17 Top-Rated Places to Stay in Istanbul
Whether you are traveling with the family or as a couple, Istanbul features hotel options for all budgets and types of traveler. The city, which is home to famous sightseeing attractions like the Hagia Sofia, Grand Bazaar, and a number of impressive mosques, is also very good value when it comes to hotels, and you'll find the mid-range properties here are often considered luxury in other destinations.
The majority of the best hotels in all budgets are found within, or very close to, the old city center, which is known as the Sultanahmet district. This is one of the most popular tourist areas to stay, as it is within walking distance of all the top attractions.
The majority of the best luxury hotels are either found in this historic area or in Beyoglu, which is known for its entertainment. One exception is the Raffles Istanbul, which is found in a buzzy business district and offers tourists a chance to experience a more local side of the city. Learn about these and other excellent accommodation options with our list of the best places to stay in Istanbul.
1. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
With the best location in Istanbul, the Four Seasons is a wonderful luxury property that caters to couples and families equally well inside a 1919 building. The rooftop terrace here offers 360-degree panoramic city views and should not be missed.
The hotel itself is an elegant affair with a distinct east-meets-west vibe to its stylish decor - think local tiles and Venetian glass. Rooms are individually decorated, and very spacious and comfortable, with luxe bathrooms and comfy beds. Some have balconies.
Away from the rooms, you'll find a restaurant, spa, sauna, gym, and laundry services. Parking is also available if you're traveling with a car.
Accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
2. Romance Istanbul Hotel
About a 10-minute walk from the city center, the Romance Istanbul Hotel is also just a minute's walk from the Sultanahmet tram station and offers a luxury experience in an Ottoman-style building. The 63 rooms on five floors are stylish and comfortable with satellite TV, luxe baths, and city views.
Away from the rooms, you'll find a lobby restaurant serving Turkish cuisine, Turkish steam bath and spa, swimming pool, and fitness center. Breakfast is included, and next to the hotel is a bazaar and shops.
Accommodation: Romance Istanbul Hotel
3. Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet
The Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet is in a central locale on a leafy street in Istanbul's Sultanahmet district in the city center, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and attractions. The luxury property is a modern take on an Ottoman manse and features 61 opulent and serene rooms with Turkish rugs, handmade walnut furnishings, and white marble bathrooms.
The hotel is a good bet for couples or families with options for suites. Away from the rooms, amenities include an on-site spa with a Turkish hammam, a restaurant, and gym.
Accommodation: Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet
4. Raffles Istanbul
Part of the modern Zorlu Center, which is an upscale shopping area and performance venue, the Raffles Istanbul offers travelers a chance to experience a vibrant, local side of the city while still being only a few metro stops from the historic old city.
The interior of this luxury property is filled with Turkish and international art, and the lobby is particularly impressive with a giant sculpture. Rooms and suites are done up in neutral hues, local art, floor-to-ceiling windows, and fabulously comfortable beds. Guests are also assigned a personal butler at check-in.
On-site amenities at this family-friendly property include a restaurant, pool, gym, spa, parking, and a kids' club.
Accommodation: Raffles Istanbul
5. White House Hotel Istanbul
Located near sightseeing attractions like the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia, but not right on top of them, the White House Istanbul is a good mid-range choice if you want to be slightly removed from the hustle and bustle of the tourist district but still accessible to it.
The rooms are clean and comfortable and feature French balconies that open, as well as large windows. There are also three family rooms if you're traveling with the kids. Breakfast is included and served on a fantastic roof terrace. Other amenities include a restaurant, on-site parking, and laundry facilities.
Accommodation: White House Hotel Istanbul
6. Hotel Amira Istanbul
In the Sultanahmet district, Hotel Amira Istanbul is just a five-minute walk from the waterfront and about 10 minutes by foot to the Hagia Sophia. This stylish hotel features rooms and suites with Ottoman-era styles and hand-painted designs on the ceilings. They also feature free Wi-Fi; rainfall showers; and, in some cases, sea views and Jacuzzis.
A buffet breakfast is included in the rates, and amenities include a spa with a sauna and hot tub, as well as a gym. Kids are also welcome.
Accommodation: Hotel Amira Istanbul
7. Sirkeci Mansion
In a great location in the Sirkeci neighborhood, Sirkeci Mansion is just a few minutes' walk from the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque and has easy access to the T1 tramline. This mid-range hotel is known for its consistently good service, and most staff speak English here.
The rooms are very comfortable, with lovely wood floors topped with Turkish carpets, and beds draped with crisp white linens. The best rooms have small French balconies with park views. On-site amenities include a restaurant serving traditional Turkish fare, a swimming pool, and a spa with a sauna and hammam.
Accommodation: Sirkeci Mansion
8. Dersaadet Hotel Istanbul
The Dersaadet Hotel Istanbul is located about 10 minutes by foot from the Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It is a good-value property inside a 19th-century Ottoman mansion, which has been fully restored.
Rooms and suites boast antique Ottoman-era furnishings and modern amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and satellite TV, and suites also feature Jacuzzi tubs and, in some cases, sea views.
Amenities include a free buffet breakfast served on the rooftop. The property is also family friendly.
Accommodation: Dersaadet Hotel Istanbul
9. FER Hotel
Just under a 15-minute walk from the Spice Bazaar and even less to the closest tram stop, the FER Hotel sits in a trendy building surrounded by shops. This kid-friendly hotel is good value, and the rooms and suites are quite comfortable with modern wood furnishings, flatscreen TVs, and large windows.
A breakfast buffet is included in the rate, and there is also a rooftop restaurant for other meals, a 24-hour fitness center, and laundry service. Parking is available if you are traveling with a car.
Accommodation: FER Hotel
10. Hotel Sultania
Hotel Sultania is another popular mid-range option, which is in a central downtown location about a 15-minute walk from top tourist attractions like the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Hagia Sophia. The rooms and suites are quite opulent looking with plenty of damask fabrics and gilded furnishings, and some also feature balconies, four-poster beds, and whirlpool tubs.
Amenities and services include complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea, an indoor swimming pool, spa and fitness center, and even cooking classes. There are two on-site restaurants, and parking is available for a fee.
Accommodation: Hotel Sultania
11. Osmanhan Hotel
In the historic city center of Istanbul, on a cobblestone street, the Osmannan Hotel comes with a wonderful rooftop terrace, which looks out on the Blue Mosque and the sea beyond. Rooms are clean and comfortable and, in many cases, quite spacious.
This small family-run hotel features a few room styles, including some that are kid-friendly. Service is excellent, and a wonderful complimentary buffet breakfast is also offered. Daily tours can be arranged, and parking is free if you have a car.
Accommodation: Osmanhan Hotel
12. Basileus Hotel
The recently opened Basileus Hotel in the Sultanahmet district is within walking distance of many tourist attractions. It's a good bet for families or couples looking for quality mid-range accommodation at budget prices.
This boutique property has just 20 rooms, and these feature nice wood furnishings, crisp white sheets on comfy beds, Turkish area rugs, and matching draperies and bed-runners. A breakfast buffet is included in the rate, and service is good. The hotel is also kid- and pet-friendly, and if you are driving, free parking is available.
Accommodation: Basileus Hotel
13. Esans Hotel
Esans Hotel is a great budget pick in a renovated 19th-century mansion, which is just under a 10-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia. This family-run property has just eight rooms, but these are stylish with hand-crafted wood furnishings and bold colors. They come with complimentary Wi-Fi, as well as flatscreen TVs, tea and coffeemakers, and city views.
Amenities include a free buffet breakfast served on the hotel's rooftop terrace, which offers panoramic city and sea views beyond. Service is also friendly and professional.
Accommodation: Esans Hotel
14. Park Inn by Radisson Istanbul Attasehir
If you want to stay in a Western chain for familiarity then check out Park Inn by Radisson Istanbul Attasehir. It offers rooms and suites in a modern 16-story building, which are clean and comfortable and come with city views, as well as flatscreen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Suites add Nespresso machines, separate living rooms, terraces, and kitchenettes and are a good choice if you're traveling with kids.
Amenities include a restaurant, swimming pool, Turkish spa, and fitness center. This is a good pick if you have a car as parking is free, and the location is also a bit removed from downtown.
Accommodation: Park Inn by Radisson Istanbul Atasehir
15. Peradays
Peradays is a stylish three-star hotel, which is great value and has been hosting tourists since 1905. It features European-style architecture, and the nine rooms are clean and comfortable and come with flatscreen TVs and dressing areas.
There is no on-site restaurant but there are two dining choices less than a minute's walk away. The hotel also offers car rental services if you are traveling without a vehicle and want one, but there is no parking on-site.
Accommodation: Peradays
16. Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
In a great location in the city center with easy access to dining, cafés, and shopping, the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus is a 5-star property that gets high marks for its attentive service. It is also family friendly, with kids staying free and babysitters available to hire.
The rooms and suites have contemporary decor and great views from floor-to-ceiling windows. They are also soundproofed and allergen free.
Amenities on-site include a restaurant serving Mediterranean fare, a spa with a full range of treatments, and a health club with cardio machines and weights, as well as clay tennis courts. There is also a swimming pool.
Accommodation: Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
17. InterContinental Istanbul
In Taksim, in the heart of Istanbul and just a short walk from attractions like Dolmabahce Palace, the InterContinental is another top luxury pick. The rooms and suites come in a number of configurations, including family room options if you are traveling with the kids. Book a room on a higher floor for the best views of Istanbul's skyline and the Blue Mosque.
The property is very family friendly and offers kids meals at its restaurant and even a kids' swimming pool. There is also an adult pool, fitness center, and a spa on-site with a full range of massage options, including treatments for couples. Before or after, sweat it out in the sauna.
Accommodation: InterContinental Istanbul
