10 Hotel Recommendations for Istanbul Visitors

Istanbul, a city that has been the subject of conflicts and desires, stands unique as the only city in the world spanning two continents. Annually, it captivates millions of tourists, whether they come for business or cultural purposes, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who visits. From every angle, Istanbul consistently ranks at the top with its history, culture, cosmopolitan atmosphere harmoniously blending diverse religions and nationalities, its seas, the Bosphorus, restaurants, cafes, forests, and architectural wonders. It's truly a city like no other!

Istanbul also offers a plethora of hotels ensuring comfort for its myriad of tourists. For those seeking a more personalized experience, there are numerous small and boutique hotels throughout the city known for their comfort and quality, catering to all tastes and budgets.

Here's a helpful list (Note: The order is random):

1-Bosphorus Palace Hotel - Beylerbeyi, Istanbul

Located in the busy area of Beylerbeyi, the availability of parking at the hotel is a relief. The restaurant at the hotel, once a 200-year-old boathouse on the sea floor, now serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets. Notably, you don’t need to be a guest at the hotel to dine here; it's open to external guests as well. The weddings held at the hotel are especially spectacular. This historic mansion in Beylerbeyi, one of the most beautiful parts of the Istanbul Bosphorus, hosts numerous events and features 12 rooms with breathtaking views and exquisite decor. The rooms are elegantly furnished with high ceilings and luxury furniture crafted with Italian workmanship and 18-carat gold leaf plating. A fairy-tale hotel... A true Ottoman splendor.https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/bosphorus-palace-hotel

2-Faik Pasha Suites - Beyoğlu, Istanbul

Just a 4-minute walk from the heart of Beyoğlu, Istiklal Street, and 7 minutes to Taksim Square, this small, nostalgic hotel in Çukurcuma is very well-situated. Attractions like the Galata Tower, ferry ports, and Şişhane Metro Station are within 1 km. The area is also a hub for restaurants, cafes, bars, and antique/vintage shops. The owner, Ms. Meral, has decorated the hotel with beautiful details, capturing the spirit of Old Istanbul. The furniture was collected over three years considering the historic residents of the street. The hotel boasts 500 oil paintings on the walls and hand-woven carpets. It feels like visiting the home of a long-established Istanbul family. Their free airport shuttle and the breakfast with gluten-free homemade bread, jams (especially the pomegranate jam), and a variety of hot dishes are particularly noteworthy. Evening live music adds to the charm. If you’re planning a trip to the European side of Istanbul, consider booking at Faik Pasha without further search. NOTE: They also organize guided city and shopping tours upon request. https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/faik-pasha-hotels

3-Galata Antique Hotel - Tünel, Istanbul

Located in Beyoğlu's Pera district, the Galata Antique Hotel is housed in a grand 135-year-old building designed by the famous architect Alexandre Vallaury in 1881 for the prominent Levantine Decugis family. Each of the hotel’s 22 rooms has its own unique character, featuring bay windows, attics, balconies, and views of the Galata Tower and the Golden Horn. The hotel is near İstiklal Street, Tünel Square, and Asmalımescit, which are popular for their vibrant cafes, bars, and restaurants. https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/galata-antique-otel

4-Sirkeci Mansion Hotel - Sirkeci, Istanbul

Not just for visiting Istanbul, but for immersing in its bustling life and experiencing something different, Sirkeci Mansion Hotel offers a delightful stay. Located in the heart of the Historical Peninsula, the hotel provides easy access to other areas of Istanbul. Featuring 52 rooms designed with Ottoman influences for your comfort, the hotel offers an indoor swimming pool, gym, sauna, and Turkish bath. A variety of massage types are also available. The hotel aims to transform Turkish culture and lifestyle into an experience for its guests, with food classes on Mondays and Fridays, market tours on Wednesdays, Turkish wine tastings on Thursdays, and tours of historical commercial areas on Saturdays. Enjoy your visit further by dining at the Neyzade Restaurant within the hotel, which carefully selects dishes from various regions of Turkey. https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/sirkeci-konak-hotel

5- Karaköy Hotel - Karaköy, Istanbul

We'll get straight to the point: this hotel will first capture your attention with its high-ceilinged rooms, lobby decor, and majestic windows. Then, the flavors from its kitchen will win you over. The hotel was designed by an award-winning architect and is situated in Karaköy, a district known for its parking issues, which makes the hotel's parking lot a significant advantage. The lobby hosts the "Kupaj Restaurant & Bar," named after the method of blending different types of grapes used in winemaking. Here, you can enjoy long dinners with friends by the fireplace, and if you happen to book on a Friday, you'll enjoy live jazz performances. The rooftop "Bahane 10" offers great flavors against the backdrop of the Historic Peninsula’s skyline. The hotel's culinary delights are as impressive as its design, led by Chef Kaan Arığ, who has served as an Executive Chef for many of the Royal Family’s private events in the UK. For food lovers, this hotel is a must-visit. https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/10-karakoy

6- Ajia Hotel Kanlıca - Istanbul

Discover Istanbul's unique Bosphorus view with A’jia... A’jia shines with its distinguished architecture, situated on the shores of the Bosphorus, a splendid Ottoman mansion among the most beautiful jewels of the Bosphorus coastline. A’jia, with its well-designed modern interior architecture and centuries-old historic structure, radiates trend and excitement, offering a new perspective on hospitality with its exceptional attention to detail, personalized service, and HIP aspect. Despite its easy access to the city's historical and cultural centers, A’jia Hotel provides guests with a very special escape from the stress and hustle of life with its 16 rooms boasting breathtaking Bosphorus views. Each room, independently designed, blends the endless elegance of the 1800s with the most modern equipment and comfort, providing guests with a unique pleasure. https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/ajia-otel

7- Eresin Hotels - Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Moreover, the hotel houses a collection of 168 pieces of modern painting compositions depicting Byzantine and Ottoman lifestyles. Eresin Hotels Sultanahmet, with its 59 rooms including 5 suites offering all kinds of comfort and personalized service, is a distinctive hotel where hospitality and quality converge. Eresin Hotels Sultanahmet, as perhaps the only museum hotel in the world and the first in Turkey, has ushered in a new era in Sultanahmet, one of our country's most important tourist centers, once known as the Great Palace during the Byzantine period. The hotel displays 49 pieces of historical artifacts with superior architectural ornamentation features dating back to the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods, as well as reproductions of porcelain sets from the Ottoman Empire, some of which are exhibited at the British Museum in London, England. 

8- The Central Palace Bosphorus - Tarabya, Istanbul

Elevating years of experience, quality, and service to the highest level against the backdrop of a unique Bosphorus view, The Central Palace Bosphorus stands out with its Yalı Hotel concept, distinguishing itself with both its general architecture and interior decoration, elegantly integrating aesthetics and comfort. Located in Tarabya, Istanbul, The Central Palace Bosphorus invites you to this unmissable experience. 

9- Regie Ottoman Hotel - Sirkeci, Istanbul

Blending Istanbul's historical texture and rich culture with comfort and modernism, Régie Ottoman welcomes its guests in the Tütün Rejisi Administrative Building, one of the significant buildings of the Ottoman Empire era. While preserving the building's unique texture down to the last detail, its historical structure integrates with a minimal decoration and comfort adorned with details in the rooms. With its historical significance, adapted to the present day, and its priceless location advantage in the heart of the Historical Peninsula, Régie Ottoman Hotel with its 34 rooms offers guests a unique address that will make their Istanbul journey unforgettable. Guests can start their day with a buffet breakfast and enjoy special Turkish and international delicacies served all day at the Brasserie ROI Restaurant with flawless service quality. Additionally, there are bars and cafeterias. After a day spent in Istanbul's historical atmosphere, guests can relax in the fitness center and sauna.https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/regie-ottoman-istanbul

10- Hotel Favori - Nişantaşı, Istanbul

Located amidst many luxury stores and restaurants in one of Istanbul's most exclusive neighborhoods, Nişantaşı, Favori Hotel welcomes its guests with 40 private rooms offering minimalist luxury. This extremely chic and luxurious hotel features a relaxation lounge and fitness center designed to help you unwind from the day's fatigue. Favori Hotel's rooms are filled with modern touches, and all rooms are equipped with LCD TVs, minibars, phones, and high-speed internet. Non-smoking rooms provide guests with a healthy environment. The breakfast lounge at Favori Hotel offers a luxurious, comfortable, and cozy seating area and a great start to the day with regional breakfasts specially prepared by award-winning chefs. Website: https://www.boutiquesmallhotels.com/favori-hotel