Hotels in Istanbul

Understated luxury is the keynote here, and it's hard to believe that this century-old building was once an infamous prison. Close to the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya, the luxury Four Seasons Hotel is perfectly located for sightseeing in Istanbul. Each of the 65 rooms is uniquely designed and decorated, and this small and intimate hotel boasts frills including a health club, conference facilities, rooftop terrace and an attractive open courtyard, which also contains the top-class Seasons restaurant.

This stylish Istanbul period hotel is situated in the heart of Sultanahmet, just five minutes' walk from Haghia Sofia. The hotel is comprised of several traditional Turkish townhouses centred upon a 15th-century hammam and an archaeological garden where breakfast is served. Rooms are furnished in traditional style with Turkish textiles and folk art. The rooftop terrace offers superb views over the Sea of Mamara, nearby mosques and ancient walls.

Located on a quiet cobbled street, sandwiched between Haghia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, this small, brightly painted row of nine restored Ottoman houses offers a real taste of history. Each one of the atmospheric guesthouses, each with five to 10 rooms, plus two-bedroom apartments, are furnished simply in 19th-century Ottoman style, with period décor and furnishings. The front rooms are recommended, with views of Ayasofya (Haghia Sofia). Buffet breakfast included.

This family-run boutique townhouse hotel offers extraordinarily good value for money in Istanbul. Its name means 'yellow mansion' and it is located within the walls of an attractively modernised Ottoman house. The rooms are unfussily decorated with polished wooden floors and hand-painted furniture. Turkish-style buffet breakfast is lavish and is served in a pretty courtyard, and the rooftop terrace café has fine views of the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmaris.