I was intrigued by Istanbul when I learned that it’s the only city in the world that spans two continents, Europe and Asia, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. Ever since then, I’ve been captivated whenever I’ve returned, thanks to the city’s wealth of monuments, museums, mosques, churches, palaces, bazaars, and neighborhoods that reflect its diverse and colorful past. Istanbul is a city that everyone should visit at least once in their lives to soak up the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman cultures that run through the city to this day.
Not sure where to stay next time you check out Istanbul? We’ve rounded up all of the best luxury hotels here.
The Green Park Pendik
If your dream trip to Istanbul involves plenty of adventure, you’ll want to check into The Green Park Pendik. It’s hard to beat the location of this spot, thanks to the road, rail, air, and sea transport options easily available nearby. Here, you’ll find luxurious rooms with an LCD TV, a rain shower, air conditioning, satellite TV, and a mini-bar. Some rooms also have a private spa bath with views of the Marmara Sea, ensuring a beautiful experience on a 24/7 basis. Top amenities come in the form of indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a marina, a health club, a spa with steam rooms, snow rooms and private massage rooms, a beauty parlor, a gym with cardiovascular equipment, and a Pilates Studio.
Key Amenities:
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Gym with Pilates studio
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Spa with steam room
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Multiple pools
Kaynarca, Erol Kaya Cd No:204, 34890 Pendik/İstanbul, Türkiye— +90 216 585 21 21
ISG Sabiha Gökçen Airport Hotel
Only got a short layover in Istanbul or are you just looking for somewhere to rest your head before an early flight the next day? One of Istanbul’s best airport hotels is ISG Sabiha Gökçen Airport Hotel, located on the site of Istanbul’s Sabiha Gokcen Airport, which means you can easily access the terminal and catch your flight without any hassle. The hotel provides a luggage transfer service and a shuttle service to the airport, which are free of charge, as well as a restaurant that serves delicious dishes from international cuisine and a bar with refreshing drinks and snacks. Feeling exhausted after a long day? No bother: just order 24-hour room service!
Key Amenities:
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Free airport shuttle
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Gym and business center
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Close to public transport
Sanayi, Sabiha Gökçen Havaalanı, 34906 Pendik/İstanbul, Türkiye— +90 216 588 50 00
The Marmara Taksim
Looking to be wined, dined, and seriously entertained? Check into The Marmara Taksim and you’ll never be disappointed. As you may have guessed from its name, The Marmara Taksim sits in the heart of Taksim Square and comes with a 24/7 atmosphere to match. Offering superb views of the Bosphorus and the city, this is a place designed to impress, no matter who you’re traveling with. The rooms are spacious, featuring parquet floors, stylish wardrobes, and a work desk, while the marbled en suite bathroom comes fitted with a bathtub for relaxing evenings. The best part? Its outdoor pool deck and spa with Turkish hammam, where you can relax and rejuvenate after a busy day of sightseeing.
Key Amenities:
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Spa with Turkish hammam
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Outdoor pool deck
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Views of the Bosphorus
Gümüşsuyu, Osmanlı Sk. No:1 D:B, 34437 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye— +90 212 334 83 00
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
Where to start when it comes to the incredible Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul? This unbeatable spot is a five-star luxury hotel right in the center of Istanbul on the European banks of the Bosphorus, offering stunning views of the city and the water. Nestled within 65 acres of historical gardens with world-class shopping and vibrant nightlife nearby, it truly does give you the best of both worlds: nature and culture within easy reach. Its rooms, suites and lofts feature state-of-the-art technology and exclusive amenities like allergy-free rooms, blackout curtains, whirlpool bathtubs and more. If that wasn’t enough, it also has an award-winning Purovel Spa & Sport that offers luxurious holistic spa treatments from all over the world.
Key Amenities:
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Fitness center
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Luxury spa
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Historical gardens
Vişnezade, Acısu Sokaği No:19, 34357 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye— +90 212 326 11 00
Niles Hotel Istanbul
Turkey has an incredible, colorful history and you’ll find yourself surrounded by all of that when you check into Niles Hotel Istanbul. This budget-friendly spot may only be three stars but goes above and beyond when it comes to impressing its guests – think luxury on a budget. Set in a 19th century Ottoman building that’s been renovated and restored to preserve its original style, Niles Hotel has a variety of rooms and suites with unique designs and decor, inspired by either contemporary or traditional Turkish motifs. Wake up each morning to start your day with a complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast, served on a rooftop terrace with a stunning view of the Marmara Sea and the Old City.
Key Amenities:
Free breakfast
Traditional decor
Gym and coffee shop
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Big fan of traditional Ottoman-style architecture? What about if it comes with a modern twist? That’s exactly what to expect when you check into the one and only Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel. Featuring an outdoor swimming pool, a peaceful botanic garden and a historical Ottoman Bath, this is a place steeped in history with magic around every corner. As well as being great for solo travelers or couples, this spot has a range of family-friendly services like free babysitting, a kids’ club, a children’s pool and a free airport shuttle. It also offers a free breakfast: the perfect way to restore your energy levels for another fun day of sightseeing!
Key Amenities:
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Free airport shuttle
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Outdoor swimming pool
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Peaceful botanic garden
Alemdar, Ticarethane Sk. No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye— +90 212 522 32 00
Villa Pera Suite Hotel
Villa Pera Suite Hotel in Istanbul is a great choice for travelers who want to experience the historical and cultural richness of the city. Located in a traditional building with a very special architectural character, complete with original wood ceilings and bay windows, this beautiful hotel is only four minutes on foot from Taksim Square, Taksim Metro Station, and Istiklal Avenue, which means it’s effortless to explore not just the center while staying here but also the wider city. Start your day with an open buffet Turkish-style breakfast and a delicious omelet, served on a lovely veranda, before wandering out to see the sights of the city.
Key Amenities:
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Free breakfast
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Quiet setting
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Less than 5 minutes on foot from Taksim Square
Kocatepe, Feridiye Cd. No:80, 34437 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye— +90 530 394 16 80
Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
It’s hard to beat Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus if you’re looking for luxury and convenience in one. With its perfect location between two continents, Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus offers panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the city skyline as soon as you throw open your curtains in the morning. You can easily access the historical and cultural attractions of Istanbul from the hotel, as well as the ferry port and the tram station just outside. Rooms are equipped with marble bathrooms, high-speed internet, smart TVs, and Nespresso machines, while suites also have access to the executive lounge. Savor Mediterranean cuisine at Manzara Restaurant’s stunning terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, or enjoy cocktails and live music at Summit Bar.
Key Amenities:
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Rooftop bar
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Range of restaurants
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Nespresso machines in rooms
Cihannüma, Saray Cd No:5, 34353 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye— +90 212 310 25 25
Pera Palace Hotel
Pera Palace Hotel is located in the heart of Pera, the cultural and entertainment district of Istanbul. So, if you’re looking for shopping malls, museums, art galleries, restaurants, cafes, and nightlife, this is the place to stay. But you might want to stay here anyway due to its famous history: this iconic hotel has hosted many famous guests, like Agatha Christie, Ernest Hemingway, Greta Garbo, and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Or maybe you’re more into relaxation? Pera Palace wins again, thanks to its luxurious spa with a traditional Turkish bath experience. Relax and rejuvenate yourself in the indoor pool, sauna, steam room, or jacuzzi, or choose from a variety of massages and treatments.
Key Amenities:
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Renowned spa on-site
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Central location
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Turkish baths
The Queen Hotel
The Queen Hotel is a sleek, modern hotel in the historic Fatih district of Istanbul and is a great choice for travelers who want to enjoy the convenience and comfort of a well-equipped hotel while being close to some of the most famous attractions in the city. A hidden gem that’s renowned for its great Turkish breakfast, you’ll start every day here with the likes of menemen (scrambled eggs with tomatoes and peppers) and borek (pastry filled with cheese or meat). Inside the hotel, you’ll find a range of room sizes to suit all kinds of guests, as well as attentive staff who know the best local recommendations.
Key Amenities:
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Spacious rooms
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Great location
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Free breakfast
Kalenderhane Mahallesi,No:52, Kalenderhane, 34134 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye— +90 212 522 20 26
Renaissance Istanbul Polat Bosphorus Hotel
Those looking for a taste of the high life will fall in love with Renaissance Istanbul Polat Bosphorus Hotel almost immediately. A place that ticks all the boxes (and then some), it’s home to an indoor pool, fitness center, sauna, and traditional Turkish bath, as well as 16th floor Club Lounge and the rooftop bar and restaurant, where you can admire the breathtaking panorama of the Bosphorus and the historical peninsula. Better yet, this hotel is located in Besiktas, where you can easily access the main boat harbor for day trips. Check into one of its luxurious bedrooms, gaze out the window to the Bosphorus down below, and you’ll fall for Istanbul like never before.
Key Amenities:
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Rooftop bar and restaurant
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16th floor Club Lounge
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Traditional Turkish bath
Gayrettepe, Barbaros Blv. No: 145, 34349 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye— +90 212 340 70 00
