The Best Boutique Hotels in Istanbul

Straddling two continents, Istanbul's luxurious hotels are destinations in and of themselves. From glamorous riverside boltholes to whimsical stays on the borders of the Bosporus, we’ve rounded up some of the best boutique stays in Türkiye’s gorgeous coastal city…

THE STAY NISANTASI

Neutral palettes and Bauhaus inspired interiors laced with Art Nouveau vibes. This is a sleek sophisticated stay in the fashionable Nisantasi neighbourhood on the European side of the city.

THE BANK HOTEL ISTANBUL

Beyond the imposing facade, this former bank in the artsy district of Karaköy is now an inspired enclave for poetic wanderers (complete with its own in-house art curator). Ask for room 154 and run yourself the best bath ever overlooking the Bosphorus bridge, the Old City and the Golden Horn.

THE STAY BOSPHORUS

Nestled on the banks of the edge-of-Asia strait in a former-fishing-village neighbourhood, this 19th-century Ottoman-clan mansion was built by the same family who dreamt up the Beylerbeyi Palace and Ortakoy’s mosque. Ask for a room with a view of the mosque and then wander the district’s galleries, boutiques and edgy eateries.

WITT ISTANBUL SUITES

Achingly cool, and exceptionality edgy, form is just as fabulous as function in these 17 suites. A design-led hotel in the tantalisingly trendy Cihangir district in the heart of Istanbul.

SOHO HOUSE ISTANBUL

Its reputation precedes it and for good cause. The four story building is a sumptuously ornate ode to the city’s storied past complete with soaring ceilings of Carrara marble walls. Formerly the home of a wealthy Italian merchant, turned US embassy and now hipster hub for well-heeled global members. Step out onto the cobbled streets of Beyoglu for the best after-dark adventures.

SIX SENSES KOCATAS MANSIONS

This boutique stay was once the waterfront mansion of Necmeddin Molla Kocataş, a minister of justice for the Ottoman Empire. Belle Époque meets Bohemia for a wonderfully whimsical stay on the borders of the Bosporus.

BEBEK HOTEL

A stylish stalwart of the hotel-scene back in the 50s this ravishing riverside bolthole in one the city’s most glamorous neighbourhoods is a minxy mix of original art-deco pieces and ironic neon. Head to the rooftop bar for classic cocktails with the city’s coolest crowd.

EMPRESS ZOE

This historic hotel is located in the centuries old Sultanahmet neighbourhood, just a stone's throw from the Hagia Sophia. Individually designed rooms are ravishing, raucous and fit for an Empress.

PERA PALACE HOTEL

Built in 1892, this grand dame of Istanbul hotels has played host to the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Agatha Christie, and Greta Garbo. The rooms are opulent and glamorous, with ornate ceilings, plush fabrics, and Art Nouveau accents.

SUMAHAN ON THE WATER

Perched on the Bosphorus, this waterfront hotel offers guests unparalleled views of Istanbul's iconic skyline. The interiors are modern and sophisticated, with a subtle nod to traditional Turkish design.