Where to stay in Istanbul – Top 6 luxury hotels on the Bosphorus
Are you wondering where to stay in Istanbul and which luxury hotel to choose? In this article, I’ll show you the best hotels in Istanbul, so you can find the perfect place for an unforgettable experience.
Overview: Top 6 luxury hotels in Istanbul
I’ll focus on the absolute best hotels in Istanbul. In my mind, there are six luxury hotels that truly stand out:
1. The Peninsula Istanbul
2. Ciragan Palace Kempinski
3. Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus
4. Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul
5. Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus
6. Raffles Istanbul
My recommendations on where to stay in Istanbul are based mainly on location.
1. The Peninsula Istanbul
Let’s start with the Peninsula Istanbul. This is the newest addition to the luxury hotels in Istanbul. It opened in 2023. I especially recommend the Peninsula Istanbul, if you are visiting the city for the very first time and your focus is sightseeing. The location is perfect for that intention.
The Peninsula Istanbul showcases incredible architecture across four distinctive buildings. Many rooms offer spectacular views of the Bosphorus, the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi palace. The only chef with two Michelin stars in Istanbul is located on the top floor. For first-time visitors, this might be the best luxury hotel in Istanbul.
Expedia customer rating: 9.6 (Exceptional)
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2. Ciragan Palace Kempinski
Number two is the Ciragan Palace Kempinski. This hotel has two main buildings, with the original one being a former Ottoman palace. It was the first luxury hotel in Istanbul. For many Turks, it is still known as the best hotel in Istanbul.
The Ciragan Palace has a huge outdoor space with breathtaking Bosphorus views. It’s also famous for hosting some of the most lavish weddings in Türkiye. I recommend the Ciragan Palace Kempinski if you enjoy an imperial and old-money atmosphere.
Expedia customer rating: 9.4 (Exceptional)
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3. Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Next is the Four Seasons Istanbul at the Bosphorus. This hotel feels like a more modern version of the Ciragan Palace Kempinski.
Like the Peninsula Istanbul and the Ciragan Palace, it has an outdoor pool and a private dock. You can even book a yacht and be picked up directly from the hotel’s private dock.
If you are looking for where to stay in Istanbul with a mix of elegance, luxury and comfort, the Four Seasons Istanbul is a fantastic option.
Expedia customer rating: 9.6 (Exceptional)
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4. Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul
Number four is the Shangri-La Bosphorus Istanbul. Technically, this hotel is not directly on the Bosphorus, since there is a public walkway and a public ferry terminal in front of it. This might explain why it often has the lowest rates among the luxury hotels mentioned in this video.
The Shangri-La is located very close to the Ciragan Palace and Four Seasons. If you stay in one of these three hotels, focus is more on lifestyle, leisure, and Bosphorus views. Sightseeing often comes second.
Expedia customer rating: 9.4 (Exceptional)
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5. Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus
Next is the Mandarin Oriental Istanbul, which opened in 2021. It is located just north of the first Bosphorus Bridge.
The focus here is purely on lifestyle and leisure. The Mandarin Oriental also has an outdoor pool and a private dock for yachts and boats.
The hotel is next to the most beautiful neighbourhoods in Istanbul. These are Arnavutköy, Bebek and Rumeli Hisari. This is where Istanbul’s rich and famous love to go out. This part of the city feels more like the French Riviera than busy central Istanbul.
Expedia customer rating: 9.4 (Exceptional)
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6. Raffles Istanbul
Number six on this list is the Raffles Istanbul. This is another contender for the best hotel in Istanbul.
Raffles Istanbul is the only luxury hotel on this list which is not directly by the Bosphorus. Instead, it sits on a hill. Some rooms still offer great Bosphorus views.
I recommend the Raffles Istanbul, if you are visiting Istanbul for business purposes. Especially if your work takes you to the commercial districts of Gayrettepe, Levent or Maslak. Just note, traffic in this area can be heavy, so getting to historical sights takes some extra time.
Expedia customer rating: 9.8 (Exceptional)
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Disclaimer
Please note that if you book a hotel through the links provided in this article, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my content creation efforts.
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