For several years now, the magical city of Istanbul has been regaining its nobility. Its cultural heritage attracts, its oriental cuisine impresses and its architecture fascinates. Tourists are more than won over by this metropolis where East meets West. And for good reason: Istanbul has the particularity of being located on two continents at the same time. A unique fact that earns it real admiration. Graceful domes of ancient Byzantine churches, nearly 3000 mosques, bazaars and luxurious palaces, … the pretty Turkish city has something to please.
To visit Istanbul for a few days, drop off your bags in one of the city’s many hotels. Most of them are located near tourist attractions. And all offer excellent comfort, unmatched service and a dreamlike environment. To be amazed by beautiful Istanbul, we have analyzed many hotels to keep only the best. From luxury palaces to boutique hotels, here is our selection of establishments in which to stay for a perfect stay.
Our selection of the best hotels in Istanbul in 2024:
- Blu Macel Hotel : Best Hotel Awarded by Travelers’ Choice
- Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet : The Best Hotel for Luxury Vacations
- Cheers Lighthouse : the best hotel for a budget vacation
- Hotel Zurich Istanbul Old City : the best value for money hotel
- Durusu Club Hotel : the best hotel for holidays near the airport
For more travel tips, check out our post on the When is the best time to travel to Istanbul?
Why trust us?
It is after extensive research and multiple analyses that we were able to include these establishments in our selection of the “best hotels in Istanbul”.
We have taken into account the location of the hotels. But also the comfort of the rooms, the facilities offered, the welcome of the staff and the value for money of the establishment. Without forgetting the opinions of travelers and the rating left by them on online booking sites such as Booking and Tripadvisor. We have not been in contact with the hotels mentioned, and they therefore had no influence on this selection.
Blu Macel Hotel: Best Hotel Awarded by Travelers’ Choice
Ideally located in Istanbul, Blu Macel Hotel was awarded the “Travelers’ Choice” award in 2023. This award honors tourist establishments that have received excellent traveler reviews on TripAdvisor over the past year.
We appreciate its air-conditioned rooms, private parking and room service. But also its à la carte breakfast served on site. Particularly comfortable, we rest there in the evening and we walk nearby during the day. Only 700 meters from the hotel, we find the Blue Mosque as well as the Hagia Sophia.
Price: from €212 per night
Traveler rating: 9.5/10
The pros:
- Breakfast à la carte or halal.
- Tour desk to organize your days.
- Ideal location for visiting the main historical places of Istanbul.
Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet: The Best Hotel for Luxury Vacations
Opened in 2017, the Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet is a sight to behold. Decorated in an Ottoman style with traditional accents, the establishment offers luxurious rooms that immediately immerse travelers in Istanbul culture. Sea view or garden view: everyone has their own preference.
Right in the city centre, the 5-star hotel features a patisserie, a restaurant with city views, a spa, an indoor pool and a gym. It is a 10-minute walk from the Blue Mosque and not far from the Grand Bazaar. Private parking is available at the hotel. But a shuttle can also be arranged on request to Istanbul Airport.
Price: from €295 per night
Traveler rating: 9.1/10
The pros:
- Indoor swimming pool, spa, wellness centre and gym.
- A traditional Ottoman decoration.
- 10 minutes walk from the Blue Mosque.
Cheers Lighthouse: the best hotel for a budget vacation
For a budget stay, Cheers Lighthouse is the perfect place. The property offers both private rooms and dormitories. Located in the historic Sultanahmet district, it is perfect for exploring the city on foot. Just 300 metres away, you will find the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
For lunch and dinner, the Cheers Lighthouse restaurant offers a varied menu. And the buffet breakfast is served on the hotel terrace each morning.
Price: from €67 per night
Traveler rating: 8/10
The pros:
- Attentive, caring and responsive staff.
- A terrace overlooking the Sea of Marmara.
- 300 meters walk from Hagia Sophia.
Hotel Zurich Istanbul Old City: the best value for money hotel
Zurich Istanbul is the ideal hotel for those who want to combine comfort, proximity to tourist attractions and a reasonable price. The hotel is located just a 15-minute walk from the Grand Bazaar. A little further away, you will find the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and many more.
After a tiring day, you can relax at the hotel by the heated indoor pool, or in the hot tub overlooking the sea or in the Turkish bath. In the evening, you can dine at the Panorama Restaurant of the Zurich Istanbul, enjoying both traditional cuisine and a view of the Bosphorus.
Price: from 117€ per night
Traveler rating: 7.8/10
The pros:
- Heated indoor swimming pool, spa and wellness center.
- Two restaurants, one with a view of the Bosphorus and the old city.
- 15 minutes walk to the Grand Bazaar.
Durusu Club Hotel: the best hotel for holidays near the airport
Duruso Club Hotel is located 10 minutes by taxi from Istanbul Airport. It is one of the cheapest hotels in the area and is a great compromise for those on a budget. Surrounded by trees, this hotel offers air-conditioned rooms and a restaurant with traditional à la carte dishes. Free private parking is also available for those who rent their own vehicle.
And if, before taking the plane again, some wish to continue exploring the surroundings: it is possible! The Taxidermy Museum is located not far from the hotel. And horseback or bicycle excursions are organized in the surroundings.
Price: from €65 per night.
Traveler rating: 7.2/10
The pros:
- Outdoor swimming pool and green spaces.
- A restaurant with traditional and international dishes on the menu.
- 12 kilometers from Istanbul Airport.
Now that you know the names of the best hotels in the city, we’ll give you a little guidance on how to organize a dream stay in Istanbul. When to go? What to visit? What’s the budget? We’ll tell you everything just below.
