Istanbul has perhaps as many top hotels and beautiful suites as any city in the world save London, Paris or New York. It presents a difficult choice as you plan your stay, and I’m afraid to say when you review this week’s feature on its top suites, it may not be any easier. Maybe a good reason to plan a return trip!
1. Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
2. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
3. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
4. Raffles Istanbul
5. Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul
6. St. Regis Istanbul
7. The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
8. Soho House Istanbul
9. Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
10. Six Senses Kocatas Mansions
1. Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
Travel + Leisure says, “Housed in an ornate former Ottoman palace on the shores of the Bosphorus Strait, the Ciragan Palace is the ultimate luxurious hotel in Istanbul. The Ciragan boasts an outdoor infinity pool, an exquisite spa with a Turkish hamam, and high-end restaurants. If you want to experience Istanbul like Ottoman royalty, the Ciragan is the place to do it.”
Forbes Travel Guide writes, “Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul combines historical imperial grandeur with a spectacular location. Formerly home to Ottoman sultans, the luxury hotel sits right on the shore of the Bosphorus, the scenic strait that divides Europe and Asia Minor. The property dwells in two grand buildings: a restored 19th-century Ottoman palace reserved for special suites and banquet facilities, and a modern annex housing the majority of the rooms, suites and restaurants. Situated right on the water, the garden has the grandest open area, stretching along nearly a mile of seafront. In this stunning setting, the hotel has a unique advantage — it is the only property in Istanbul that is accessible by private boat, by helicopter or by car, which makes it an in-demand spot to host exquisite events. Needless to say, it is the ultimate setting for weddings with its show-stopping backdrop, regal ambiance and air of exclusivity.”
Sultan Suite
Located on the second floor of the historical palace, the 4,930-sq.ft. Sultan Suite is one of the largest suites in Europe offering panoramic views of the Bosphorus.
Entering the suite through a large hall, there is a fancy living room with a dining area for 12, a kitchenette and a guest bathroom; two unique designed bedrooms are placed on either side.
Pasha and Presidential Suites
Located on the top floor of the hotel building and with panoramic views of the Bosphorus, these 1,679-sq.ft. sister suites each have two separate bedrooms (with king and twin beds), two bathrooms, a large lounge with a writing desk and a library and a dining table for six guests.
More suites at Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul.
2. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
The Telegraph adds, “Superbly located in the Sultanahmet district at the heart of the old city, Istanbul’s most famous sights are just a few minutes’ walk away. Closest is the Haghia Sophia, and just behind that the sprawling grounds of the Topkapı Palace, whilst the Blue Mosque is just as close in the opposite direction. Head-up to the roof terrace for a superb 360-degree panorama north and east over the Bosphorus Strait to the hills of Asia, and south across the Sea of Marmara to the lovely Princes’ Islands. In the foreground, the splendid domes and minarets of the Aya Sofya (the Haghia Sophia in its incarnation as a mosque), Blue Mosque and other Ottoman splendours catch the eye. There are plenty of places to eat out should you tire of the Four Seasons’ excellent restaurant, on either nearby Akbıyık Caddesi and environs, or across on Divan Yolu.”
Marmara Suite
The 1,397-sq.ft. Marmara Suite has three private terraces accessible via theliving room and bedroom with views of the Sea of Marmara and Princes’ Islands.
More suites at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Forbes reports, “Housed in a 19th-century Ottoman mansion, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus charms with its breathtaking setting. Being on the edge of Bosphorus is a uniquely thrilling experience — it’s right where Europe ends and Asia Minor starts, with the Asian side just minutes away by sea. Centrally located steps from Besiktas ferry quay, the luxury hotel is both an urban hot spot and a leisurely escape from the buzz of the city. From an Instagram-worthy waterfront pool to a serene spa with a staple hammam and plush accommodations sumptuous enough for a sultan, this posh palace-turned-Four Seasons property offers endless ways to unwind in the heart of Istanbul.”
Bosphorus Palace Suite
The 2,368-sq.ft. Bosphorus Palace Suite features three bedrooms and is located on the hotel’s first and second floors. Enjoy Bosphorus views from the living room.
More suites at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus.
4. Raffles Istanbul
Forbes Travel Guide writes, “Set in one of the most desirable spots in the city, Raffles Istanbul captivates with stunning Bosphorus views from every angle and a modern interior design that is embellished with a gorgeous collection of specially commissioned artworks inspired by and reflecting Istanbul’s many faces. The light and airy interiors, designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates, create the feeling of a calm urban oasis, while the spacious public areas ooze luxury with lavish use of hand-blown chandeliers, immense sculptures, meticulously chosen objets trouvés and bold flower arrangements. The hotel occupies one of the four towers of Zorlu Center, the hub of luxury shopping in Istanbul, and also home to several movie theaters and the country’s largest performing arts center, where Broadway shows, concerts and events are regularly staged.”
The Telegraph adds, “Raffles Istanbul has bucked the trend of where to locate a luxury hotel in the city: located neither in the historic heart of the old city, nor in the entertainment quarter of Beyoğlu. It doesn’t even nuzzle up to the blue ribbon of the Bosporus. Instead it rises above a vibrant business district that offers a genuine slice of contemporary Turkey. Yet the historic old quarter, its skyline of domes and minarets visible from the hotel.”
Raffles Suite
The 4,478-sq.ft. Raffles Suite offers a 100-sq.ft. terrace, wwo bedrooms, one living room, dining room, exercise room, entertainment room, working room and a kitchenette.
More suites at Raffles Istanbul.
5. Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul
Forbes Travel Guide inspectors say, “Built on the shores of the sapphire-blue Bosphorus and encircled by verdant gardens, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul may be in the middle of Turkey’s bustling city, but it has the qualities of a tranquil, seaside getaway — a unique find in the megalopolis. As the hotel has its own piers, you can explore Istanbul by boat or just relax by one of the waterfront pools or at the pool bar (which has a great location in the gardens overlooking the Bosphorus) and enjoy the view of the ancient city with a cocktail. With only 100 rooms and suites, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus feels like a boutique hotel. Each of the stylish accommodations fuses contemporary design and the traditional Ottoman aesthetic and has unforgettable vistas of gardens and the sea from a terrace or balcony.”
Two Bedroom Royal Bosphorus Suite
The 5,863-sq.ft. Royal Bosphorus Suite features a private winter garden, extensive living/dining rooms and a fully-equipped kitchen making it perfect for large family groups and business gatherings.
More suites at Mandarin Oriental Istanbul.
6. The St. Regis Istanbul
Forbes Travel Guide says, “If Jay Gatsby were able to time travel and arrive in modern-day Istanbul, he would without a doubt stop by The St. Regis Istanbul. Located in the city’s luxury and high-end fashion district, Nisantasi, the sumptuous stay is an updated take on the hotel’s classic New York heritage. The moment you arrive, the unpretentious but elegantly designed lobby envelops you into an art-deco-inspired atmosphere. From the chic library stocked with books on art, design and Ottoman history to the eye-catching contemporary works lining the walls, the hotel was built with style in mind.”
The Telegraph reports, “The St Regis occupies a pleasant spot in this congested metropolis, set across from the greenery of the northern tip of Maçka Democracy Park and looking down the steep hillside to the Bosphorus waterfront, with the domes and minarets of the old city beyond it. The upmarket designer shops of Nisantaşı are within easy walking district from the hotel, as is the Osmanbey metro station, from where it’s just a few minutes to the entertainment quarters of Beyoğlu and Galata (and not much further to the old city).”
Presidential Suite
Perched on the top floor of the hotel, with a prime corner location, the 1,991-sq.ft. two-bedroom Presidential Suite features contemporary Turkish works from the Demsa art collection. The suite boasts an oversized terrace featuring a furnished sitting area and dining area for two overlooking Abdi Ipekçi Street and Maçka Park, with the sparkling Bosphorus beyond.
More suites at St. Regis Istanbul.
7. The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul
Forbes Travel Guide writes, “The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul occupies the first 12 floors of Suzer Plaza, a sleek high-rise multi-use building overlooking the iconic Bosphorus. Embracing a panoramic view of Istanbul with its height, the structure stands tall in the core of the historic city, as if a megalith landed here from space. Following a multi-million-dollar renovation completed in 2018, the property’s interior design also reflects this dichotomy: it has a contemporary spirit with classical touches bearing an Ottoman flair that pay homage to the city.”
The Ritz-Carlton Suite
The 2,600-sq.ft. Ritz-Carlton Suite features floor-to-ceiling windows offering breath-taking views of the Bosphorus from each angle.
More suites at The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul.
8. Soho House Istanbul
Jetsetter writes, “The Soho House brand has had no trouble making a name for itself with uber-cool spaces—be it members’ only clubs, rooftop pool decks, chic hotels, or hard-to-get-in restaurants—in hot-ticket cities like London, NYC, and Berlin. Since 2014, the chic Istanbul outpost has followed suit, taking up residence in a 19th-century palazzo that once served as the U.S. embassy and consulate. Common areas are heavily Venetian influenced, with a central Carrara marble staircase and frescoed walls, while rooms—categorized tiny to large—are a mix of east meets west with velvet upholstered chairs, parquet floors, and Turkish kilim rugs and ikat pillows. Grab a familiar bite at Cecconi’s (you might have tried them in Miami, WeHo, or Barcelona), or go for mezes and afternoon tea at The Allis.”
The Apartment
The 3,000 sq.ft. Apartment features a super king size bed, freestanding bath, dining table, piano, separate seating area, fitted kitchen with bar area, and terrace.
More suites at Soho House Istanbul.
9. Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
The Telgraph writes, “The hotel is in Beşiktaş, an up-and-coming district full of lively bars and restaurants, sandwiched between the superb Maritime Museum and the quirky Palace Collections Museum. Look northeast up the glittering Bosphorus to the majesty of the first (of three) continent-linking suspension bridges, east across the shipping-filled ribbon of the strait to the hills of Asia, and south to the the old city. The opulent Dolmabahçe Palace is just a few minutes’ walk away.”
Shangri-La Suite
Occupying almost half of the hotel’s top floor, the 3,940-sq.ft. Shangri-La Suite is a blend of palatial Ottoman elegance and Asian design elements. With two en-suite bedrooms, a large living room and dining room, this suite is well suited for families or groups of friends travelling together. Three private balconies provide a 180-degree view of the Bosphorus Strait and all of Istanbul’s seven silhouettes.
More suites at Shangri-La Istanbul.
10. Six Senses Kocatas Mansions
The Telegraph reports, “It’s 11 miles northeast of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, so if you’re after a heart-of-the-city break, then this probably not for you. If, however, if you want to see a different side to Istanbul, then head this way. A 10-minute walk along the banks of the Bosphorus will take you to Sariyer, where you’ll find an abundance of seafood restaurants and the outstanding Sadberk Hanim Museum…The hotel resides in two 19th-century, waterside mansions – Sait Pasa and Kocataş – that were devasted by separate fires during the last century. Their resurrection is a triumph – a finessed melding of authentic restoration and contemporary styling, of Ottoman extravagance and Belle Époque seduction, of yesterday and tomorrow.”
Kocatas Mansion Suite
The 1,356-sq.ft. one-bedroom Kocatas Mansion Suite features a separate living room with Bosphorus views, high ceilings and authentic Ottoman interior design with mesmerizing wall murals and a working fireplace. The marbled bathroom has a tub, walk-in shower, and double vanities.
View more suites at Six Senses Kocatas Mansions.
