For many travelers, a trip to Istanbul is synonymous with staying in charming boutique hotels in the historic center. However, for those seeking a more refined and luxurious experience, the city offers a selection of world-class accommodations. These hotels feature spacious suites, gourmet dining, top-tier spas, and breathtaking views of the city. We’ve curated a list of the top luxury hotels in Istanbul, including the latest openings and timeless favorites.
Rixos Tersane Istanbul (Opened September 2024)
Location: Beyoğlu, Kasımpaşa (European side, Golden Horn district)
One of the most anticipated hotel openings of 2024, Rixos Tersane Istanbul is built on the site of a 600-year-old Ottoman shipyard. The hotel’s architecture seamlessly blends industrial elements with a maritime theme, featuring expansive metal structures and floor-to-ceiling windows for a spacious, modern feel.
What makes it special?
- Elegant and spacious rooms with premium design
- Future surroundings: A new upscale residential area and shopping mall are set to open nearby
- A state-of-the-art world-class spa
The Peninsula Istanbul (Opened February 2023)
Location: Karaköy (European side, near Galata Bridge)
Offering sophisticated luxury with panoramic Bosphorus views, The Peninsula Istanbul showcases interiors adorned with marble, Turkish carpets, and exclusive custom-made furniture.
What to do at the hotel?
- Relax in the seasonal outdoor pool
- Indulge in the Peninsula Spa, complete with a hammam, sauna, and indoor pool
- Dine at the elegant restaurant with a scenic terrace
- Take a private yacht tour along the Bosphorus
Vakko Sumahan Bosphorus (Opened November 2024)
Location: Üsküdar, Çengelköy (Asian side, Bosphorus waterfront)
This boutique hotel, housed in a restored 19th-century whiskey distillery, offers only 12 rooms, ensuring an exclusive and intimate retreat. The design reflects the refined aesthetics of the 1940s, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Unique features:
- All rooms offer breathtaking Bosphorus views
- Three exquisite restaurants: an Italian fine dining venue, a French patisserie, and the prestigious Caviar Kaspia
- An ambiance of private, high-end luxury
Rixos Pera Istanbul (Opened 2012)
Location: Pera (European side)
Situated in a lively district known for its vibrant nightlife, Rixos Pera Istanbul boasts views of the Golden Horn and Hagia Sophia. The hotel’s decor blends Art Deco elegance with modern sophistication.
Hotel highlights:
- Three restaurants: Turkish, international, and a rooftop venue with panoramic city views
- Smoking lounges on the terrace, eliminating the need to step outside
- An English-style pub and a cozy lobby café
Six Senses Kocataş Mansions (Opened March 2023)
Location: Sarıyer (European side, Bosphorus waterfront)
This extraordinary boutique hotel is set in two meticulously restored 19th-century Ottoman mansions. With a design featuring marble, bronze, and natural wood, Six Senses KocataÅŸ Mansions offers an opulent and tranquil escape.
What to enjoy at the hotel?
- Stroll through the private 30,000 sq. m park
- Relax by the panoramic pools (heated indoor and seasonal outdoor)
- Stay in unique suites, including two-story accommodations and rooms featuring a historic cistern-turned-bathroom
Istanbul is not only a city of rich history but also a premier destination for high-end retreats. Which of these Luxury Hotels in Istanbul will be your next getaway? ✨