Best Boutique Hotels in Istanbul

Take a look at the best boutique hotels in Istanbul.

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1

White House Hotel Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

The White House Hotel is a 22-room, boutique hotel in
the heart of Istanbul’s Old City. Built in 2000, this upscale property
manages to convey a much longer history thanks to its traditional Ottoman decor and its rooftop
dining room with views to the Aya Sofia, a former mosque that's now a museum.
Like many hotels in the most ancient part of the city, the White House has windows that open to a
busy street, so noise may be an issue for some travelers. Guest rooms feel feminine and elegant, and have modern amenities, though they're somewhat small. Breakfast, including
the fresh fruits plentiful in the region, is free and served on the
terrace. The hotel accepts pets with no fees, a boon for an Old City property. If the White
House Hotel is booked, visitors could try the significantly less expensive, upscale Cela Sultan Hotel, which has Hagia Sophia views.

2

Hotel Amira Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

This 32-room, upper-middle-range boutique hotel is one of the most popular options in the Old City, and stands out for its central location, personal family-run atmosphere, excellent free breakfast, and stylish rooms. It is a five-minute walk to the Blue Mosque, and within a 15-minute walk of all the major attractions in Sultanahmet. The standard rooms are a bit on the small side, and few rooms in any category have balconies or views – though there’s a fine panorama overlooking the Marmara Sea from the rooftop terrace. Otherwise, the hotel has little in the way of public areas or entertainment features. The mobile Wi-Fi routers on free loan to all guests are a nice touch to aid in visitors’ explorations of the city. In intimacy and charm, it's comparable to the nearby Hotel Ibrahim Pasha, but with larger rooms.

3

Dersaadet Hotel Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

The Dersaadet
Hotel Istanbul is a cozy, upscale property set in a remodeled 19th-century
Ottoman-style inn. Though it's set on a non-touristy street, it's just
minutes' walk from Istanbul's historic center and main attractions. Guests can expect a particularly warm welcome, and interiors are plush and traditional throughout. A charming rooftop
terrace serves an extensive breakfast alongside Blue Mosque and sea views. While
top-level rooms also share the views, some rooms are small with poor
soundproofing. There are no health facilities or spa on-site; check out the slightly pricier Dosso Dossi Hotel Old City for one of the better hotel hammams.

4

Hotel Sultania

Istanbul, Turkey

This upscale 42-room hotel in the Sirkeci neighborhood of Sultanahmet is the nicest of the Yasmak Hotels mini-chain. Each of the rooms is named after a different sultan's wife and has tasteful Ottoman-inspired decor. Features are more extensive than at many Sultanahmet boutique hotels: They include an indoor pool, hammam, spa treatment rooms, rooftop restaurant with views of the Hagia Sophia, and fitness center. The numerous freebies -- an impressive breakfast buffet, (limited) DVD library, afternoon tea with pastries and finger sandwiches, airport transfers, and Wi-Fi -- add value, and all of the Old City's top attractions are within walking distance. But the elevator is tiny and the location on a pedestrian-only street means taxis can't come right to the front door.

5

Osmanhan Hotel

Istanbul, Turkey

The Osman Han Hotel is a three-pearl, seven-room property in the oldest part of Istanbul. Opened in 2007 by a couple who own a rug shop, the affordable property has an intimate, guest-house vibe and traditional decor. Rooms are small with old-fashioned furnishings, kettles, and mini-fridges. A free breakfast is served on the hotel's rooftop, which features spectacular views of the city and the Sea of Marmara, and it feels a bit like staying in a private home. For a more modern property with a sunny atrium, visitors could try Hotel Alilass.

6

Peradays

Istanbul, Turkey

As the pun in the hotel's name implies ("paradise"), quirk and play are part of the ambiance at this trendy, three-pearl boutique property. It's situated at the north edge of the Taksim, Istanbul's major shopping, dining, and nightlife district, yet the spot is far enough away to escape crowds. The location also puts many of the district's main sights within easy walking distance, and public transportation is nearby. The historical flavor of the hotel's 19th-century building stops at the entrance, with interiors transformed into a hip, Brooklyn-esque space, including its nine guest rooms. For something equally quirky, but more Turkish in spirit and closer Istanbul’s most famous historical sights, check in Kybele Hotel, just steps from the Hagia Sofia.

7

Neorion Hotel

Istanbul, Turkey

The Neorion Hotel
is an upscale, boutique-size property with a prime location within minutes' walk of
Istanbul's historical center. Although relatively new, the building features
traditional Ottoman styling inside and out, including in the decor of its 53
guest rooms. While the spa is impressive for the level of hotel, its the rooftop
terrace that really wows with superb views accompanied by free drinks and
meze at dusk. Prices are fair for the category (the comparable Hotel Sultania nearby has similar rates), and super-friendly staff and general charm ensures the Neorion remains one of the
most popular choices around.

8

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

Istanbul, Turkey

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is a luxury boutique hotel housed in the Old City's early 20th century former prison, just a seven-minute walk to Blue Mosque. Original architectural details are incorporated throughout and contemporary decor hits the mark in capturing traditional Turkish design. Sixty-five rooms epitomize refined luxury, donning rich fabrics, high-end furnishings, and decadent bathrooms with soaking tubs. They're replete with excellent amenities like Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, Bose CD players, and freebies -- including gourmet chocolates. The rooftop lounge has breathtaking views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and there's also a piano bar and tea room with a fireplace. However, if a pool and spa are a must, travelers may wish to consider the five pearl Shangri-La Bosphorous, Istanbul.

9

Levni Hotel & Spa

Istanbul, Turkey

The four-and-a-half pearl Levni Hotel in Istanbul's Old City has an indoor pool, full-service spa, and panoramic views of several top tourist attractions. The 75-room hotel, spread over six floors and in two buildings, is a rarity in a city with generally much smaller properties offering fewer amenities. The Levni has a stylish restaurant that offers traditional Ottoman and Western food, and serves a free breakfast in its atrium with wonderful views. Guest rooms are a bit dark, but modern and comfortable, with minibars. For a hotel with an outdoor pool, visitors could try the slightly more expensive Marmara Taksim.

10

Muyan Suites

Istanbul, Turkey

This small mid-range hotel with the intimate feeling of a bed-and-breakfast offers 11 good-sized, charmingly traditional rooms on an unmemorable street that's walking distance to Sultanahmet's popular sights. The amenities and facilities are limited (there's no full restaurant, for example, just a free breakfast), though this is also true at many similar hotels in the area. Guests frequently rave about the friendly, personalized service as something that sets the Muyan Suites apart. It’s a bit cheaper than the comparable Hotel Amira, but lacks that hotel’s roof terrace.

11

Tomtom Suites

Istanbul, Turkey

Couples seeking contemporary apartment-style accommodation a bit off the tourist trail are drawn to this beautifully renovated 20-room hotel on a quiet street in the old European quarter of Beyoğlu. All the well-appointed rooms are large suites with distinct seating areas; the single Luxury Suite on the top floor is downright massive. Few, however, have views, and those rooms in the back of the hotel don’t get much direct sunlight. Public areas and entertainment features are minimal, though the top-floor restaurant, Nicole, is regarded as one of Istanbul’s best. Though the location will appeal to travelers who want to escape the crowds, the hills around the hotel are steep in every direction. It’s comparably priced to the Witt Istanbul Suites, which has smaller, more industrial-chic rooms, and a better value than the more centrally located Corinne Hotel.

12

World Heritage Hotel Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

A low-key, mid-range property, the World Heritage Hotel Istanbul is located in Sultanahmet Square, within walking distance of top tourist attractions. Its 20 rooms have pleasant, elegant decor, free minibars, and beds routinely described by guests as "very comfortable" -- but bathrooms are tiny and can feel cramped. The hotel serves a free breakfast, including its highly touted omelets, in a rooftop dining room or terrace with views of the city. This family-run property has an intimate aura that's more like a guesthouse than a hotel. Free tea and coffee is offered upon arrival and an array of free cakes and cookies is available in the afternoons. But it's worth comparison shopping as there are many similar properties in the area, such as The Constantine Hotel, which some travelers may find more stylish.

13

Hotel Niles Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

Housed in a
charmingly traditional building, the upscale Hotel Niles Istanbul is a small family-run
property set just two blocks from Istanbul's must-see Grand Bazaar, but a bit far from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia (a 20-minute walk). A 2013 renovation upgraded most rooms,
while suites are particularly luxurious, with heated flooring.
The rooftop terrace makes for a very pleasant place to enjoy breakfast with sea views
and alfresco option. Those who prefer a location closer to the hub of the historical center should consider sister property Dersaadet Hotel Istanbul.

14

Ibrahim Pasha Hotel

Istanbul, Turkey

Hotel Ibrahim Pasha is one of the most charming boutique hotels in Sultanahmet, with an unbeatable location just off the Hippodrome. The cozy lobby and library both have wood-burning fireplaces -- a real treat in the cooler months -- and the roof terrace has a jaw-dropping view of the Blue Mosque and the Bosphorus. The free breakfast is perfectly adequate if not as extensive as the offerings elsewhere, and free tea and coffee are served all day upon request. Standard Rooms are diminutive but adorable, with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, robes, Molton Brown toiletries, and rainfall showerheads. For what you get, it's a great value, though prices do spike up in peak season.

15

Hotel Yasmak Sultan

Istanbul, Turkey

The upscale, 79-room Yasmak Sultan Hotel is ideally situated in the Old City, within walking distance of both the waterfront and major tourist attractions. Sophisticated rooms feature a chic white and beige color palette and include minibars, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The hotel has a rooftop restaurant with fantastic city views, as well as a wellness center with a small indoor lap pool and saltwater pool, a small gym, two treatment rooms, a Turkish hammam, and a sauna -- though some of these cost extra fees. There are plenty of four-pearl properties in the area though, so travelers might want to compare rates with The Golden Horn Hotel or Hotel Ipek Palas.