11 Best places to stay in Istanbul

Superbly staffed, relaxing oasis in an unbeatable location – the luxury choice in central Sultanahmet.

Convenient for the major sights and plugged into Turkish culture, this charming, historic hotel is ideal for families and first-timers.  

Close to Istanbul’s top sights, this friendly hotel with a spa and rooftop restaurant is a dream for first-time visitors. And good value too.

This stylish, friendly and affordable boutique hotel is in sights-packed Sultanahmet, perfect for first-time visitors.

A cool, art-filled boutique hotel near the heart of modern Istanbul’s most fashionable shopping and nightlife district. 

In the heart of Istanbul’s hip Beyoglu district, this boutique hotel combines understated luxury with a glam rooftop restaurant. One of the best hotels in town for a romantic city break. 

Wonderfully evocative of Old Istanbul, this lavish, recently-renovated 19th-century hotel is a treat for history and culture buffs. 

Right on the Bosphorus, this large, luxury-packed hotel is true to its name, with superb facilities and mesmerising views over the water.

A hip, upmarket base with a great pool and bar in one of Istanbul’s slickest neighbourhoods – though the main historic sights are around a 6km taxi ride away.

Dating back to the 1860s, this was the last palace to be built in Istanbul for the Ottoman royals – it’s now an opulent 5-star hotel and celeb favourite, set away from the cacophony of central Istanbul.