Top 20 5-star hotels in Istanbul, Turkey

For a luxury stay in Istanbul, you will find a wide selection of top World brand hotels, Sheraton, Hilton, Kempinski, Four Seasons, Hyatt you name it. a

From my personal experience, I've stayed at a dozen of Istanbul's boutique hotels in a price range USD 60-100, with Dosso Dossi Istanbul Old City Hotel located in Sultanahmet, being the latest. Make sure you check out article What to do and see in Istanbul in less than 24 hours if you are traveling to Istanbul for the first time. Also, I should add, back in 2013, when traveling from Houston to Riga, via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines, and since time between connecting flight was more than 24 hours, we got a free night at Sheraton Grand Istanbul Atasehir, which was a nice stay, not centrally located, but still a great perk from Turkish Airlines, with a free shuttle service to the airport in the next morning.

5-star hotels in Istanbul will vary in price range starting USD 100, for lower end 5-star hotels and up to USD 550 for a real luxury stay. No matter which one you will chose you - knowing Turkish hospitality you will get what you paid for.

That said - here is the list with TOP 20 5-star hotels in Istanbul, Turkey, according to actual user reviews on Booking.com.

Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet

Recently renovated and opened its door to guests in 2017, Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet is situated in famous Sultanahmet area, 10-minute walk from the Blue Mosque. The hotel is decorated in Ottoman-style and traditional accents. Featuring rooms with hand made carpets and Ottoman-style sofas, this hotel comes with a spa centre and an indoor pool. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

Guests can admire selective pieces of art made by famous Azerbaijani artists such as Sattar Bahlulzade, Mahmud Mahmudzade, İslam İsrafilzade, Jamila Hashimova, Salam Salamzade, Mikayil Abdullayev, Nadir Akhundov and Maral Rahmanzade. Rauf Tuncer's paintings representing the old days of Istanbul are also featured in Amber meeting room.

All rooms offer an Loewe Ultra HD TV, electronic curtains, air conditioning and under floor heating system. For indulgence, rooms feature handmade Tabriz-style silk carpets and M Line Slow Motion beds. You will also find hairdryer, tea and coffee setup in the room. Private bathroom features chinaware and Dornbracht vitrified items.

After a work-out in the gym, guests can visit Zeferan Restaurant on the 8th floor, which provides breathtaking views of Marmara Sea, the Princes Islands and Sultanahmet.

Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet's décor boasts unique pieces of solid wood handmade furniture with mother-of-pearl details made by craftsmen from Damascus.

24-hour front desk and room service are available. You can enjoy the hotel's library after a busy day in the city.

The Grand Bazaar is less than 1 km from Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet. Ataturk International Airport is 17 km away. Airport shuttle can be arranged upon request at a surcharge. 

Price: ~ USD 270 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet 

Situated in a three-storey, neo-classic prison building with a landscaped courtyard, Four Seasons Sultanahmet is in the centre of Istanbul’s Old Town. It offers luxury accommodation with original works by Turkish artisans such as handwoven Turkish rug.

Decorated in a Turkish theme with neoclassical details, the rooms and suites at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet come with an espresso machine. They all feature a flat-screen TV with CD and DVD players. A marble bathroom with deep soaking tub is standard.

Located within a glass pavilion in the hotel’s courtyard garden and decorated with Turkish art and Ottoman period features, Seasons Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. You can also enjoy the popular Sunday brunch.

With stunning views of the Old City, A’YA Lounge is situated on the rooftop and has a rich list of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and a menu of savoury snacks such as mussels dolma, lamb durum and Turkish puff pastry.

The spa at Four Seasons offers pampering health and beauty treatments. Before or after treatments, guests can use the saunas or fitness room.

Price: ~ USD 353 Book this hotel on Booking.com

The St. Regis Istanbul

Located in the heart of Nisantasi neighbourhood, The St. Regis Istanbul offers signature 24-hour St. Regis Butler Service and elegantly decorated rooms with air conditioning. The property has an indoor pool and a terrace with city view. Free WiFi access is accessible throughout the premises.

The St. Regis Istanbul and all of its rooms feature original paintings and sculptures by contemporary Turkish artists, from the renowned Demsa art collection. Each room here will provide you with air conditioning, a minibar and pay-per-view channels. Featuring a shower, private bathroom comes with a bath and a hairdryer. Butler service, 2 bottles of water and coffee&tea is offered for free in each room.

Savor epicurean flavors at the rooftop restaurant: Spago, the vision of the renowned chef Wolfgang Puck. Then escape to the 950-square-meter Iridium Spa, where three restorative pools promise refined relaxation after a memorable day of enchanting city impressions.

The St. Regis Brasserie is an all-occasion dining venue that offers contemporary French cuisine with a local twist. With an international wine list and vintage champagnes, Petit "O" Bar boasts traditional and signature cocktails, including Petiot’s original Bloody Mary and the signature Bloody Mary of The St. Regis Istanbul - Misty Mary.

The hotel is 300 m from Istanbul Convention & Exhibition Centre, 300 m from Istanbul Congress Center and 1.1 km from Dolmabahce Palace. Istanbul Ataturk Airport is 16 km away. 

Price: ~ USD 286 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Vault Karakoy The House Hotel

Vault Karaköy The House Hotel is located in the up-and-coming district of Karaköy on Bankalar Caddesi, the glory of Constantinople’s financial district, and is a convenient launching pad for exploring bohemian Beyoğlu and historic Sultanahmet. The property is within walking distance to some of the city's favored art galleries, such as Istanbul Modern, Elipsis, Gallery Mana and Istanbul 74. Free Wi-Fi access is available.

All the rooms in Vault Karakoy The House Hotel has heating and they are fitted with a minibar, an iPod docking station and a desk. Featuring a rain shower, private bathrooms come with Lokum Istanbul brand amenities.

Breakfast is served in buffet style in the property and guests can enjoy international and Turkish cuisines in Kasa Lokanta. The airy space of the on-site restaurant is accented by long columns, high ceilings and large windows. Big plants, comfortable chairs, libraries stocked with contemporary reading material provide an ambiance of serene and comfort that is perfect any time of day.

At Vault Karakoy The House Hotel you will find a 24-hour front desk, a garden and a terrace. Other facilities offered include a spa and a fitness centre.

Istiklal Avenue is just 700 m and Taksim square is 2 km from the property. Ataturk Airport is 22 km away. 

Price: ~ USD 101 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Raffles Istanbul

Located in Zorlu Centre, Raffles Istanbul offers an outdoor pool, indoor pool and a terrace. Free WiFi access is available throughout the premises. The property features an array of facilities like sauna, fitness centre, massage and Turkish bath.

Each unit at Raffles Istanbul will provide you with a balcony, air conditioning and a flat-screen TV with cable and satellite channels. Complete with an electric kettle, the dining area also has a coffee machine. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with a bath and a hairdryer. You can enjoy city view from the room. Extras include an iPad, a minibar and a CD player.

At Raffles Istanbul the 24-hour reception provides room and concierge services. Airport transfer services can be offered at an extra charge. Free private parking is also available on site.

Rocca Restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine with a Turkish influence and a buffet of dishes from around the world. Arola Restaurant by the Michelin-starred chef Sergi Arola serves a menu based on Sergi’s philosophy of creative tapas style plates. Long Bar welcomes guests and locals alike for drinks, light bites and conversation.

The hotel is 2.5 km from Ciragan Palace and 3.7 km from Bosphorus Bridge. Istanbul Ataturk Airport is 31 km away. 

Price: ~ USD 400 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Soho House Istanbul - Special Category

Situated in Beyoglu district, Soho House Istanbul features 3 original buildings including the Chancery and the Annex, a new Glass Building, and members’ club 19th century Palazzo Corpi. The courtyard garden has a Cecconi’s restaurant, and Cowshed Spa offers a gym and a traditional hammam.

Tastefully decorated in contemporary style, all rooms of Soho House Istanbul have super king-size beds with Egyptian cotton sheets, flat-screen TV, Marshall speakers, minibar, tea&coffee facilities and homemade biscuits, and complimentary WiFi. The private bathrooms come with a walk-in rainforest shower and a range of Cowshed products. Some rooms also include a mezzanine, freestanding bathtub and a comfortable seating area with Anatolian kilims.

Rooms are located in the Glass Building and the Annex Building. All rooms located in Glass Building have private balconies.

Cecconi’s is a modern day classic Italian restaurant serving dinner from Tuesday to Sunday. Originated in Venice, the restaurant serves handmade pasta, seafood, cicchetti and dishes from Northern Italy, offering both an indoor dining area and outdoor tables set among the garden’s olive trees. Brunch is served on Sunday. You can enjoy a continental breakfast at Allis Bar.

Cowshed Spa offers numerous treatments for winding down, including manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, waxing and body therapies. You can work out in the gym Cowshed Active and relax in the traditional hammam. The barber, Neville, offers grooming for gentlemen.

Istiklal Avenue is just 300 m from Soho House Istanbul with many restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and art galleries. Sishane Metro Station is 200 m away offering easy access to many other sites of the city. Ataturk Airport is 17 km away. 

Price: ~ USD 199 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus 

Situated along the Bosphorus, this renovated 19th century Ottoman palace features a historic architecture in harmony with luxurious details. An indoor pool and a heated outdoor pool with free parasols and sun loungers are available. The seafront property also has a garden and a spacious terrace with panoramic views of the Bosphorus.

Tastefully decorated with fine furnishings, each air-conditioned room offers an iPod docking station and a flat-screen TV with satellite channels. A minibar, safety deposit box and a desk are also provided.

Aqua Restaurant, with its terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, serves Mediterranean cuisine, with Italian and Turkish specialties. Guests can enjoy the breakfast with international flavours in buffet style.

Pool grill is an ideal choice for fresh salads, crispy grilled kebabs and tender fresh fish. The Lobby Bar and Lounge is a cozy place for socialization.

You can work out in the fitness centre and then relax in the sauna. Guests of this luxurious hotel can also benefit from the exotic atmosphere of the Turkish bath afterwards. Spa therapy and body treatments are also possible. The reception is at your service 7/24, and provides room service.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus is only a 4-minute walk from one of Istanbul’s lively scenes, Besiktas Square. 

Price: ~ USD 414 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah

Established in 1892 by the French-Ottoman architect Alexander Vallaury, the Pera Palace is a special category museum hotel designed in neoclassical, art nouveau and oriental styles. The hotel offers spectacular views of the Golden Horn, an indoor pool, and luxurious rooms with city views in the historical Pera district of Istanbul. Popular shopping malls such as Cevahir, Kanyon and Zorlu Mall are easily accessible in 20 minutes via metro line.

Pera Palace Hotel Jumeirah rooms and suites are furnished in a classical style combining European and Ottoman influences. With hardwood floors and floor-to-ceiling windows, they all come equipped with a TV and a minibar. The marble bathrooms are inspired by the traditional hammam. The majority of the rooms are complemented by balconies offering views over Pera and Golden Horn.

Named after murder mystery writer, Agatha Restaurant offers contemporary Turkish cuisine. Orient Bar & Terrace is a popular meeting point for Istanbul’s high society and international travelers. Kubbeli Saloon is a tea lounge and offers gentle live piano music adding to the magical atmosphere.

The classic French patisserie Patisserie de Pera serves delicious Turkish and French-inspired handmade cakes, macaroons, gateaux and homemade chocolates.

Pera SPA by Spa Soul has a hammam with a classic heated marble platform and foam bath. Guests can enjoy the steam bath, hot tub, sauna and a fully equipped gym. The indoor jet-streamed swimming pool offers the healing power of water both in summer and winter.

The lively streets of Istiklal Avenue are just 250 m from the hotel. Restaurants, clubs, artist ateliers, galleries and museums are only a few steps away. The hotel is within walking distance of Taksim Square, 3 km from the touristic district of old city, 2 km from cruiseline harbour and only 20 km from Atatürk International Airport. Airport transfer can be arranged at a surcharge. 

Price: ~ USD 177 Book this hotel on Booking.com

10 Karakoy, A Morgans Original 

Located in the heart of Istanbul's up-and-coming trendy area Karakoy, 10 Karakoy, A Morgans Original is within a 10-minute walk of the popular Istiklal Street and Galata Tower. Modernly-decorated units feature high ceiling and city view. The property also has a gym on site. Popular shopping malls such as Cevahir and Zorlu Center can be reached via metro. Guests of this modern accommodation can benefit from free WiFi access in public areas.

Coming with luxurious furniture, each room here will provide you with flat-screen satellite TV, air conditioning and a minibar. Featuring a shower, private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer and a bidet. Extras include an iPod dock.

You can start the day with a breakfast. You can also have lunch and dinner at the on-site à la carte restaurant. The bar is ideal for sipping a drink and relaxing at the end of the day.

Property provides a Handy mobile phone with free local calls, free international calls to France, the UK, the USA, Germany and Switzerland and free internet access. At 10 Karakoy, A Morgans Original, you will find a 24-hour front desk, providing room service and concierge services. Laundry, dry cleaning and ironing services can be offered upon request at an additional charge. VIP room facilities are also provided and a comprehensive city guide with tips and hints is featured.

The famous Spice Bazaar and the Old City is within 2.5 km from the property via Galata Bridge. Popular shopping district Nisantasi is 4 km from 10 Karakoy, A Morgans Original. Conveniently-located hotel offers easy access to means of public transportation such as bus, tram and metro to enjoy the city. The nearest airport is Istanbul Ataturk Airport, 21 km away. 

Price: ~ USD 90 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Park Hyatt Istanbul - Macka Palas

Located in the fashionable Nisantasi residential and shopping district, this 5-star hotel offers luxurious accommodation and facilities. It is just a 5-minute walk to the Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Park Hyatt Istanbul - Maçka Palas combines historic architecture of an Art Deco building with innovative design to create the perfect modern setting. Rooms are spacious, offer views of the city, and include deluxe bathrooms.

The Lounge at Park Hyatt provides an informal yet elegant atmosphere for a relaxing breakfast and all day dining. It also offers light meals, fine snacks, afternoon tea and the very best of spirits.

The City's Nisantasi Shopping Mall and Istanbul Fashion Academy are just a few steps from Park Hyatt Istanbul. Also within walking distance are trendy bars and restaurants. Airport shuttle services to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, which is 25 km away, can be arranged at a surcharge. 

Price: ~ USD 216 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Sheraton Grand Istanbul Atasehir 

Sheraton Grand Istanbul Atasehir is located in Ataşehir, which is an emerging residential and business centre on the Asian side of Istanbul. The hotel is only 1 km from Istanbul Finance Centre development and Ulker Sports Arena is within walking distance. Several freeways and bridges are nearby. Palladium Mall is just 3 minutes' walk from the property.

Tastefully decorated rooms are dispersed throughout the 27 floors, which allow views of city and Bosphorus and Princes' Islands. A range of modern amenities include high speed internet, a flat-screen TV, minibar and a plush Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience® Bed.

Make time for a good workout in the Sheraton Fitness centre which is equipped with the latest technology, or swim in the convertible indoor pool. Spa centre offers relaxation with massages and other treatments.

You can enjoy gourmet dishes in all-day dining venue. Cafe Patisserie offers snacks and drinks throughout the day.

Sheraton Grand Istanbul Atasehir conference centre comprises a 1084 m² grand ballroom, which can be divided into two rooms, as well as 10 meeting rooms, most of which can be illuminated by natural daylight. All are equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment for meetings.

There are many shopping areas nearby. Optimum Outlet Centre is 3.2 km from Sheraton Grand Istanbul Atasehir while Emaar Square is 5.9 km away. Akasya Mall with many luxurious brands is just 15 minutes' drive and Viaport Outlet Centre is 33 minutes' drive from the property. Dolmabahce Palace is 10 km from Sheraton Grand Istanbul Atasehir, while Topkapi Palace is 10 km away. The nearest airport is Sabiha Gokcen Airport, 28 km from the property. 

Price: ~ USD 99 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul 

Situated in the dynamic neighbourhood of Levent, Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul has an ideal location with two shopping malls nearby, and a metro station right opposite. Facilities include a 3-storey spa with an indoor pool.

Rooms are spacious, with rosewood or oak panelling, quality linens by Frette, and marble bathrooms with glass enclosed showers and rain showerheads, and bathroom amenities by Le Labo. Each room has 42” Bang&Olufsen LCD TV with full cable access, high definition channels and movies on-demand.

You can also enjoy a discreet conversation in the Drawing Room and Gold Bar.

The ESPA spa has a sauna, steam room, snow cabin and hammam. There is also a fitness centre on site.

Levent Metro Station and Kanyon Shopping Mall are just a few steps from the hotel. Istinye Park Shopping Mall is a 15-minute drive from Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul. Hotel Ataturk International Airport is 25 km away. 

Price: ~ USD 111 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul 

Situated in a 19th-century Ottoman palace, this 5-star hotel features an infinity pool with views of the Bosphorus. It has a spa and wellness centre, and offers elegant guestrooms with free WiFi.

Rooms at the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul include luxury bedding and floor-to-ceiling windows. They come equipped with satellite TV, and a minibar. Each room has a balcony with views of gardens or the sea.

Laledan Restaurant serves Ciragan breakfast with over 250 items with 80% organic ingredients, and Arabic and Asian corners. It offers all-day dining with a rich menu of comfort food and regional specialties. Tuğra Restaurant offers the ultimate Ottoman dining experience every night along with live traditional music. The exclusive bars Le Fumoir and Çırağan Bar offer a variety of drinks.

Guests can relax in the Turkish bath, or enjoy a massage in a private cabana by the pool. Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul has an indoor pool and a fitness centre. Personal trainer is available.

Free private parking is possible on site. Ataturk Airport is a 45-minute drive away. 

Price: ~ USD 545 Book this hotel on Booking.com

The Grand Tarabya Hotel 

Located on the seafront of Tarabya Bay, this luxurious hotel offers extensive views of Bosphorus. The Grand Tarabya Hotel is a member of the "leading hotels of the world" and has an outdoor pool, fitness centre, spa centre, and modern rooms with a balcony and free Wi-Fi.

Tastefully decorated in contemporary style, the rooms of The Grand Tarabya Hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV, air conditioning and minibar. They all offer park, marina or Bosphorus views. All rooms have a modern bathroom with a bath tub, shower and free toiletries.

Offering spectacular views of the Bosphorus, Tarabya Bay, and the Marina, all-day dining restaurant, The Brasserie Restaurant, serves open buffet breakfasts and a-la-carte lunch and dinner menus in international cuisines.

Located in the main lobby, The T Lounge is famous for its traditional afternoon high teas, delicious pastries. R.E.A.D Café & Bakery specializes in homemade selections of chocolate pralines, variety of delicious pastries, sweet savouries and cupcakes. Diba Bar and Pool Bar are ideal spots to unwind with a refreshing drink.

The 4000 m² Therapia Spa includes a sauna, Turkish bath and massages. There is also an indoor pool at Grand Tarabya Hotel.

Ataturk International Airport is 35 km from the hotel. 

Price: ~ USD 264 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul 

Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul is located between Dolmabahce Palace and Naval Museum on the European coast of the Bosphorus. This luxurious hotel offers an indoor pool, CHI, The Spa and elegantly decorated rooms with modern amenities.

The rooms feature contemporary décor with Asian highlights. Each room is equipped with high-tech products, free high-speed internet, a flat-screen TV and an iPod docking station. The marble bathrooms have heated floors and Bvlgari toiletries.

IST TOO serves selected dishes of world cuisine including Japanese, Southeast Asian, Mediterranean and Turkish flavours. Shang Palace, hotel's signature restaurant is Shangri-La's culinary introduction to the city of Istanbul. Shang Palace offers delicacies of Chinese cuisine with a refined and contemporary décor. Lobby Lounge is an ideal place to enjoy the special performance of Kung-Fu Tea Master and taste more than 100 types of Chinese teas and pastries.

CHI, The spa at Shangri-La Bosphorus, includes a heated indoor pool, sauna, traditional Turkish Bath, hot tub and steam rooms. Private spa suites are also available.

Besiktas Ferry Port is just a few steps from the hotel. Taksim Square is within 2 km, Ataturk Airport is 27 km away. Free private parking is available on site.

Price: ~ USD 275 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina Hotel 

Located right next to Kalamis Marina and Kalamis Park on the Asian side of Istanbul, Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel is within walking distance from Fenerbahce Marina and Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. This newly built hotel offers stylish rooms with sea, marina or city views.

The hotel has 2 outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool, and a 3500m² spa and fitness centre. After a workout at Shape Club, you can enjoy massage treatments from Far Eastern therapists at Blue Harmony Spa.

All rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, iPod player, complimentary WiFi and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, as well as 2 bottles of water. 24-hour room service is also available.

Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel offers 8 restaurants and cafes serving international cuisine. Remina serves open buffet breakfast, Ouzo Roof Restaurant with its modern concept offers seafood. The Lobby Lounge and Jigger Roof Bar both serve refreshing cocktails and light flavours, Sushico, Ozgür Sef Steak House, and Divan Patisserie are also within the hotel's dining options.

The popular shopping district Bagdat Avenue is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Kadikoy Seabus Port, Kadikoy Ferry Port and Kadikoy Metro Station offering easy access to European side of Istanbul are only 3 km away. Kadikoy Metro Station offers interchange to Marmaray line to reach European side in a few minutes. Guests can have sea taxi at the marina, located near the hotel, to Prince's Islands. Sabiha Gokcen Airport is 30 km from the hotel. Ataturk Airport is located 28 km away via Eurasia Tunnel. 

Price: ~ USD 136 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent 

Get the celebrity treatment with world-class service at Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent

This is the 7th most-booked 5-star hotel in İstanbul.

Featuring luxurious interiors, Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent is located on Buyukdere Road. The hotel offers direct access to Levent Metro Station and numerous shopping malls including Ozdilek Park through underground connection. Guests can get a variety of health and beauty treatments at the 7900 m² extensive spa, including an indoor and outdoor pool, gym, sauna, and a Turkish bath.

Tastefully decorated with fine furnishings, guest room management system, each air-conditioned room offers 47” flat-screen TV with satellite channels. Free WiFi and wired internet, a minibar, safe box and a work desk are also provided. There is an electric kettle with tea and coffee setup in each room. Iron and ironing board are available in all rooms. Most rooms also offer city views. All exclusive and suite rooms boast turndown service.

7 dining outlets including buffet and à la carte restaurant and a lounge are available. You can start the day with a rich breakfast buffet boasting a wide range of products. The Plaza 177 Restaurant and Caréme Restaurant serve international cuisine and Turkish dishes. Guests can enjoy a drink at Vertice Cafe & Brasserie or traditional shisha at the breezy terrace of Carême Restaurant.

Taksim Square is just 4 stops away from Levent Metro Station. Metrocity and Kanyon shopping malls are within walking distance from Wyndham Grand Istanbul Levent and Istinye Park is within 5 km. Ataturk Airport is 30 km from the hotel. 

Price: ~ USD 172 Book this hotel on Booking.com