Embark on a journey through the enchanting city of Istanbul, exploring handpicked boutique hotels that blend history with modern comfort. As you immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of each stay, don’t miss the opportunity to elevate your travel experience with Bellhopp. Sign up for exclusive deals, insider tips, and more. Join us in discovering the hidden gems and luxurious retreats that Istanbul has to offer. Welcome to a world where each stay is a story
1. Hotel Ibrahim Pasha
Address: Binbirdirek, Terzihane Sk. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
This delightful small hotel is named after Suleiman the Magnificent’s grand vizier, who had a palace just around the corner, and is just steps away from the historic Hippodrome where chariot races were run in Byzantine times. Wooden floors paired with contemporary furnishings set the tone for rooms that are petite but perfectly equipped; ask for one of the newer, more spacious ones if you want to stretch out. The roof terrace offers a fantastic view of the Blue Mosque, and in winter a roaring fire welcomes guests to a book-lined lobby where a giant Roman capital props up the reception desk. The dining room feels like a Parisian bistro.
2. Neorion Hotel
Address: Hoca Paşa, Orhaniye Cd. No:14, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Securing its place as one of Istanbul’s most exquisitely situated hotels, the Neorion Hotel stands a mere stone’s throw away from the iconic Hagia Sophia and the Galata Bridge. While the building may not be an original, its impeccably preserved stained glass, Turkish-style textiles, and charming exterior effortlessly maintain an air of authenticity. Each of the 53 rooms pays homage to the city’s rich heritage, featuring intricate paintings above the bed, Turkish rugs, cool tiled floors, and panoramic city views in superior suites.
Start your day with a Turkish breakfast that promises to satisfy, and after a day of exploration, indulge in the complimentary afternoon mezze served in the living-room style lobby. Despite its modest size, the hotel surprises with a spa offering a small pool, jacuzzi, hammam, and massage area, providing the perfect space to unwind with invigorating scrubs and body peels.
3. Empress Zoe:
Address: Cankurtaran, Akbıyık Cd. No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Tucked just around the corner from the swanky Four Seasons at Sultanahmet, Empress Zoe offers a supremely convenient location at a fraction of the price. Named after a much-married Byzantine empress, this boutique gem provides a range of rooms, each with its unique charm. The finest garden suites boast their own tiny hamams, adding a touch of luxury to your stay. While rooms in the main building may be cosier, the heart of the hotel lies in its two secluded courtyard gardens. One of these enchanting spaces even backs onto the ruins of a 15th-century Turkish bath, immersing you in history. With a dedicated and reliable staff, Empress Zoe ensures impeccable service throughout your stay.
4. Kybele Hotel:
Address: Alemdar, Yerebatan Cd. No:23, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
The Kybele Hotel stands as a vibrant spectacle with its unmissable, vividly colourful exterior. Comprising a pair of elegant city mansions, this boutique gem is adorned with an unfeasibly large number of hanging glass lamps, a feature the owners claim to have popularized, now widely available in the Grand Bazaar. The lively colours and intricate lamps are not confined to common spaces; even the singles boast the Kybele’s trademark feature. Adding to the eclectic charm, the owner’s basement carpet and textile shop infuse the hotel with interesting decorative twists. Escape the street hubbub and enjoy breakfast on the secretive rooftop terrace, a perfect start to your day.
5. Witt Istanbul Suites
Address: Cihangir, Kılıçali Paşa, Defterdar Ykş. No:26, 34433 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Crafted by the renowned Istanbul-based design firm Autoban, Witt Istanbul Suites stands as a serene haven amidst the bustling Cihangir district. Evident in its design, no expense has been spared in creating a luxurious ambiance across its 18 apartment-sized rooms, adorned with rich wood, supple leather, and accents of stone. With a layout of just three rooms per floor, each boasts a king-sized bed, ample wardrobes, a Nespresso machine, and Molton Brown toiletries.
The bathrooms alone elevate the experience, adorned in floor-to-ceiling grey marble and equipped with six shower heads, offering a perpetual spa-like atmosphere. While the hotel forgoes an on-site restaurant, it compensates by being surrounded by a plethora of excellent eateries. Fear not, as breakfast can be conveniently delivered to your room daily. Enjoy a refreshing drink in the rooftop permaculture garden, dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture and providing a panoramic view of almost every iconic sight in Istanbul.
6. Sirkeci Konak
Address: Şehsuvar Bey, Kumluk Sk. No:6, 34130 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Nestled down a charming street facing Gulhane Park, the Sirkeci Konak stands as a testament to meticulous attention to detail. Recently renovated to enhance its appeal to tourists, this fine modern hotel seamlessly blends modern comforts with Ottoman elegance. From under-floor heating in the bathrooms to delightful Turkish delights on the pillows, every detail exudes luxury. Guests are treated to a daily newsletter that keeps them abreast of the city’s happenings. The Ottoman-themed modern furnishings, accompanied by a ground-floor restaurant serving a breakfast fit for a grand vizier, contribute to an unforgettable stay. For an added touch, discover a pocket handkerchief-sized pool in the basement—an oasis of cool respite during the heat of high summer.
7. Hotel Daphnis
Address: Binbirdirek, Su Terazisi Sk. No:14, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Nestled just up the road from the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in Fener, an Ottoman-era suburb once inhabited by the city’s affluent administrators, Hotel Daphnis offers a rare chance to reside in a historically significant, yet relatively undiscovered, part of old Istanbul. Comprising a series of traditional stone houses adorned with high ceilings and frescoes, the hotel immerses guests in the rich tapestry of Istanbul’s past. A small restaurant faces the bustling Golden Horn across a lively road, providing an excellent alternative to nearby eateries that specialize in the local delicacy, işkembe çorbasi (tripe soup).
8. Anemon Galata
Address: Bereketzade, Mahallesi, Büyük Hendek Cd. No:5, 34421 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
While Sultanahmet boasts hotels steeped in Ottoman nostalgia, Beyoğlu, or Pera, embraces modernism. Amid the vibrant nightlife of İstiklâl Caddesi, the Anemon Galata stands out, offering a unique blend of proximity to entertainment and Ottoman-inspired décor. Rooms feature exquisite furnishings that seamlessly marry modern comfort with traditional charm. The rooftop breakfast room provides a breathtaking panorama of the city, with the iconic Galata Tower standing so close that you can almost reach out and touch its historic allure.
9. Pera Palace Hotel
Address: Evliya Çelebi, Meşrutiyet Caddesi, Tepebaşı Cd. No:52, 34430 Beyoğlu/İstanbul, Türkiye
Not strictly a boutique hotel, but what the Pera Palace lacks in smallness it more than makes up for in historic significance. This magnificent building, round the corner from the stridently modern Marmara Pera, was specially commissioned to accommodate passengers who’d arrived in Istanbul on the Orient Express, and its guestlist is a rollcall of the great and good. Agatha Christie famously stayed here, as did Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, modern Turkey’s founding father. The spruce new rooms are not the city’s largest, nor is the view the best, but who cares when you can clink glasses in the atmospheric bar where the spy Mata Hari, and royal renegades Edward and Mrs Simpson, once hid away
10. Sumahan-on-the-Water
Address: Çengelköy, Kuleli Cd. No:43, 34684 Üsküdar/İstanbul, Türkiye
For a respite from the hustle of Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu, venture across the Bosphorus to Asia, where the Sumahan-on-the-Water occupies a converted liquor distillery in the charming suburb of Çengelköy. Despite the historic exterior, the rooms are modern, bathed in natural light, and equipped with contemporary furnishings, each boasting its own fireplace and modern conveniences. The ground-floor lounge houses one of the city’s finest collections of books on Turkey. Don’t fret about being isolated – the hotel provides its own boat for a scenic journey across the Bosphorus to the transport hub at Kabataş.
As you embark on your journey through the enchanting hotels of Istanbul, we hope this curated list sparks your curiosity and kindles a desire to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. Each stay offers a unique blend of comfort, style, and a glimpse into the soul of this mesmerizing metropolis.
Remember, your adventure doesn’t end here! For more exclusive deals, personalized travel tips, and a treasure trove of experiences, sign up with Bellhopp. Let Bellhopp be your trusted companion, unlocking a world of possibilities and ensuring your future travels are filled with seamless moments and unforgettable memories.
Whether you seek the opulence of the Pera Palace, the tranquility of Sumahan-on-the-Water, or the contemporary allure of Witt Istanbul Suites, Bellhopp is your key to discovering these hidden gems and more. Sign up today, and let your journey with Bellhopp begin – where every stay is a story waiting to be written. Happy travels!
