Türkiye
Hotels in Istanbul
Enormous, split across two continents, and a city where the district you choose changes not just the trip but the crossing time.
Istanbul is far bigger than visitors expect and is divided by water in two directions. The historic peninsula, the modern European side and the Asian side are separated by crossings that can take an hour in traffic, so where you book determines how much of your day you spend moving. Most first visits should stay on the historic peninsula and accept that it is the touristic side.
Supply is deep and prices are low by European standards, with everything from restored Ottoman houses to very large modern hotels. Quality varies more than the star rating suggests, and the difference between a well-run small hotel and a poor one is wider here than in most cities on this list.
The airports are a long way out — the main one especially — so factor the transfer into the choice of district rather than treating it as an afterthought. Rates peak in spring and autumn when the weather is at its best.
Where to stay in Istanbul
The area you book in changes the price and the trip more than the star rating does.
The historic peninsula
The old city, with the major monuments, the covered markets and the largest concentration of small hotels. Everything a first-time visitor wants is walkable. Also the most touristic and the least representative of the modern city.
The modern European side
Across the Golden Horn — the main shopping street, the nightlife, the galleries and most of the good restaurants. Larger hotels, better rooms and a real city rather than a heritage quarter, a tram ride from the monuments.
The Asian side and the Bosphorus
Residential, calmer and considerably cheaper, with ferry crossings that are a pleasure in themselves. Best for a longer stay or a return visit, not for a two-night trip.
Stay near
Most people pick a hotel by what they want to be next to. Each of these searches Istanbul for stays around that spot.
Properties in Istanbul
A sample of what is bookable. Open one for photos, rooms and live rates for your dates.
Hilton Istanbul Bomonti
Silahsor Cad. No: 42 Bomonti Sisli
Exceptional
8,062 reviews
Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus
Cihannuma Mahallesi, Saray Caddesi No:5
Exceptional
4,662 reviews
Radisson Blu Hotel Istanbul Ottomare
Kazlicesme Mah. Abay Cad No: 223
Exceptional
3,677 reviews
Crowne Plaza Florya Istanbul by IHG
Yesilkoy Halkali Caddesi No: 95
Exceptional
3,946 reviews
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel
Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah.
Excellent
8,868 reviews
Address Istanbul
Unalan Mah. Libadiye Cad. No:82F, G Blok
Exceptional
3,079 reviews
Radisson Blu Hotel, Istanbul Sisli
19 Mayis Cad. No 2 Sisli
Exceptional
6,087 reviews
Fairmont Quasar Istanbul Hotel
Buyukdere Caddesi, 76
Exceptional
2,786 reviews
Rixos Pera Istanbul - Nickelodeon Play Access
Kamerhatun Mah.Mesrutiyet Cad.No 44
Exceptional
3,325 reviews
Pera Palace Hotel
Mesrutiyet Cad. No. 52
Exceptional
4,162 reviews
Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina Hotel
Fener Kalamis Caddesi 38
Exceptional
5,206 reviews
Hilton Istanbul Maslak
Buyukdere Cd. No: 233
Exceptional
2,270 reviews
Browse all 12 hotels in Istanbul — every property we can book, listed A–Z.
Istanbul: common questions
Which side of Istanbul should I stay on?
The historic peninsula for a first visit, because the major monuments are within walking distance of each other. The modern European side if you want restaurants and nightlife. The Asian side only if you have time — the crossings are slow.
How far is the airport from central Istanbul?
A long way, and further than most visitors expect. Allow well over an hour to the historic districts in ordinary traffic, and more at peak times. It is worth checking the transfer before choosing a district.
When is the cheapest time to book a hotel in Istanbul?
Midwinter, which is cold and wet but far quieter. Spring and autumn are the peak because the weather is best; the height of summer is hot and slightly cheaper than the shoulders.