Bosphorus is among the most common answer for the question: "What do you love most about Istanbul?"
Bosphorus has a major strategic importance as a link between the Mediterranean and Black Sea via Sea of Marmara. The shores of Bosphorus are adorned with priceless mansions, imperial palaces and many other buildings with historical value. Cruising the Bosphorus is a must-do for everyone visiting Istanbul at least once.
We have prepared this list of the Best Hotels along the Bosphorus, where two continents facing each other as the witnesses of time.
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1. Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
Ciragan, the historical Ottoman Palace located right next to the Bosphorus, is one of the most magnificent landmarks of Istanbul. The 17th century Imperial Palace is serving as a 5 star hotel today where you will have the brilliant view of the Asian part of the city.
With its location next to the Bosphorus, the hotel's heated infinity pool is one of the most fascinating pools in Istanbul.
You'll find the real luxurious experience with all the amenities from elegant restaurants to swimming pools, fitness center, spa and many other. Feel like a Sultan in Cıragan with outstanding service and impeccably furnished rooms.
2. Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul
Shangri-La Bosphorus is located on the European shores of the Bosphorus, between Dolmabahce Palace and the Maritime Museum.
The priviliged location of Shangri-La is a big plus for the guests willing to explore the historical sightseeings. Famous attractions such as Galata Tower and Istıklal Street are in a walking distance. Likewise, as Shangri La is just in front of the ferry station, you can consider taking a ferry to explore the Asian part of the city.
A pleasant stay awaits you in Shangri La where you will find many amenities like Turkish bath, spa and steam room, fitness center, jacuzzi, special kids pool and indoor pool. Among the standart amenities, there are flat-screen TVs and coffee machines in the fully equipped rooms.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Four Seasons Hotel is another iconic building by the Bosphorus shores which was used as a palace in the 19th century.
With its location in Besiktas, one of the most lively and trendy neighbourhoods of İstanbul, the guests can easily get to Dolmabahce Palace and the historical center of the city.
Four Seasons assures the feeling of luxury and elegance in every corner. There is a heated outdoor pool by the Bosphorus where you'll enjoy the marvelous view and an indoor pool with underwater speakers. Take the advantage of revitalizing personalized SPA experiences.
Seeking for a fine-dining experience with a beautiful ambiance and innovative tastes? The Aqua Restaurant is just one of the options within the Four Seasons Bosphorus. A delightful venue with live performances where you can find fresh seafood remarked with the skillful masters.
4. CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul
CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel has a very central location in Gumussuyu district between Taksim and Besiktas.
Rising with its modern design in the place where the historical Park Hotel was located in the 20th century, CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel offers every opportunity to make its guests feel privileged.
Decorational details including the costumes and accessories of the Ottoman dynasty scattered around the public areas are reflecting the Ottoman lifestyle. Each floor of the hotel are named after the Sultans mothers (Queen Mother's).
The roof restaurants offers the biggest panaromic view of Bosphorus. Unique tastes from Turkish and World cuisine by the award-winning chefs of CVK Hotel are awaiting you in the Gumussuyu restaurant.
5. The Stay Bosphorus
The Stay Bosphorus is a boutique hotel located in the lively Ortakoy district of Istanbul overlooking the Bosphorus. It is about 20 minutes from the Historical Peninsula (where the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace is).
The guests have an opportunity to take advantage of express check-in / check-out, babysitting / child services, and a beauty center. The hotel's wellness and spa center offers many different face and body treatments. Rooms at The Stay Bosphorus Hotel are spacious and offers a minibar and wireless internet access.
It is possible to find a restaurant and a bar at The Stay Hotel that allows guests to relax at the end of the day. There are also several breakfast options available each morning.
6. Hotel Les Ottomans
Hotel Les Ottomans is located in Kurucesme district of İstanbul, in the Besiktas area. It is very close to famous Ortakoy Mosque, and about 25 min. walk from Ciragan Palace.
Rooms at this property offer satellite TV, a laptop safe, and a minibar-fridge. Rooms are either overlooking the sea or other landscapes. Guests have the opportunity to relax in the hotel’s spa center which features a sauna.
The hotel has a restaurant, suitable for enjoying your meal. The surrounding area offers a wide variety of restaurants for those wish to go out at night.
7. Bosphorus Palace Hotel
Bosphorus Palace Hotel is located in Beylerbeyi district at the Asian side of İstanbul by the Bosphorus away the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Bosphorus Palace Hotel is only 4 minutes walk to Beylerbeyi Palace, a summer palace built by Sultan Abdulaziz in the 19th century just under the Asian part of the bridge.
The building was used as “Debreli Ismail Pasha” mansion between the years 1876-1909. This waterfront mansion is one of the most beautiful examples of Neo-Ottoman architecture. Today, it is serving as a boutique hotel with 12 rooms, each with different decoration details and with 5 different room types. While the high ceilings and wall decorations attract attention in the rooms, the furnishings are also covered with Italian handwork and 18 carat gold leaf.
8. Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus
Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus is standing in the cool waterfront district Karaköy, famous with Neo Classic buildings, art galleries, many stylish bars and cafes. You can walk to the Golden Horn, Galata and Sultanahmet from Karaköy, which is the center of artistic and cultural activities.
In addition to its central location close to the most important historical stops of Istanbul, Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus offers its guests the service offered by 5-star Istanbul hotels with its modern and stylish architectural building and comfortable rooms.
Novotel offers an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, Turkish bath, massage services and free WIFI internet access for the guests. Enjoy the delicious gourmet selections of the buffet breakfast for a great start to a day. As for the dinner, the panaromic Bosphorus view from the Murver Restaurant on the rooftop is a catch!
9. Sumahan Hotel on the Water
Sumahan on the Water sits on the Asian bank of the Bosphorus, in a calm upscale neighbourhood Cengelköy by the Bosphorus.
Converted from a former distillery , Sumahan is an exceptinal boutique hotel with 13 rooms by the sea. Sumahan is an optimum option if you want to relax with a beautiful view from in a serene location, away from the noise and crowd of the city.
Every room of Sumahan overlooks the Bosphorus towards the Sea of Marmara, where you can spot the Historical Peninsula with Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Sumahan is among the well known lodgings for honeymooners as well.
You can enjoy the Bosphorus while tasting delicious food while watching the fascinating reflections of the lighthouse right nearby. Ask for binoculars to check out the Historical Peninsula and many other iconic building on the European side.
10. Port Bosphorus Hotel
Port Bosphorus Hotel is located in Karakoy district, the hotel is close to attractions and very close to Sishane metro. It provides convenience in transportation as it is within walking distance to the ferry piers and the historical peninsula.
At Edda Spa within the hotel, you can forget your tiredness and enjoy the Turkish Bath and steam room, and you can benefit from different massage options.
The guests of Port Bosphorus Hotel are greeted with a magnificent Bosphorus view in Karaköy, the culture and art center of Istanbul. Elegance comes together with magnificent Bosphorus view on the rooftop Seagull Restaurant. Here you'll find a wide range of options from seasonal fresh seafood to different dishes adapted from world cuisine.
11. A'jia Hotel
Located in Kanlica district at the northern end of the Anatolian foot of the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, A'jia Hotel offers a magnificent view on the Asian side of the Bosphorus.
We can easily count A'jia as one of the most elegant historical waterfront mansions of the Bosphorus. Today serving as a luxurious boutique hotel where you'll feel the nostalgia and serenity. The simple and stylish rooms, furnished in a minimalist style, make you feel calm and comfort.
A'jia Hotel is ready to welcome its guests with the best service quality, rich food menu, wide variety of breakfast and unique Bosphorus view. Enjoy the delicacies of the Mediterranean cuisine with the magnificent view of the Bosphorus.
12. InterContinental Istanbul Hotel
InterContinental Istanbul is standing in Taksim, at the heart of the most lively area of the city with all kinds of attractions. Taksim metro station is only 500 meters away from the hotel.
Comfort and elegance meet in rooms with Bosphorus and city views. The Presidential suites with Jacuzzi, sauna and guestbathroom with a shower unit has the brilliant Bosphorus view.
You can leave yourself to the experts in the flower-inspired massage rooms. Relax your body and soul while enjoying facilities such as Turkish Bath, sauna and steam room.
Safran Restaurant offers the opportunity to try Ottoman palace cuisine and traditional Turkish delicacies in a modern way, on the terrace with a magnificent view. Be enchanted by traditional Turkish music called fasil in this ambiance that is ideal for feeling nostalgia.
13. Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus is a charming hotel surrounded by large terraces and gardens, with a perfect location on the European shore of the Bosphorus. It is located in Kurucesme, one of the most exclusive and elite districts of Istanbul. From here, the city's historic center and business district can be reached within a short drive.
When it's time to get refreshed, you can spend time at one of the 3 pools or take the advantage of spending a day in the 3500 square meter Spa and fitness facilities of the Mandarin Oriental.
Mandarin Oriental is an excellent choice to make room for delicious tastes prepared by internationally awarded chefs at its scenic restaurants and bars. For an unusual experience, try the unique tastes of Asian and Italian cuisine at Novikov Istanbul.
14. Raffles Istanbul
Raffles Istanbul is located in Zorlu Center, where fashion, show and art come together at one of the best intersections of Istanbul. It is 4 km from the Bosphorus Bridge and 7 km from the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.
Nearly 200 artworks, consisting of paintings, sculptures, photography and video installations are adorning the interior that was designed exclusively for Raffles.
There are 181 rooms and 49 of them are suites. Wide suite rooms contains a special dressing room and terrace with the panaromic Bosphorus view.
3 swimming pools are ready for guests to use, two of which are indoor and the other is an outdoor terrace pool with city view. Spanning an area of 3 thousand square meters, the Spa of Raffles is among the largest in İstanbul.
15. The Marmara Taksim Istanbul
If you are looking for a safe, clean and comfortable accommodation in a very central location close to Istiklal Street, The Marmara Taksim covers you just in the center of shopping and entertainment areas.
This is a place where you can watch the magnificent view of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. Every detail has been meticulously thought out for the comfort of the guests at The Marmara Taksim Istanbul. There is an oppurtunity to have relaxing time in the outdoor pool away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You'll leave the hotel much more relaxed after a day in Turkish bath along with spa and sauna facilities.
The Marmara Taksim has fine-dining and buffet luch options both specialized in Turkish and World cuisine. You can drink your cocktails against the magnificent view of Istanbul at the panoramic bar on the 20th floor.
16. Six Senses Kocatas Mansions
Six Senses Kocatas Mansions is located in Sarıyer district, an old fisherman's village, about 18 km away from the historical city center.
Here is the right place to feel priviliged with the private rooms that reflects the magnificence of the past by adapting the historical mansions on Bosphorus shores in a modern style. Serving with the awareness of sustainable consumption, Six Senses organizes workshops on natural life for its guests.
There are two nice restaurants in the hotel. Defne Restaurant has a wide-ranging breakfast and brunch menus. Torro Restaurant will bring the special tastes and stylish ambiance together for the most memorable dinners.
17. Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel
Located in Besiktas, one of the most popular and central districts of Istanbul, Conrad Hotel provides the most comfortable stay th the guests. Conrad is standing right next to Yildiz Palace and Yildiz Park. The access to historical peninsula and Asian side via ferries is quite easy. Ortakoy district and Dolmabahce Palace is within walking distance from Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel.
Among the facilities in the hotel, there are both indoor and outdoor pools, Turkish bath and SPA facilities, fitness center and tennis courts.
Try the most tasty Mediterranean dishes along with a wide selections of wine in the Landscape Restaurant of Conrad. Summit Terrace on the 14th floor overlooking the Bosphorus is an optimum place to taste various coctails and all kinds of drinks.
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