Top 10 best luxury hotels in Istanbul

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today: Top 10 best luxury hotels in Istanbul

A fusion of age-old glories and a cool, contemporary 21st-century culture, the magnificent metropolis of Istanbul is the only city on the planet to sit across two continents, Asia and Europe, with a narrow strait – the Bosphorus – in between them. Istanbul has been the capital of three great empires, the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and for more than 1,600 years over 120 emperors and sultans ruled the world from here. Today, it is Türkiye’s cultural and financial epicenter. With its myriad of world-famous mosques, glorious palaces, exquisite museums and colorful eateries, it’s also very popular with tourists. Here’s my selection of the 10 best luxury hotels in Istanbul, the fascinating city where East meets West.

There is more information below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite Istanbul luxury hotel in the comments section.

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10. THE RITZ-CARLTON ISTANBUL

Centrally located by the Bosphorus and close to shopping, sightseeing, and historic districts, Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul offers sanctuary in each of its 186 luxurious guest rooms and suites, while the restaurants provide exceptional dining experiences. Shang Palace is the hotel’s signature restaurant and Shangri-La’s culinary introduction to the city. Guests savor only the best Chinese-Cantonese dishes in a refined atmosphere. CHI The Spa introduces traditional Asian healing philosophies with its treatments, based upon the principles of restoring balance and harmony to the mind and body.

• Hotel website: Shangri-La Bosphorus
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, VIP welcome amenity, and $100 USD food and beverage credit).

8. RAFFLES ISTANBUL

Set in one of the most desirable areas in Istanbul, Raffles Istanbul captivates with its stunning Bosphorus views and gorgeous art collection, themed the “Dream of Istanbul.” The Forbes Travel Guide five-star awarded property for the 3rd consecutive years is located within Zorlu Center, where upscale fashion, fine food, and the arts converge. Hotel offers breathtaking views from its private terraces and a personalized butler service anticipates and answers all your needs. A rejuvenating hammam journey at The Raffles SPA is worth the detour, along with mouthwatering bespoke cocktails at the Long Bar or an enticing pan-Asian dinner at Isokyo.

• Hotel website: Raffles Istanbul
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. guaranteed upgrade at time of booking, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food and beverage credit; stays of 5+ nights will receive an additional $100 USD hotel credit for a total of $200 USD during stay).

• Hotel website: Park Hyatt Istanbul – Macka Palas
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, local wine & fruit in room upon arrival, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit).

6. SIX SENSES KOCATAS MANSIONS

Located in the prestigious Sariyer district of Istanbul, the Six Senses property occupies two historic, three-level, sensitively-restored mansions – Kocatas Mansions and Sait Pasa. Both were built in the Ottoman era and previously owned by Necmettin Molla Kocataş, former Minister of Justice and founder of Kocatas Water. The 43 generously-sized guest rooms and suites have design features showcasing history, local flavors and Six Senses touches. This “Pearl of Bosphorus” shines through its commitment to community, sustainability, wellness and design, infused with touches of fun and quirkiness.

• Hotel website: Six Senses Kocatas Mansions

The numerous royals and heads of state staying at the Çırağan Palace are continuing a long tradition: in a previous life, this grandiose property on the European side of the Bosphorus was a residence for sultans. The regal feeling is most pronounced in the Palace suites, whose vaulted ceilings, elegant antiques and textiles evoke the opulence of the Ottoman Era. On-site dining options include Tugra, whose classic Turkish cuisine is considered among Istanbul’s finest. Lovingly restored and with an ideal seaside location overlooking Istanbul, the hotel provides a one-of-a-kind experience with its historic ambience, luxurious facilities, and impeccable service, including a personal butler for all palace guests. Award-winning dining venues feature a gastronomic journey, including the authentic Tuğra Restaurant, offering “the ultimate Ottoman dining experience,” complete with timeless palatial rituals.

4. ST REGIS ISTANBUL

Nestled in the heart of Nisantasi – known as Istanbul’s Fifth Avenue – the five-star St. Regis Istanbul is surrounded by exclusive shops, dining, art, and entertainment. Mere steps away are such destinations as Macka Park, the convention center, the city center, and the Bosporus. The hotel’s 118 sumptuous accommodations – including 10 suites, one of them being designed by Bentley – boast a unique identity of discrete luxury, timeless elegance, and compelling grace. Guests can experience exquisite rooftop dinner at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, savor international cuisine on the verdant terrace of St. Regis Brasserie, or be pampered with a bespoke treatment inside the hotel’s Iridium Spa.

• Hotel website: St Regis Istanbul
• Other accolades: St Regis Istanbul also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Turkey and Europe’s best hotel rooftops.
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit).
• Review: read my review of the St Regis Istanbul here.

1. THE PENINSULA ISTANBUL

Set on the iconic shores of the Bosphorus strait, The t property is home to 177 opulent guestrooms and suites, multiple dining venues serving local and international fare, plus lush gardens, indoor & outdoor swimming pools, and a full-service spa complete with hammam steam baths. Guests can also take advantage of the onsite shopping arcade, an 8,000-square-foot retail space. GALLADA & Topside Bar offer a celebratory menu inspired by the captivating flavours of ancient Silk Road cuisine from Türkiye through Central Asia to China with a vibrant atmosphere that takes you on a journey of the senses.

• Hotel website: The Peninsula Istanbul
• Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD food and beverage credit).