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The summary
Best Overall: See White House Hotel Istanbul Rates on TripAdvisor “Impeccable Service and Friendly Atmosphere.”
Best Budget: See Hotel Niles Rates on TripAdvisor “Despite its five-star location, Hotel Niles is incredibly well priced.”
Best Boutique: Check Ibrahim Pasha Hotel Rates on TripAdvisor “Sit back with a good book by the fireplace in the library or head to the rooftop terrace for spectacular views.”
Best Family – See TripAdvisor for Sultanahmet Suite Rates “Standard Suites include a master bedroom with two beds, a living room, and a dining room.”
Best for Romance: See Hotel Empress Zoe Rates on TripAdvisor “The décor combines natural elements of wood and stone with original Islamic artwork.”
Best Luxury: See Raffles Istanbul Rates on TripAdvisor “There is an open-air rooftop movie theater, as well as indoor and outdoor pools.”
Best for Nightlife: See Marmara Pera Hotel Rates on TripAdvisor “Steps from pubs, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues on the famous Istiklal Street.”
Best for Business: See Rates for Wyndham Grand Levent on TripAdvisor “23 meeting rooms with space for up to 1,200 delegates.”
Best Hostel – Check Cheers Hostel Rates on TripAdvisor “Room options range from multi-bed dorms to private double, triple and family rooms.”
Best Overall: White House Hotel Istanbul
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The White House Hotel has topped TripAdvisor’s Istanbul hotel list in recent years. Its charms are manifold, but guests especially love this four-star option for its impeccable service and welcoming atmosphere. Located in the heart of the Old City, the hotel is a five-minute walk from the iconic Hagia Sophia Museum. Like the city, it seamlessly blends East and West with a Roman-style façade and luxurious Ottoman décor. In each of the hotel’s 22 rooms, expect ornate wallpaper, authentic furnishings, and a soft cream, peach, and gold color scheme.
Room amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, LCD TV and minibar. However, the highlight of the hotel is the roof garden. It offers indoor and outdoor seating with stunning views of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Bosphorus. Here, you will enjoy a generous buffet breakfast and unforgettable sunset views every night. Although the White House does not have its own restaurant, there are many excellent options nearby. The room service is available the 24 hours.
Best budget: Hotel Niles
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Hotel Niles is a five-minute walk from the hustle and bustle of the famous Grand Bazaar. In fact, many of the Old City’s top attractions are within walking distance (saving you on public transport). Despite its five-star location, Hotel Niles has an incredible price. Inside, fall in love with 19th-century Turkish decor that ranges from rich rugs to glittering chandeliers. Choose a newly renovated room, suite or cottage, which includes air conditioning, satellite TV and free toiletries.
Although contemporary single and double rooms are the cheapest, hotel freebies like Wi-Fi and breakfast can leave you enough money to splurge on an atmospheric Ottoman suite. Breakfast is served on the roof terrace, which has beautiful views of the Marmara Sea. The hotel is known for its authentic Turkish staples (think apple tea, local cheeses, yogurt, and olives). Other public spaces include an exercise room and lounge adorned with oil paintings and cozy upholstered furniture.
Best Boutique: Hotel Ibrahim Pasha
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Hotels with charm
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Another top option in the historic Sultanahmet district, the Ibrahim Pasha Hotel consists of a pair of 20th-century houses built in the shadow of the Blue Mosque. Expect contemporary decor infused with a subtle Turkish touch and enhanced by exemplary personalized service. The hotel has 24 rooms, all with satellite TV and a private bathroom with a rain shower and Molton Brown toiletries. The underfloor heating is especially welcome in winter.
For a little more space, choose a deluxe room with a lovely separate sitting area. A free Turkish buffet breakfast is served in the cozy lobby, and while there’s no on-site restaurant, the knowledgeable concierge can advise on worthwhile destinations in the immediate area. Curl up with a good book by the fireplace in the library or head to the rooftop terrace for spectacular views of the Blue Mosque illuminated at night.
Best Family: Sultanahmet Suites
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Perfect for self-sufficient families, the Sultanahmet Suites consists of 11 apartments spread over four properties located within a few minutes’ walk of each other in the atmospheric historic neighborhood. Istanbul’s top sights like Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar are within walking distance, even for little legs. Standard Suites include a twin bed master bedroom, separate living room, and dining room, all adorned with colorful Turkish rugs.
Free Wi-Fi keeps older kids entertained, while modern kitchens save you money cooking. For larger families, connecting suites are available. When you don’t feel like cooking, Café Sfendon serves simple meals to suit all tastes. The 24-hour hotel management can arrange laundry services, grocery shopping, and airport transfers, plus ample on-site parking. Mom and Dad can even keep fit in the hotel gym.
Best for Romance: Hotel Empress Zoe
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Nestled between the Bosphorus and the Blue Mosque, the Empress Zoe Hotel is steeped in the history of Istanbul. Its picturesque wisteria-covered terraced houses overlook the ruins of a 15th-century bathhouse. Inside, the décor combines natural wood and stone elements with original Islamic artwork. There are 25 impeccably designed rooms and suites, all with Internet and central heating for cozy winter stays.
For special occasions, enjoy the Penthouse Suite. Here, you will find a luxurious double bed, a marble Turkish bath, and a private terrace with incredibly romantic views of the Blue Mosque. Free breakfast is served in the garden amid fountains, flowers, and ancient architecture. The rooftop terraces offer panoramic views of the Sea of Marmara and in the evening drinks are served in the garden or indoors by the fireplace.
Best luxury: Raffles Istanbul
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Raffles Istanbul is located next to designer shops and the Zorlu Center (a premier foodie destination) on the European side of Istanbul. Expect modern architecture, contemporary artwork, and some of the largest rooms in town. For the most luxurious stay, book the two-bedroom Raffles Suite. Privileges include a private terrace with stunning views of the Bosphorus, a private helicopter or yacht tour, and a private dinner at Chef’s Table.
The hotel has an impressive variety of bars and restaurants, including Rocca (known for its contemporary Turkish cuisine); and Isokyo, a “social dining experience” featuring an interactive menu. There is a rooftop outdoor movie theater, as well as indoor and outdoor pools. Raffles Spa offers indulgent Turkish baths and massages. An air-conditioned helipad, chauffeur service and 24-hour Raffles butler service complete your five-star experience.
Best for Nightlife: The Marmara Pera Hotel
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Located on the European side of cosmopolitan Pera, The Marmara Pera Hotel is a short walk from the pubs, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues of the famous Istiklal Street. Kick off the evening festivities at Mikla, the hotel’s exclusive rooftop restaurant. Here, you can savor famous Anatolian cuisine while sipping trendy cocktails and admiring beautiful views of the Golden Horn. In winter, the party goes down to Café Marmara, a cozy spot for the best wines and a la carte meals. Rooms and suites offer key pre-party ingredients (like a minibar and iPod docking station), while free Wi-Fi, a 32-inch TV, and a comfortable king bed make post-party recovery a breeze. a little easier. Other amenities include a gym and heated rooftop pool.
Best for Business: Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent
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For a convenient location in one of Istanbul’s busiest shopping centers, choose Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent. The hotel has 23 meeting rooms with space for up to 1,200 delegates. Upgrade to a room with Executive Lounge access and enjoy free refreshments in a sophisticated private space perfect for working or connecting with colleagues. All rooms guarantee a good night’s sleep with blackout curtains and a goose down duvet. Best of all, Wi-Fi is fast and free. There are several bars and restaurants, while an outdoor pool and full spa allow you to relax between meetings.
Best Hostel: Cheers Hostel
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The warm and friendly Cheers Hostel offers an affordable option for backpackers near the Hagia Sophia and the historic Gülhane Park. The hostel’s varied room options range from multi-bed dorms to private double, triple and family rooms. You will benefit from heating and air conditioning, while bed linen and towels are included. Bathrooms are shared, but breakfast is free and there is free Wi-Fi in the cozy communal lounge. Wintergarden Panoramic Terrace Bar is a highlight, with great views of the city, an atmospheric fireplace, and a bar for mixed cocktails in the evenings.
