I live in Spain, which means Turkey isn’t quite as exotic a destination—it’s just a few hours away by plane.
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In fact, it’s having a bit of a heyday. For years, my adventurous friends have visited Istanbul on the hunt for culture. The city is known for its colorful bazaars where master artisans sell their work. Culturally, it’s known for its millennia of history and crossroads between Asia and Europe. Religiously, it’s got more Islamic landmarks than you could ever hope to visit.
Also, it’s a hub for medical tourism—including plastic surgeries like nose jobs, hair implants, and veneers. Just about everyone I know who goes under the knife has visited Istanbul for a procedure.
Here’s my point: Istanbul has been landing on my radar for a while, and I’ve heard other Americans mention the city more and more often.
If you’re planning to visit, I have two pieces of advice. First, consider Turkish Airlines’ stopover program—you can stay a night or two in Istanbul as you make your way further east on a long-haul flight. Second, stay in the city center—Istanbul is absolutely massive and known for its traffic jams, meaning you don’t want to waste precious time on transportation every day.
Book one of the hotels in Istanbul around the city center. My favorite recommendations are listed below.
Hotels in Istanbul around the city center
The And Hotel
With a rooftop terrace, breakfast that guests rave about, and an excellent location, The And Hotel gives you all the basics for a great home base in Istanbul. The interior is also decked out in a tasteful vintage style, adding a bit of flair to your stay. As an added perk, the concierge and staff are extremely helpful, letting you ease into your Istanbul adventure at your own pace.
Seven Hills Palace Hotel and Spa
Set in a lush mansion that was once reserved for the sultans of Istanbul, this property lets you relax in upscale fashion. There’s a large pool with historic views, along with a dining area that overlooks the water. There’s also a full-service spa on the grounds, in case you really want to take your relaxation to the next level.
Hotel Sultania
Located right in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City in some of its most scenic streets, Hotel Sultania gives you the keys to a royal stay. This boutique hotel is decked out in luxurious trappings in the Turkish harem design. With a near-perfect five-star rating based on over 5,500 reviews, the degree of service and quality of stay speak for themselves. If you want to take on Istanbul’s more flashy side, stay here.
Romance Istanbul Hotel
Speaking of hotels with hard-to-beat ratings, Romance Istanbul Hotel actually has a perfect five-star rating (from TripAdvisor) based on over 6,000 reviews. The boutique hotel has 39 rooms, offering exceptional service, along with a spa and hammam. There’s even a royal suite for any couples who want to fall in love all over again.
Rixos Pera Istanbul
This five-star stay delivers on elegance—and views of the Golden Horn, if you like a view. The suites are large and opulent, giving you space to breathe even in the crowded city center. On-site dining is available, along with a bar-lounge. Just know that Rixos Pera sometimes hosts business conferences.
The Story Hotel Pera
With only 24 rooms, The Story Hotel feels a little exclusive and extremely cozy. The bar has a fireplace, while rooms are also appointed with warm, rich decals. But the real magic is the building’s edifice, which stands out like a work of art in the popular Pera district.
Sheraton Istanbul City Center
The average American traveler is in store for quite a few eye-opening experiences in Istanbul. If you want a familiar landing pad, stick with a Sheraton. They’re used to helping Americans get the lay of the land. This Istanbul City Center property is also highly rated and is decorated seasonally with trappings that will feel familiar—like a grand Christmas tree, for example.
Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
Located in a historic building dating back to the 1930s, the Shangri-La Bosphorus is inspired by Ottoman opulence—with a bit of East Asian flair. Rooms are large and come with elegant chandeliers, while views of the strait are prominent throughout the property. It’s a five-star stay through-and-through, one that comes with unique amenities like babysitting.
Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
Forget the other near-perfect hotel ratings I mentioned above—the Conrad has a near-perfect five-star rating based on almost 10,500 reviews. Expect unmatched service, suites designed for relaxation, a full-service spa, a swanky bar with a terrace, and a massive health club that includes tennis courts. There’s also a newly opened Italian restaurant on the grounds.
