Rich in history, beauty and culture, Istanbul is a city that should be on everyone’s list while planning a holiday. Visit the marvellous Hagia Sophia, a museum with great historical significance, marvel at the majestic Blue Mosque that dates back to the early 17th century, or take a boat tour along the Bosphorus river. If you’re a foodie, don’t miss going to the Spice Bazaar, lined with stalls selling sweets, dried fruits, spices, tea varieties, and many more. With warm and kind people offering the best hospitality to tourists, you’ll always feel welcome and pampered here. You’ll need a comfortable place to stay while exploring the historical and cultural treasures that this city has to offer. Here’s the lowdown on the best 5-star hotels in Istanbul, Turkey.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) hotel ratings, recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and amenities. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on April 13, 2024.
1. Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul (from USD 245)
If you truly want to stay in the lap of luxury, book a room at Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul. Incorporating Swiss and Turkish culture, this 5-star hotel offers a staggering 566 rooms and suites for its guests. Some of the rooms offer garden and park views. You can even ask for a room with a glorious view of the Bosphorus river.
Guests can bring their furry friends for an additional fee, depending on their choice of room. The hotel offers a wide range of wellness services, including aromatherapy, facial treatments, a hammam, and an outdoor pool. The hotel has a variety of restaurants with poolside and rooftop dining options, meaning you won’t go hungry here.
Tip from tour guide
Just a 10-minute drive from this accommodation is Golden Horn. In the area, you'll find one of the oldest and largest Muslim cemeteries in Istanbul with graves of Ottoman sultans and court members, grand viziers, artists, poets and more. Down at the bottom of the cemetery, there's a very famous Eyüp mosque, which was the traditional site for the coronation ceremony of the Ottoman Sultans, in which the new sultan was bestowed with the sword of Osman. Many tourists get down by cable car, but I recommend walking down and looking at the historical tombstones. Before coming to Eyüp Sultan Mosque, also keep an eye out for a fountain built by Suleiman the Magnificent where the graveyard ends. It has large and magnificent arches in the classical Turkish Fountain Architecture style.
Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
Address: Visnezade Mah Acısu Sok No:19 Maçka
295 meters (0.2 ft) from Dolmabahçe Palace
2. The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul at the Bosphorus (from USD 277)
Overlooking the stunning Bosphorus river, The Ritz-Carlton is a 5-star luxury hotel. All the rooms are decorated in Turkish style and equipped with all the luxurious amenities required for a comfortable stay. The location of the hotel gives you proximity to the major attractions of Istanbul, including Dolmabahce Palace and Taksim Square Taksim — and the hotel also arranges private tours for the same.
Dine al fresco at The Roof, a restro-bar with an open-air terrace, to taste authentic Mediterranean cuisine by the poolside. For kids, the Ritz-Carlton provides special menus and programs to keep them entertained. For R&R, the hotel offers two swimming pools, a spa, a fitness centre and a hair salon.
The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Address: Suzer Plaza, Askerocagi Caddesi, No:6 Elmadag/Sisli
672 meters (0.5 ft) from Dolmabahçe Palace
3. The Grand Tarabya Hotel (from USD 366)
With a mix of traditional and modern elements, experience a pleasant stay at this luxurious hotel in Sarıyer. It features 168 deluxe guest rooms, 80 suites and one presidential suite. The Grand Tarabya has a magnificent 4500 sqm (48437.6 sq. ft.) spa, providing traditional Turkish therapies, hammams, sauna and steam rooms to rejuvenate and relax your body, mind and soul.
Those with a sweet tooth must visit the on-site R.E.A.D Cafe & Bakery for some delicious pastries and cakes, or grab refreshing fruit juices at the Pool Bar for your daily health fix. Private airport transfers are also provided by the hotel for an extra fee.
The Grand Tarabya Hotel
Address: Haydar Aliyev Cad. No:154 Tarabya
12.19 km (7.6 mi) from Dolmabahçe Palace
4. CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul (from USD 377)
Located in the centre of Istanbul, experience true Turkish hospitality at the CVK Park Bosphorus hotel. The rooms are capacious and beautifully decorated with stylish interiors. Each accommodation unit has an LCD TV, free WiFi, an electric kettle and a seating area. The hotel also offers wonderful facilities for the disabled, such as auditory guidance, visual aids in Braille, a higher-level toilet and an emergency cord in the bathroom.
With a panoramic view of the Bosphorus, Stella Lounge & Bar offers a yummy dinner along with live music performances. Refresh and rejuvenate yourselves with a spa session or a swim at the on-site indoor swimming pool.
CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul
Address: Gumussuyu Mah. Inonu Cad. No:8 Taksim
1.13 km (0.8 mi) from Dolmabahçe Palace
Istanbul Tour Guide
Rose The Guide
Professional Tour / Travel Guide and Photographer Certified by Turkish Republic Ministry of Culture and Tourism. I am a knowledgeable and motivated individual with years of experience in organizing group tours in several areas; have the ability to motivate different sets of audience; have the ability to communicate effectively and possess high degree of energy and enthusiasm.
Istanbul Tour Guide
Dilek Orubegarcia
My name is Dilek, a national-licensed tour guide. I am 40 years old and have been guiding for 12 years. My husband is from Mexico as a Mexican Turkish family and with our two young kids we live in Istanbul. When I don't work I spend most of my time outdoor with my family, enjoying Istanbul as much as we can. We go out, try to discover new restaurants, new museums, art galleries, children's acti... Read more
Istanbul Tour Guide
Safiye Kaban
Hi there, this is Safiye from istanbul. I am a professional licensed tour guide and travel expert over 12 years. I have guided thousands of travellers from all around the world. I love meeting with new people, making new friends and building bridges. I orgnize cultural, historical, shopping and food tours to small groups, I mostly guide to private tours. I am also a foodie, I love discovering n... Read more
Istanbul Tour Guide
Guide Hamide
Hello, everyone! I'm Hamide, a professional tour guide in Istanbul. I studied archeology, mithology, history of art, anatolia, and religions. After my bachelors' degree graduation, I started to work in Cappadocia for 4 years. I came and settled in Istanbul when I realised that Istanbul has a very deep history, a unique multiple culture and stunning geography! I still keep experiencing new taste... Read more
Tours by Guide
5. Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus (from USD 185)
With impressive vistas of the Bosphorus and the city, the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus hotel is situated right at the centre of the city. The rooms are sleek and stylish, featuring city, park and river views. Free WiFi is available throughout the premises.
Relish Mediterranean fare at the Manzara Restaurant, where the chefs prepare meals in an open-kitchen concept. A tennis court and spa are also available for your fitness and wellness needs. The Conrad is a pet-friendly hotel, so bring your pets along on your vacation to Istanbul.
Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
Address: Cihannuma Mahallesi Saray Caddesi No: 5 Besiktas
1.14 km (0.8 mi) from Dolmabahçe Palace
6. Hilton Istanbul Bomonti (from USD 200)
Reasonable pricing for spacious rooms and executive suites with exclusive lounge access.
Excellent spa, indoor swimming pool, and Turkish hammam. Breathtaking views from the 34th-floor bar.
Accessible to major shopping areas and dining options. Taxi journey to attractions takes 20-30 minutes.
Delicious breakfast with a wide variety. The restaurant and bar offer tasty options, but room service menu is limited.
Located across the Turkish cultural hub of Bomontiada, The Hilton Istanbul Bomonti spells luxury and comfort in every corner. All the rooms are equipped with a minibar, tea and coffee maker, free WiFi and air conditioning.
Featuring a three-floor spa, experience Chinese acupuncture, Turkish hammam rooms, Swedish and Indian massages, and Egyptian reflexology to soothe your senses and relax your mind. Book their deluxe beauty treatments and pamper yourself and your skin. If you’re a foodie, dine at The Globe for a taste of Turkish and international cuisine. You can also enjoy great quality beers, wines, champagne and Armagnac at The Grand Bar.
Hilton Istanbul Bomonti
Address: Silahsor Cad. No: 42 Bomonti-Sisli
2.83 km (1.8 mi) from Dolmabahçe Palace
7. Hilton Istanbul Bakirkoy (from USD 392)
Set on the coast of the Marmara Sea, this 5-star hotel is a pet-friendly one. Each room is provided with the necessary amenities needed for a pleasant and luxurious stay, such as free wireless internet access, an HDTV, and mineral water.
The hotel offers a variety of dining options, such as a lounge, a restaurant, a bar and a bakery. The Makri restaurant serves a scrumptious buffet breakfast, which includes vegan, Halal and gluten-free options. Take advantage of the fitness centre and shed off some of that holiday weight. If you’re up for a morning or evening walk, take a stroll along the Çırpıcı Istanbul City Park, about 2.8 km (1.7 mi) from the hotel.
Hilton Istanbul Bakirkoy
Address: Sakizagaci Mahallesi Kennedy Caddesi No:103
11.61 km (7.3 mi) from Dolmabahçe Palace
8. Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel (from USD 142)
Situated in the vibrant neighbourhood of Sultanahmet, the Sura Hagia Sophia hotel is one of the most picture-perfect hotels in Istanbul. Constructed in Ottoman-style architecture, the rooms are airy, cosy and fully air-conditioned. Some of the rooms offer picturesque vistas of the stunning Hagia Sophia. Cool off in the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool or take a walk along the botanic garden.
The infamous Turkish Bath experience is available at the in-house spa for your relaxation. Complimentary tea is served at 5 am for all the early risers. The hotel features a traditional Turkish buffet breakfast with a plethora of local specialities. With five on-site restaurants serving delicious Ottoman-inspired cuisine, get ready for the perfect gastronomic experience.
Tip from tour guide
Just 3.5 km (2.2 mi) from this hotel is a historical bathhouse called Küçük Mustafa Paşa Hamamı. Watch out for the traditional layout and spatial analysis of Turkish baths applied in the building. It was designed as a double bath, one serving men and the other serving women, and it sits on an area of approximately 1.27 sq m (13.62 sq ft) on an area of 2,000 sq m (21, 527.82 sq ft). In both sections, the cold/undress/window-warmth-temperature/private rooms follow each other. The cold rooms with a square plan are covered with a single dome, and the coldness of the men's section is the most striking part of the bath in terms of space effect.
Tip from tour guide
When you're looking to step out and explore something nearby, consider the Grand Bazaar. This shopping bazaar is a 10-minute walk from this hotel. While you're there, check out the beautifully handcrafted Turkish carpets and various embroideries handcrafted by skilled artisans. Admire and take home these pieces of art from the land of handicrafts.
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Address: Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mh. Ticarethane Sk. No:10 Sultanahmet
3.95 km (2.5 mi) from Dolmabahçe Palace
9. Titanic Business Kartal (from USD 95)
This luxurious hotel, established in the commercial district of Kartal, offers scenic views of the Marmara sea and Princess Islands. It has a total of 185 rooms and 7 suites, offering great options for couples and families. An LCD TV with satellite channels is available in all the rooms for your entertainment.
Free airport shuttle service to the Sabiha Gokcen Airport is available three times a day. The BeFine Sports & Spa offers spa services, a fitness centre, an outdoor pool, beauty treatments and massages to provide holistic healing to your entire body.
Titanic Business Kartal
Address: Orta Mah. Kaptan-i Derya Cad. No:37 Kartal
22.07 km (13.8 mi) from Dolmabahçe Palace
10. Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Ottomare (from USD 167)
A family-friendly hotel with three swimming pools, Radisson Blu Hotel is the ideal spot for your family getaway. It has different rooms to choose from, including standard rooms, premium rooms and suites. There’s also a special family that features two connecting rooms to make sure all of you stay together on your holiday.
For all the fitness junkies, there’s a fully equipped fitness centre, cardio area and a private studio for spinning and pilates. Savour Turkish delicacies at the Fine Mare restaurant. Afterwards, clock lengths in the swimming pool and grab a refreshing cocktail from the poolside bar. Radisson Blu also gives great offers to guests who are making their first booking in the hotel.
Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Ottomare
Address: Kazlicesme Mah Abay Cad No: 223 Zeytinburnu
10.7 km (6.7 mi) from Dolmabahçe Palace
Enjoy a luxury vacation in Istanbul
Istanbul is vibrant, beautiful city with plenty of attractions and picturesque architecture. While you’re exploring this amazing city, make your vacation memorable by staying in any of the above listed 5-star hotels in Istanbul, Turkey.
In light of the February 2023 earthquake that devastated Turkey and Syria, Trip101 urges you to be apprised of the latest news if you have any plans to travel to Eastern Turkey. Other parts of the country remain open to travelers.
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