostalgic charm; a top-floor king suite has a minibar, whirlpool tub, and terrace. The downstairs restaurant is cheerily strung with paper lanterns and has a lovely view over the water to Istanbul’s Asian side.

Pros

  • Peaceful location not far from ferry pier
  • Attractive rooms
  • Homey feeling

Cons

  • Fairly simple accommodations
  • Few facilities for guests
  • Restaurant–bar downstairs can get noisy, especially when there's live music
Ayyıldız Cad. 103, Istanbul, Turkey
216-351–8710
hotel Details
7 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

Quick Facts

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Şebnem Hotel

$ | Adliye Sok. 1, Istanbul, 34400, Turkey

This lovely little inn near the main sights of Sultanahmet has bright, clean, and attractively decorated rooms—dark wooden floors, burgundy curtains, and a few four-poster beds with embroidered canopies—and a pleasantly laid-back vibe. Two rooms lead out to a small garden patio, while the sought-after Room 18 has a lovely sea view. The top-notch breakfast, which includes homemade cakes and fresh-squeezed orange juice, is served on a comfy roof terrace with a panoramic view; you can also enjoy a drink here at the end of the day.

Pros

  • Extraordinarily friendly staff
  • Outstanding breakfast
  • Lovely terrace

Cons

  • Rather small rooms
  • No elevator
  • No safes in rooms
Adliye Sok. 1, Istanbul, 34400, Turkey
212-517–6623
hotel Details
15 rooms
Rate Includes: Free Breakfast

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