The Best Istanbul Hotels with City & Bosphorus Views.
Search below or scroll down a list of the finest Istanbul hotels in Sultanahmet, Besiktas, Taksim, and more. Enjoy vistas of the Bosphorus, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.
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Exceptional Istanbul Hotels, Independently Reviewed
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5-Star Hotel in Sultanahmet/European Side
♡ Süreyya Rooftop Terrace View
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This striking saffron-yellow Neoclassical structure in Sultanahmet's heart, which equals Istanbul's Old Town area, has a unique history. For half a century, from 1919 to 1969, it functioned as a jail-house (the first in the capital of the Ottoman Empire). After decades of abandonment, in 1996, the building underwent a profound transformation into the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, revolutionizing the city’s hospitality landscape. The Four Seasons brand expanded its presence by opening a sister hotel along the Bosphorus, allowing guests to seamlessly travel between the two properties by private boat and enjoy the convenience of unified billing at both locations.
Nestled amidst ongoing excavations for a future archaeological park near the Blue Mosque, the hotel underwent a comprehensive redesign in 2022. The 65 rooms and suites exude a subtle yet classic Oriental elegance, offering views of the historic Sultanahmet area or the hotel's lush, aromatic internal garden, home to the Avlu, a Turkish fine dining restaurant. The Süreyya rooftop terrace bar provides one of the city's most spectacular views of the Hagia Sophia, which can also be admired from the immaculate St. Sophia Suite, spoiling guests for choice with no less than three terraces.
Embracing its transition from a historic building to a modern luxury hotel, among the very best in Sultanahmet, this establishment also features a sahaf (bookstore) selling calligraphy, prints, and books, a patisserie filled with Turkish sweets, and a delightful spa equipped with a traditional hammam. The hotel does not feature any pool or spa, but guests can use these facilities at the Beşiktaş-based Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus.
The Sultan Ahmet Park is just around the corner, and some of the city's most iconic landmarks, such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace Museum, are a short walk away.
🔭 Hotel View: Hagia Sophia
Address: Tevkifhane Sok., No:1, Sultanahmet, Fatih, 34110 Istanbul
5-Star Hotel in Besiktas
♡ Sultan Suite & Ottoman Opulence
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This iconic and highly luxurious Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul hotel, dubbed "The Grande Dame of the Bosphorus," occupies a late 19th-century Ottoman palace situated along a picturesque section of the European side of the Bosphorus. While reports of its destruction in a 1910 fire and its transformation into a hotel in 1990 are part of its lore, the palace now serves as a stunning hotel, celebrated for its breathtaking views, lush gardens, and a winter-heated infinity pool.
The hotel, a reference when the subject is luxury hotels in Istanbul, comprises 317 rooms and suites, split between a contemporary structure and the lavishly adorned Ottoman palace, which houses eleven extravagant suites available for exclusive use.
The Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul's prime location on the European shores of the Bosphorus Strait affords it breathtaking views of the waterway and the city's Asian side. Many of its dining venues and bars are designed to maximize these scenic views. Within the palace, the first-floor Tuğra Restaurant offers traditional Ottoman cuisine, providing guests with a glimpse into the imperial lifestyle of the palace's former inhabitants. The views of the Bosphorus from Tuğra are particularly stunning. The Gazebo Lounge, known for serving one of the city's most exquisite high teas, further enhances the hotel's opulent offerings, rewarding patrons with fabulous Bosphorus vistas. Le Fumoir is ideal for those who wish to snack and contemplate the ever-busy Bosphorus Strait. The "Sultan's Dinner" is a one-of-a-kind feature, a private banquet hosted in the historic section of the palace, allowing guests to dine in royal splendor.
The Sultan Suite, a testament to grandeur, is among the world's largest hotel suites, spanning 376 square meters. This suite has hosted an array of distinguished guests, including royalty and celebrities; such opulence is worth its weight in gold, with nightly rates starting at $35,000. A notch down, the deluxe and grand Çırağan Bosphorus View Room categories will surely not disappoint.
A comprehensive redesign in 2023, led by Ottoman art expert Serdar Gulgun, further accentuates the palace's rich history, integrating traditional motifs and elements reminiscent of the Topkapı Palace.
🔭 Hotel View: Bosphorus, 15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge, Maiden's Tower
Address: Çırağan Caddesi 32, Besiktas, 34349 Istanbul
5-Star Hotel in Besiktas
♡ All Rooms with Bosphorus-Facing Balconies
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Shinning on the shores of the Bosporus in Kuruçeşme, strategically positioned near Istanbul's 15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge, the three-level Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul, constitutes one of the best stays in "The City of the World's Desire."
This positioning and design confer upon its 100 rooms (which include twenty-three expansive suites) a unique charm akin to staying on a luxury cruise ship. Each room boasts a balcony mere meters from the water, offering an immersive docked-at-shore feeling. As the largest accommodation at the resort, the Royal Bosphorus Suite has a lengthy view facing the Bosphorus on three sides, offering panoramic views of the Bosphorus. It includes a private gym, dining room, spacious living room, and an expansive outdoor terrace with a winter garden. Alternatively, the water-facing Junior Bosphorus Suite, featuring a private terrace and a fabulous walk-in shower, promises not to disappoint.
The hotel's interior design, curved walls, lanterns, and rope-wrapped coffee tables enhance the maritime ambiance. Turkish elegance is evident in details like the blue-and-white spiral glass çeşm-i-bülbül lamps lining the corridors, circular çintemani patterns within the minibar cabinets, and pristine white marble bathrooms.
Gourmands are drawn to the hotel's trio of shoreline restaurants: the Pan-Asian and Italian fusion offerings at Novikov (allegedly the best Sunday brunch spot in Istanbul), contemporary Chinese dishes at the award-winning Hakkasan, and local cuisine at the Bosphorus Lounge. Apart from an exceptional culinary experience, these venues share marvelous Bosphorus vistas.
For relaxation and wellness, the Mandarin Spa spans 3500 square meters, housing two outdoor pools (one heated), an indoor pool, a comprehensive gym, a spinning room, and separate hammams for men and women (speaking of which, the Sultan Hammam treatment is unmissable). The five-star hotel is also family-friendly, close to shoreline parks, interconnecting rooms, a small kids' club, and a children's pool.
🔭 Hotel View: Bosphorus, 15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge
Address: Kurucesme Mah. Muallim Naci Caddesi No:62 Besiktas, 34345 Istanbul
5-Star Hotel in Besiktas
♡ The Roof & Panoramic Infinity Pool
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The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul, a trailblazer in the metropolis luxury hotel scene, debuted in 2002 within the soaring Süzer Plaza, a building easily spotable because of its reflective facade. Its prime location above the Beşiktaş and Dolmabahçe Palace areas, close to several luxury shopping areas, offers a sweeping Bosphorus vista from the Old City to the bridges linking continents. The hotel's various dining and lounging areas, including the Lobby Lounge, renowned for its afternoon tea; the Bleu Lounge, known for cocktails, Atölye featuring Anatolian specialties, Nobu bringing Japan's finest gastronomy to Istanbul; and The Roof with its bar and infinity pool, all showcase this stunning panoramic view.
A comprehensive refurbishment of the hotel in 2018 saw the transformation of its 239 rooms and twenty-three suites. As a result, it is fair to state that the hotel's lavish accommodations rank among Istanbul's best, impeccably blending Ottoman and Anatolian styles. While some of the rooms and suites offer soothing vistas of the surrounding parks, others elevate the experience to a fabulous view of the Bosphorus; such is the case of the "Front Bosphorus View" rooms, the "Bosphorus Suite," the "Presidential Suite" and the "Nobu Suite," where the glorious vista can be contemplated while relaxing on a traditional Japanese ofuro bath.
The wellness center and spa, complete with a 17-meter-long indoor pool, also includes a Turkish bath, its design inspired by the 16th-century baths associated with Roxelana. Also worth a go is the hotel's fully-equipped 24/7 gym, where guests are treated to the finest equipment by Technogym. For those traveling with children, family-friendly services and activities tailored for younger guests are available at the snap of a finger.
🔭 Hotel View: Gold Horn, Bosphorus, Dolmabahçe Mosque, 15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge, Maiden's Tower, Istanbul Skyline
Address: Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6 Elmadag/Sisli , 34367 Istanbul
5-Star Hotel in Karaköy
♡ Asian Luxury with Turkish Flair
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Located at the farthest point of Galataport, The Peninsula Istanbul is an innovative hotel development encompassing four shoreline edifices, three of which are early 20th-century restored structures. The hotel's central feature, an atrium-like lobby, is situated in the 1937-built passenger terminal of the Karaköy port. A couple of smiling Peninsula pages, a Hong Kong-originated hospitality brand hallmark, have been welcoming guests through lion-flanked doors since the hotel opened on 2023' Valentine's Day.
Two of the neighboring buildings, the 1912 Art Nouveau Rıhtım Han and the 1910 Çinili Han, notable for its tile work, complement the passenger terminal. These structures house guest rooms offering unmatched views of the lively Karaköy ferry terminal, the Bosphorus, and the iconic Maiden's Tower. Designed as luxurious private retreats, these rooms are part of the hotel's distinctive blend of monochrome, Art Deco, and Anatolian styles, showcased alongside art by numerous Turkish artists. For instance, the Executive Bosphorus corner suite, fitted with binoculars and a panoramic balcony, will prove hard to leave.
At the rooftop restaurant Gallada, the resident Chef presents a Turkish-Asian menu influenced by the Silk Road. The outdoor terrace at the Mediterranean-inspired The Lobby is also a delight, especially in warmer weather.
The Peninsula Istanbul also has a lavish outdoor pool that gives the illusion of floating on the Bosphorus, a spacious spa with a 25-meter indoor pool, Turkish baths, and a fully-equipped gym.
🔭 Hotel View: Bosphorus, Maiden's Tower
Address: 34 Kemankeş Caddesi Kemankeş Kocamustafapaşa Mahallesi, Karaköy, Beyoglu, 34425 Istanbul
5-Star Hotel in Besiktas
♡ Stunning Pools & Bosphorus Suites
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Inaugurated in 2008 and neighboring the Çırağan Palace, the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus has quickly become a challenger to the throne of the best hotel in Istanbul. Residing in a 19th-century Ottoman palace known as Atik Ali Paşa, this grand hotel is distinguished by its subtle and refined pink marble architecture, eschewing ostentatious decoration. Compared to the architecturally modest yet internally opulent Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, this establishment boasts a more summery vibe with its 200-meter terrace along the strait shore, providing stunning views.
The terrace of the Aqua Restaurant, especially pleasant during the warmer months, marks the left boundary, while on the right, towards the Beşiktaş pier, lies a vast, heated outdoor swimming pool (not available in the winter) lined with white marble – a true marvel. Not less impressive is the hotel's indoor pool, adorned with columns and pristine tiles.
The palace wings are thoughtfully recessed, enhancing the rooms' allure, with the suites naturally taking pride of place in this historical setting. One of the hotel's finest luxuries is the opportunity to lose oneself in the mesmerizing view of Bosphorus maritime traffic, comfortably lounging in bed. The temptation to leave the curtains open at night, to not miss the enchanting view, is hard to resist. We suggest securing one of the Palace Bosphorus rooms or one of the top-notch Bosphorus-facing suites with the privilege of panoramic private terraces.
However, a word of caution: stepping out onto the bustling Çırağan Caddesi along the Bosphorus can be jarring, a stark contrast to the tranquility of the hotel. To ensure a smooth return, heading to the spa for a one-hour Premium Turkish Hammam should be enough to restore relaxation.
For a change of scenery, the hotel extends to its guests a complimentary bus shuttle service to its sister property, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet.
🔭 Hotel View: Bosphorus, 15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge, Maiden's Tower
Address: Ciragan Cad. No:28, Besiktas, 34349 Istanbul
5-Star Hotel in Besiktas
♡ Shangri-La Suite Vistas
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Ideally located on the waterfront, near the Prime Minister's official residence behind Dolmabahçe Palace and just a stone's throw from a quaint ferry port, the Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, opened its doors in 2013; it is one of the three best luxury hotels within a mile radius in the southern Beşiktaş district (the other two being the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus and Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul).
Originally an old tobacco warehouse from 1929 that fell into disrepair over the 20th century, the building's exterior belies the lavishness inside. Among the hotel's prized possessions is an 18-meter-long specially commissioned silk painting. This luxurious establishment proudly displays its affinity for Chinese art, plush carpets, opulent marble, and grand Bohemian glass chandeliers.
The 186 guest rooms and suites are designed with a calming color scheme of beige and turquoise, adorned with neo-Ottoman accents and subtle comforts. Some rooms offer limited views of the Bosphorus, so it is recommended to give preference to those accommodations unveiling sweeping water vistas; among these, the Terrace Junior Suite, the Bosphorus Duplex Suite, and the Deluxe Bosphorus Suite categories collect our preference. The pinnacle of luxury takes shape in the palatial Shangri-La Suite, promising 180-degree views from its balconies. Those resting their bags at this exceptional suite can also expect a Rolls-Royce transfer and a signature Shangri-La's Kung Fu Tea Master experience.
Many of the hotel's dining areas, including IST TOO, feature large windows or outdoor seating overlooking the Bosphorus. These settings allow guests to enjoy their meals with scenic waterfront views. This restaurant is renowned for mastering the art of bringing together flavors from Turkey, Japan, and other Asian regions.
The lower levels of the hotel house the exceptional CHI Spa, which includes Turkish baths, a hammam, a sauna, and an indoor pool, all contributing to an atmosphere of profound tranquility and wellness.
🔭 Hotel View: Bosphorus, 15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge, Maiden's Tower
Address: Sinan Pasa Mah. Hayrettin Iskelesi Sok. No:1 Besiktas, 34353 Istanbul
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5-Star Hotel in Besiktas
♡ Balconies with Sweeping Beach & Pacific Views
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Reigning atop Maçka Hill, this 566-room behemoth, perched right above the Dolmabahçe Palace, is among Istanbul's pioneering luxury hotels. Located just a short stroll from Nişantaşı and Tüpraş Stadyumu, the home of the Beşiktaş J.K. football team, the Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul boasts magnificent views of the Bosphorus as a result of its elevated position.
The rooms, having undergone tasteful refurbishments, include modern strait-facing Signature Lofts; from floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can take in vistas of one of the city's architectural marvels, the white-washed Dolmabahçe Mosque. The Ambassador and Terrace suites are unrivaled, with large balconies and plenty of space. Some accommodations entitle guests to visit the Executive Lounge, where sweeping Istanbul views await. The hotel also caters to longer stays with its well-appointed serviced apartments, providing a home-like comfort for extended visits.
With its Swiss DNA, the hotel promises guests an "alpine" experience at the massive Pürovel spa, which also features an indoor pool, an ideal alternative to the seasonal colossal outdoor pool. Nestled within the hotel's sprawling 65-acre garden is Chalet, a century-old Swiss cabin repurposed into a cozy Swiss eatery, hugely popular among locals, particularly in winter, for its mulled wine and fondue.
During the summer, the 16 Roof rooftop restaurant, with jaw-dropping vistas, invites guests to marvel at the cityscape while enjoying cocktails, dinner, and shisha. Meanwhile, the winter-exclusive Gabbro restaurant and bar offers world cuisine in an elegant, classic ambiance.
🔭 Hotel View: Dolmabahçe Palace, Dolmabahçe Mosque, Bosphorus, 15 Temmuz Şehitler Bridge, Maiden's Tower, Marmara Sea
Address: Visnezade Mah Acısu Sok No:19 Maçka, Besiktas, 34357 Istanbul
4-Star Hotel in Sultanahmet/European Side
♡ Epic Views of Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
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The Sultanahmet-located Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel offers an authentic experience of Istanbul's rich history and culture. Its prime location allows guests easy access to some of Istanbul's most iconic attractions, such as the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, two of the city's most significant architectural marvels, offering guests a glimpse into the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. The area is excellent for walkers, with a walkability grade of 100 out of 100, making it a perfect choice for those who want to explore the city on foot.
One of the hotel's standout features is its rooftop terrace, which provides spectacular views of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. This setting is especially appreciated during breakfast, offering a unique start to the day with beautiful views. During summer, nights at the Armada Terrace have become legendary and attract local clientele; at total capacity, 400 souls can take in the inspiring Istanbul vistas.
The well-appointed superior rooms, although not among the most spacious in the city, reward guests with lovely views of the Marmara Sea, the Hagia Sophia, or the Blue Mosque.
🔭 Hotel View: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Marmara Sea
Address: Ahirkapi Sok. No:24 Sultanahmet, Fatih, 34122 Istanbul
5-Star Hotel in Pera/European Side
♡ Historic & Panoramic Balconies
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The Pera Palace Hotel is no ordinary Istanbul five-star hotel. This one-of-a-kind property, renovated in 2010 at nearly 23 million euros, is also a museum combining perfectly harmonious art-nouveau, oriental and neoclassic styles.
Most rooms at the luxury Pera Palace Hotel feature views over Istanbul's historic area of Tepebası and the Pera district. The world-famous novel "Murder on the Orient Express" by Agatha Christie is believed to have been written in room 411, a mysterious room where the acclaimed author might have left some secrets behind (ask the hotel's concierge for some additional clues and unleash the detective that lives in you).
Celebrities who stayed at this beautiful hotel include Hemingway, Greta Garbo, and Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, Turkey's first President; in the case of the latter, his preferred room was the 101, which was converted into a museum as part of his centenary celebrations. Naming hotel rooms and suites has become a tradition at the Pera Palace Hotel; as expected, the ones offering the most captivating Istanbul vistas are the ones that capture our hearts. Among those, the top-floor 609 Mata Hari Suite delivers spectacular views over the Golden Horn and the city's roofs; no less remarkable are the Ernest Hemingway and Presidental suites, also boasting rewarding panoramas of Turkey's largest city.
The AGATHA RESTAURANT, offering a Franco-Italian-Turkish fusion cuisine, pays homage to the main stops of the European railway route, encompassing Paris, Venice, and Istanbul.
The ultimate luxury experience is to have tea under the impressive six domes found at the opulent Kubbeli Saloon Tea Lounge - one of the highlights of a memorable stay in Istanbul.
The hotel is conveniently situated in the Beyoglu area, near many of Istanbul's major attractions. It's close to the famous Istiklal Street, known for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Also, cultural landmarks like the Pera Museum, Galata Tower, and the lively Taksim Square are within walking distance.
🔭 Hotel View: Gold Horn, Hagia Sophia, Istanbul Skyline
Address: Mesrutiyet cad. No:52, Beyoglu, 34430 Istanbul
5-Star Hotel in Sisli
♡ Towering Vistas
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In the business and commercial district of Mecidiyeköy, stands one of the metropolis's finest hotels with views, the Fairmont Quasar Istanbul Hotel. This luxury hotel, added in 2017 to the extensive list of Istanbul's five-star hotels, is the only one of its kind in the area. Housed in a modernist skyscraper of 34 floors designed by Emre Arolat, the hotel is conveniently located just a five-minute stroll from the metro. It is well-connected to the rest of Istanbul through underground, land, and air routes, including a private helipad.
The hotel's lobby is designed to evoke the ambiance of a train, with compartment-like areas for check-in, lounging, and enjoying an innovative Istanbul Sour cocktail at the Marble Bar.
The pet-friendly Fairmont Quasar Istanbul Hotel comprises 209 bedrooms and 29 suites, all spacious and bright, featuring industrial design elements like leather-upholstered, studded minibars reminiscent of vintage travel trunks. Many rooms include a modern interpretation of the traditional hammam, complete with a heated marble seat. The good news is that all rooms and suites offer some view, ranging from the rooftops towards the Marmara Sea entrance or the distant skyline and hills. Grabbing a "gold" category room allows guests to access the 15th-floor Fairmont Gold Lounge, where the luxuries of a dedicated butler and all-day snacks are best enjoyed next to spectacular city vistas. On the higher floors, sleek suites provide the ultimate stay.
Demlique, a high-ceilinged patisserie, and tearoom, offers afternoon teas and heavenly profiteroles covered in chocolate. The all-day dining restaurant, Stations, features two open-plan kitchens. It serves various global cuisines, from Asian to Middle Eastern to American, and is renowned for its exceptional brunch. Adding to Fairmont's diverse culinary offerings are Alia, a quintessential Turkish restaurant specializing in meze and raki, and Ukiyo, an Asian dining experience beside the outdoor infinity pool in summer.
The hotel also includes an indoor pool within an expansive spa, designed with a long white corridor that mimics the attire of a Sufi dancer. Available treatments include a Turkish hammam, hydrotherapy experiences, and a coffee scrub massage. A fully-equipped gym is available, with Reebok fitness apparel and footwear provided to guests.
🔭 Hotel View: Gold Horn, Maiden's Tower, Istanbul Skyline, Marmara Sea
Address: Büyükdere Caddesi No:76 Mecidiyeköy Şişli, Sisli, 34394 Istanbul
4-Star Hotel in Sultanahmet/European Side
♡ Breakfasts with Inspiring Hagia Sophia Vistas
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The Agora Life Hotel in Istanbul is a boutique hotel that offers modern accommodations emphasizing traditional Turkish hospitality. It's in the core of Sultanahmet, the old city center of Istanbul, making it an ideal location for guests who wish to explore the city's historic sites. The hotel is five minutes from notable attractions like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. Additionally, Istanbul's Grand Bazaar is only a ten-minute walk away, providing guests with easy access to one of the city's most famous shopping destinations.
The hotel's facilities include a gorgeous rooftop terrace, where a buffet breakfast is served next to a dramatic view of the Hagia Sophia; additional landmarks on sight include the Topkapi Palace and the Galata Tower.
Rooms at the Agora Life Hotel are tastefully decorated with contemporary wooden floors and are equipped with amenities like LED TVs, laptop-size safes, air conditioning, minibars, and complimentary toiletries. Some rooms also offer extraordinary views of the beautiful Hagia Sophia, one of the world's largest cathedrals.
🔭 Hotel View: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, Bosphorus
Address: Cagaloglu Hamami Sokak No:6 Sultanahmet, Fatih, 34110 Istanbul
5-Star Hotel in Pera/European Side
♡ Rooftop Restaurant with Sweeping Views
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Ensconced on a quiet street in Beyoğlu, moments away from the iconic Galata Tower and the ever-busy Istiklal Street, the Adahan DeCamondo Pera, part of the premium Autograph Collection, offers a blend of beauty and convenience for travelers.
Constructed in 1874 as an apartment building by a branch of the Camondo family, this structure was famously called 'Adahan' as it occupied the entire plot ('ada') of the property. The building underwent extensive renovations and reopened in 2022, instantly claiming the status of one of the best boutique hotels in Istanbul. With no more than 50 rooms and suites to welcome discerning travelers each time, the staff's effort to provide attentive service is notorious in each interaction.
As for views, one may wonder? The hotel's terrace restaurant, Béatrice, named after the last of the Camondos, offers superlative views, covering most of the city's most prominent landmarks across the Golden Horn, including the fascinating Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.
🔭 Hotel View: Galata Tower, Golden Horn, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque
Address: Asmali Mescid Mahallesi General Yazgan Sokak No:14 Beyoglu, 34430 Istanbul