Best cruise port hotels as picked and recommended by members of our groups:
Turkey - Istanbul
An enchanting retreat in the Capital of Empires
Csn E.: “Shangri-La Bosphorus. Their concierge is great and super easy to get to those hard-to-get reservations restaurants. Great location.”
The spice-scented bazaars of Istanbul have enraptured you. For long moments, you have lost yourself in the intricate patterns gracing the soaring dome of Hagia Sophia. With the morning’s memories glowing in your mind, you return to the embrace of Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul.
You are greeted, as always, by warm and attentive service. The feeling of enchanting hospitality continues when you open the door to your immaculate suite. The hotel, ideally located in the financial and entertainment district of Besiktas, yields breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait. As you step onto your private terrace, you are dazzled by the Strait’s deep blue waters, a living line between two continents.
The promise of a delectable lunch eventually tempts you downstairs. Tantalizing aromas lead you to Shang Palace, the culinary pride of Shangri-La. An array of traditional Cantonese delicacies, exquisitely prepared, are sweet and savory on your palate.
Invigorated by the meal, you head out to explore nearby attractions. A short walk away is Dolmabahce Palace, where chandelier-accented rooms built for Ottoman sultans astonish you with their opulence. The afternoon also holds luxuries of a more modern kind at the upscale boutiques of Nisantasi.
A memorable day like this is made great by a restful ending. On your return to the hotel, you check into CHI, The Spa. The soothing hands of a skilled therapist melt away each knot in your body, leaving a sensation of deep relaxation.
Turkey - Istanbul
Marc Alain M.: “Hands Down! The amazing Four Seasons at Sultanahmet. (Be careful there are two Four Seasons there). A must: Rooftop cocktails at sundown and hear the call to prayer from several mosques.”
Diana D.: “The Four Seasons has a fabulous location-walking distance to Blue Mosque.”
A timeless palace between the continents.
Proudly standing on the shores of the scenic Bosphorus – the storied strait that links Europe and Asia – this lovingly restored, 19th-century Ottoman palace brings together Istanbul’s ancient architecture, warm Turkish hospitality, and contemporary accommodations. Relax in one of the traditional hammams, spend an afternoon lounging around our outdoor pool, and savor Anatolian delicacies as you admire the soaring minarets and towers of the city’s inimitable waterfront skyline. A seldom-seen side of Istanbul during your stay with here!
This hotel offers several sizes and style hotel rooms all according to your wishes and budget. All classic decorated with lush and luxurious comfort.
There are a few beautiful and hard to choose dining and bar options. The Yali Lounge, just off the lobby, in an all-day lounge is an intimate place to mingle with friends over afternoon tea, wind down with cocktails and cigars at night, or try the renowned doner kebab.
Aqua restaurant is on a picturesque terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, savor contemporary Mediterranean cuisine that highlights the region’s freshest ingredients paired with an extensive array of fine wines.
Dining by the pool or quay at the outdoor restaurant The Club is also very nice. Serving fresh, grilled kebabs and locally sourced salads.
In season they offer also some pop-up restaurants near the pool worth exploring.
‘The location, the staff, it is all unforgettable and truly Mandarin Oriental! A great start of your cruise in this beautiful city of Istanbul.’
Turkey - Istanbul
Best kept secret in the heart of Istanbul
A beacon of luxury in one of Istanbul’s most sophisticated neighborhoods
Turkey - Istanbul
Boutique Hotel in Istanbul
Mary K.: “Hotel Amira a boutique hotel in the heart of the old city. Rooftop and excellent staff.”
Hotel Amira Istanbul offers you spaciously designed 34 rooms at the center of the historical city, Sultanahmet area. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar are just steps away. You can enjoy this unique ancient scenery with an ocean view at the rooftop bar & terrace. Hotel Amira offers a vibrant buffet breakfast, including a yummy homemade gözleme cottage. Besides the fresh and organic food alternatives at breakfast, for health-conscious travelers; we also have one of the largest hotel fitness centers in the Sultanahmet area.
Private airport transfers can be arranged via Hotel Amira Concierge. Also, a public shuttle bus stop (Çatladıkapı) for the new Istanbul Airport is only 200 meters away. Please check our airport transfer and location pages for further details.
The award-winning concierge would be more than happy to assist your restaurant and city tour reservations.
They feel responsible not only for every aspect of your hotel accommodation but also for your whole Istanbul city experience.
Turkey - Istanbul
Barbara C.: “Ciragon Palace Kempinsky Istanbul.”
Poppy R.: “Good choice we stayed there as well staff super helpful it’s in the old town and close to all the major attractions loved drinks and breakfast on the rooftop and the calling of the prayer just make sure of your room size ours was small but they kindly moved us to a bigger room at no extra cost – would stay again for sure👍”
Welcome to the only Ottoman Imperial Palace and Hotel on the Bosphorus. Çırağan Palace Kempinski offers a resort ambiance in the city and reflects the ultimate luxury of a genuine Ottoman Palace.
With a total of 310 rooms, including 279 rooms and 20 suites in the main hotel section and 11 suites in the imperial palace section the hotel’s restaurants & bars, offer a blissful culinary experience.
Beyond the Spa facilities, a favorite is an infinity outdoor pool which gives you the feeling of floating on the Bosphorus. Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul is the only hotel in Istanbul accessible by car, yacht, and helicopter.
Turkey - Istanbul
Gert van L.: “We have stayed in this nice small boutique hotel which is perfectly located to see all sights. The typical Turkish breakfast is lovely!. Modern and convenient and we can recommend it.”
Searching for a charming hotel in Istanbul doesn’t have to be difficult. Welcome to Boutique Saint Sophia Hotel, the ideal choice for cruise lovers.
Guest rooms offer amenities such as a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a minibar, and guests can enjoy free wifi at the hotel.
The hotel features a concierge and newspaper, to make your stay even more pleasant. The property also offers a lounge.
The hotel is located near popular attractions such as Sultanahmet Mosque (1.6 km) and Istiklal Street (2.5 km). Thus, guests can easily explore Istanbul’s most popular attractions.
Looking for sights? Topkapi Palace (0.5 km), Blue Mosque (0.4 km), and Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya) (0.1 km) are some nice recommendations and are all within walking distance.
Boutique Saint Sophia Hotel offers you the best in Istanbul, so you can relax and enjoy to the fullest.
Turkey - Istanbul
IT’S NOT A HOTEL, IT’S A BOUTIQUE MUSEUM HOTEL
David P.: “Check out the Eresin Crown Hotel Sultanahmet in Istanbul, it is a Boutique hotel and within walking distance of many of the major sites in Istanbul, and the views from the roof top restaurant of the Blue Mosque are wonderful by night. Close by are numerous restaurants and cafes.
The unique museum hotel in Turkey. Eresin Hotels Sultanahmet, located in the heart of Istanbul which is the only city in the world standing upon two continents, will convince you of it.
The Eresin Hotels Sultanahmet is not just a hotel offering personalized quality, service, and comfort, but also a Boutique Class hotel in Sultanahmet with a private museum showcasing a cistern, mosaics, 49 other museum pieces of historical and architectural significance from Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine times and extraordinary discoveries dating from Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman times.
In addition to the valuable historic pieces in this Museum hotel, the gallery features Byzantine and Ottoman art and a collection of original ceramics including the only exact reproductions of the Ottoman Empire displayed at the British Museum of London in England.
Eresin Hotels Sultanahmet has been totally renovated to provide not only an irrefutably high level of quality but also to showcase original and carefully conceived design. This means that this museum hotel located in Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district, close to the city’s main touristic, entertainment, and shopping areas and just a short walk away from world-famous sights such as Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, The Hippodrome, and Topkapi Palace, has its own unique identity.
Turkey - Istanbul
Hotel Miniature is a historical boutique hotel located in the heart of Sultanahmet distinct with a walking distance of 3 minutes to the old city square, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Archeological Museum, Hagia Irene, Turkish Islamic Arts Museum, and Egyptian Obelisks.
Also, the hotel is just 3 minutes walking distance to Grand Bazaar with an entrance through the famous Nur-u Osmaniye Street. You may also reach the tram line within 3 minutes and escape to the modern part of Istanbul, Taksim Square for local or fancy rooftop restaurants or lively nightlife.
This charming small modern boutique hotel is located centrally in the historical area of Istanbul; within a very short walking distance to most popular sites (Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque; Topkapi Palace, etc.). Although only considered a 3-star it is truly a great hotel. The breakfast room is lovely.
The guest rooms at Hotel Miniature, which are a mix of the graceful, the historic, and the modern, present a peaceful and enchanting place in the middle of the Historical Peninsula. The aim of each room, with its carefully selected furniture and individual touches, is to provide a home amid history.
The Hotel Miniature, with its personal touches, provides wonderful accommodation for families, couples, honeymooners, or cruise travelers. The Hotel Miniature Istanbul, housed in a building dating back to 1875, is the perfect place for your accommodation right in the center of the Historical Peninsula.
Economy rooms are furnished with a king-size bed, armchair, and study desk. In these rooms, where a spacious atmosphere is created by using the original historical walls and 3-meter high ceilings, you can have our daily complimentary teas or coffees and fall in a comfortable sleep as you relax and unwind from the day.
“The staff is beyond helpful!”
Turkey - Istanbul
A luxurious historical mansion on the Bosphorus Strait
Turkey - Istanbul
panoramic views of the city and the Bosporus
Bobette Smith S.:”Love the Park Hyatt. Near the center of town but a taxi ride away and located in a quiet upscale neighborhood. Beautiful architecture and beautiful decor. Think of neighborhood as upper East side Manhattan.”
Istanbul’s posh Nişantaşı district is teeming with trendy bars and restaurants, upscale shopping, exciting nightlife, and iconic attractions. Spend your days discovering the history of the Hagia Sophia and reveling in the beauty of the Blue Mosque, and then retire to the historic Park Hyatt Istanbul – Maçka Palas in the heart of Istanbul.
Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Bosporus through floor-to-ceiling windows in the luxury guestrooms at Park Hyatt Istanbul – Maçka Palas. Choose one of the five suites furnished with a spa to enjoy a traditional Turkish bath experience in the privacy of your room.
Savor Turkish cuisine under the glass atrium at the Lounge at Park Hyatt, or unwind at The Wine Bar, which features fine wines and cocktails. Should you wish to dine in the comfort of your room, Park Hyatt Istanbul – Maçka Palas offers room service 24 hours a day.
Explore on-site dining below, or venture outside the hotel to explore the unique culinary scene of Istanbul.
Park Hyatt Istanbul – Maçka Palas is in the fashionable Nişantaşı district. From the hotel, walk 10 min to reach the M2 line of the Istanbul Metro. Also, you can easily access buses near the hotel and no:43 buses will take you to Taksim Square, or pick up bus no:30M that runs along with Mecidiyeköy District.
Turkey - Istanbul
Passion for details and Perfection
Gezi Hotel Bosphorus is a proud member of the Design Hotels Group and Marriott Bonvoyprogram. A green starred, 67 room luxury boutique Hotel & Spa. Located in the heart of the city, just a few steps away from
Taksim Square, sitting next to the peaceful greens of the famous
Gezi Park. The hotel is conveniently situated in the city center available for easy access to the city’s top facilities via walking distance, Istiklal Street, Nisantasi, Bosphorus, old city, art fairs, and convention centers just by walking.
It focuses on a combination of luxury design, homey comfort, and highly individual service standards in a contemporary environment Gezi Hotel Bosphorus has been an
Istanbul tradition and pin-point location for over half a century, re-built and re-opened in 2011, addressing guests from all over the world for both leisure and business purposes.
This boutique property has 56 deluxe rooms and 11 concept suites having panoramic views of the Bosphorus and beautiful Gezi Park. Each room promises panoramic views from showers to the pillows itself with wall-to-wall windows. Passion for details and design combines with modernity. Marble bathrooms, parquet flooring, mood lighting, and quality amenities come in every room.
Each room is inspired by the famous Dutch painter by Piet Mondrian. Designed by Metex Design Group by Sinan Kafadar in a “timeless design” philosophy. The main idea behind Gezi Hotel Bosphorus is to reflect today’s modern architecture through modernizing the architectural styles of the 1940s and 50s. Furthermore, hotel outlets complete your stay and give you a 100 percent care-free package at the heart of Istanbul.
Silver Spa, offers a modern touch to the famous Turkish bath scene, trending far east rituals along with other luxurious treatments. After a buzzing day in Istanbul, relaxing luxurious treatments along with steam room, sauna rooms will refresh your soul. Our fitness center is ideal for daily cardio exercises with the latest techno-gym equipment along with a healthy spa cuisine menu.
Blu restaurant Bar welcomes you in a cozy and sincere atmosphere where fresh Mediterranean ingredients hit the plates to make your day. Excellent combinations of authentic Mediterranean and Turkish cuisines served along with panoramic views of the Bosphorus. A local hot spot for locals and an excellent venue for exclusive events, meetings, and special celebrations. The warm ambiance, fireplace, stylish furniture, and library make guests feel home away from home.