The best hotels in Istanbul reflect the diversity of this amazing city, so wonderfully colorful and hectic. Straddling Asia and Europe, Istanbul's diverse metropolis encompasses the ancient and traditional, as well as the modern and achingly hip. Naturally the beautiful Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace are must-sees if you're a first time visitor, but go beyond the old town to also discover modern Istanbul, from bustling Taksim Square and lively Istiklal Street with its myriad cafes and shops, to an island getaway, and of course buzzing nightlife scene. At the end of a busy day (or night!), relax in one of our top Istanbul luxury hotel picks:
You won't find a more ideal Old Town location, right next to the Hagia Sophia and a short walk to the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Originally used as a prison, it's a safe bet that this is the most luxurious prison-turned-hotel that you'll ever stay in. We love the hotel's intimate size, at just 65 rooms and suites, which surround a lush and tranquil interior courtyard. Rooms are incredibly spacious, starting at 484 square feet, and feature qunitessentially plush Four Seasons beds, a lavish marble bathroom with separate deep soaking tub and shower, L'Occitane bath amenities, and an in-room espresso maker. Look forward to special Turkish sweets with turndown service. In the summer months, breakfast or brunch al fresco at the Seasons Restaurant outdoor terrace is the perfect way to start your day. The concierge staff here is one of Istanbul's best, offering welcome guidance in what can be a slightly daunting city for first time visitors.
If you're seeking modern and hip, look no further than the Istanbul EDITION, with its sleek interiors and one of the city's hottest nightclubs (scheduled to reopen in September 2012). Located in the upscale neighborhood of Levent, near the financial district and shopping, the hotel is next to Levent metro. Taksim Square just a 10 minute metro ride away, perfect for guests wanting to dine out or experience some of the Taksim area nightlife. Superior Rooms are slightly larger than average for Istanbul, ranging from 320 to 420 square feet, and have all the requisite mood lighting and high tech you could wish for, including a control panel next to the bed and a state of the art Bang & Olufsen integrated TV and stereo system. Don't miss the decadent Espa Spa, with its two pools, traditional Turkish hammam, sauna, experience showers, relaxation area with heated stone loungers, and ice cave.
If a true vacation to you involves sea views and an infinity pool that seamlessly blends into the sea and horizon, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski should be your first choice in Istanbul. Book the hotel's VIP transfer service to bypass the often long visa and passport lines at Istanbul Airport, and be chauffered in waiting car service to the hotel. Once there, enjoy the gorgeous landscaped gardens and panoramic views of the Bosphorous. In the evening, Tura Restaurant offers upscale Ottoman cuisine accompanied by live traditional music. Le Fumoir's outdoor terrace is the perfect place for a nightcap, accompanied by live jazz. Standard Park View Rooms are good sized, at 365 square feet, and all rooms and suites offer complimentary WiFi, elegant decor and a private balcony from which to enjoy the lush garden or ocean view and sea breezes. Don't miss the traditional Turkish hammam at Sanitas Spa, or the sumptuous breakfast buffet that would befit a sultan, and is included in most TravelSort rates.
If you want to be based in Sultanahmet, near the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, but don't want to pay the rates of the Four Seasons Sultanahmet, boutique hotel Sirkeci Konak is a wonderful choice. It's just a 10-15 minute walk to the sights above, and also close to the Gulhane tram stop, giving you easy access to farther away attractions. Standard rooms are on the small side, but are nicely appointed in traditional Ottoman style and immaculately clean. WiFi is complimentary, as is an excellent breakfast buffet and daily afternoon tea. After a hectic day out, unwind in the wellness area, with its traditional Turkish hammam, sauna, and even a small swimming pool. The hotel also offers a walking tour, culinary tour and Turkish wine tasting at reasonable cost. Don't miss at least one meal of regional Turkish specialties with superb views at the rooftop Neyzade Restaurant.
Getting to Istanbul with Frequent Flyer Miles or Points
1. United nonstop to Istanbul
United flies nonstop to Istanbul from NYC, although it can be tough to find award availability. There are 30 Business First Class seats with 180 degree recline on this 767-300ER. You'll need to redeem 50,000 United miles one-way, or 100,000 United miles roundtrip.
2. Turkish Airlines nonstop to Istanbul
While the ideal award would be first class on Turkish Airways in your own individual suite, good luck getting that award. Also know that Turkish is in the process of phasing out these aircraft, which it leases from Jet Airways; its new configuration doesn't have first class, just Business Class, with flat seats albeit at a 177 degree angle, not perfectly flat as United's are.
3. Lufthansa First Class (last minute)
If you have the flexibility to take a last minute flight to Istanbul you could take Lufthansa first class to Frankfurt, Dusseldorf or Munich, then another Lufthansa flight to Istanbul. Using United miles, this will also be 135,000 miles roundtrip. Definitely recommend springing for first class over business, since Lufthansa business class is still angled flat seats, not flat bed seats.
Earn all 100,000 miles you need for a roundtrip award to Istanbul by making your own 100,000 credit card bonus offer using the Ink Bold, or by applying at the same time for the Ink Bold and Chase personal card, such as the United MileagePlus Explorer, or the Sapphire Preferred, since Chase will usually approve a personal and business card application submitted at the same time.
4. Iberia to Madrid or Barcelona, then award flight or LCC to Istanbul
The goal here is to avoid going through London, with its high surcharges, plus Iberia offers good availability, especially out of Chicago. Iberia and Turkish both fly the ~4 hour nonstop to Istanbul.
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