Istanbul

Hotel Ibrahim Pasha is one of the most charming boutique hotels in Sultanahmet, with an unbeatable location just off the Hippodrome. — Oyster

Recently renovated and outfitted in sensitive high style with the amenities and spaces you'd expect at twice the rate. — Concierge

Located just off the Hippodrome, this exemplary designer hotel successfully combines Ottoman style with contemporary decor, and is notable for its high levels of service. — Lonely Planet

Conjure up images of a flickering open fire, comfy sofas, shelves stacked with copious quantities of books, and an endless supply of fresh tea and homemade cookies. — Frommer's

This charming stone-built hotel is located opposite the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. — DK Eyewitness

Established in 1895, the Pera Palace is a special museum hotel designed in neoclassical, art nouveau and oriental styles. — Time Out

Istanbul may be developing ultra-rapidly, but everywhere you go there are telltale signs of its multi-layered history. — Frommer's

This hotel's forte is its character, not its comfort. However, the latter is slowly catching up, thanks to improvements. — Star Service

This opulent 115-room luxury hotel in Beyoglu is a historic icon dating back to 1895. — Oyster

Extensive restoration has brought this Istanbul landmark... back to its former glory, with beautifully outfitted rooms and plenty of period decorations and antique furniture. — Fodor's

Formerly the palace of an Ottoman Sultan, the Ciragan Palace Kempinski is the grand dame of Istanbul. — Oyster

The best things about the place are its location right on the Bosphorus and its amazing infinity pool. — Lonely Planet

Enjoy "the ultimate Istanbul experience" at this hotel on the Bosphorus, which blends a former sultan’s palace with a modern building. — Condé Nast Traveler

Directly on the Bosporus, across the shore road from Yildiz Park, and midway between Dolmabahce Palace and the first Bosporus Bridge, this hotel is arguably one of the best in Turkey — Star Service

Staying at this former Imperial Ottoman Palace—an elaborate, Arabian-style compound that the empire’s sultans called home—may easily give you delusions of grandeur. — Travel + Leisure

The 134-room W Istanbul delivers on all the hallmarks of the W brand: Trendy decor, excellent dining, and happening nightlife. — Oyster

Istanbul is fast becoming Europe's capital of cool, and its hip-o-meter certainly clocked up a couple more notches with the April 2008 opening of the W in the unlikely... neighborhood of Beşiktaş. — Concierge

Hip hotel with Ottoman-inspired interiors and a 24-hour lounge bar, a five-minute walk from the Bosphorus. — Jetsetter

From a block of abandoned row houses built in 1875 by Sultan Abdülaziz, to a stylish Starwood-branded W Hotel targeting the young, hip, and yes, even club-going set. — Frommer's

Housed inside buildings that were previously derelict, The W Istanbul is a superb example of urban revival. These buildings were originally constructed to house the workers from the... — Star Service

Very few visitors to the exotic, ‘’Oriental’’ city of Istanbul would expect to stay in a chic hotel fashioned from a former Franciscan nunnery. — The Telegraph

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. — Oyster

This hidden gem draws high marks for the excellent service given by helpful staff, its modern, well-appointed rooms and the wonderful terrace views. — DK Eyewitness

Tomtom Suites can be described as the quintessential boutique hotel. Centrally located in a neighbourhood full of contrasts, it provides a perfect base to explore the city. — Time Out

Its contemporary decor is understated but elegant, with particularly impressive bathrooms, and each suite is beautifully appointed. — Lonely Planet

Following suit from the brand's inaugural (and now defunct) Waikiki Edition, the tranquil, monochromatic vibe is evident throughout the premises. — Fodor's

Baths feature deep soaking tubs, glass-enclosed showers with drenching showerheads, marble surfaces, robes, slippers, hair dryers, magnifying mirrors and designer toiletries. — Star Service

The Istanbul Edition is a sleek, 73-room luxury hotel located in the Levent, one of Istanbul's major business districts on the European side of the city. — Oyster

Ian Schrager's take on Ottoman opulence takes business and pleasure to new heights in Istanbul’s contemporary Levent district. — Jetsetter

An aquarium occupies an entire lobby wall at Edition Istanbul. But that’s only one of the design flourishes—silver-foil ceilings; glassed-in bathrooms—that send the 78-room hotel over the top. — Travel + Leisure

Offers spacious, elegant rooms decked out in sleek walnut with modern amenities alongside old-fashioned touches like period chandeliers and black-and-white photographs of Istanbul. — Fodor's

The lobby is minimalist and very light, and oversize rooms include vintage photos by Turkish photographer Ara Güler. — Frommer's

Its 90 spacious guest rooms complement the original details -- rounded archways, wood floors, and flowery moldings -- with modern furniture, and have luxurious bathrooms. — Oyster

The Park Hyatt Macka Palas offers distinctly personalized service that highlights Istanbul’s local culture. — Afar Magazine

Classy crash pad in Istanbul’s swankiest shopping district, with spacious rooms and hammam-style bathrooms. — Jetsetter

The Ajia Hotel, a waterfront property in Kanlica, Istanbul, is housed in an 1870s Ottoman mansion. — Travel + Leisure

A grand old mansion on the Bosphorus, the A’jia Hotel in Istanbul was once the impressive home of a Pasha. Today,the Ottoman-era exterior cleverly masks a sleek, spacious and modern... — Mr & Mrs Smith

Deluxe hideout on the Asian-side waterfront, removed from downtown commotion — National Geographic

Opened by the Istanbul Doors group in the autumn of 2004 in Kanlıca, and the winner of many international awards since, A’jia serves its patrons from inside the Ahmet Rasim Paşa Yalı. — Time Out

Ajia is long way from the sights of Sultanahmet and the entertainment district of Beyoğlu, but it's a perfect place for a romantic retreat. — Lonely Planet

On the Asian side of the Bosporus, this delightful design boutique-hotel is in a world of its own, offering peaceful luxury with beautiful views away from the hustle and bustle of... — Star Service

Attractive hotel in a three-story former raki distillery at the water’s edge on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus. — Andrew Harper

What was once a derelict distillery on the Asian waterfront of the Bosphorus is now one of Istanbul's most chic and original places to stay, with comfortable rooms and suites. — Fodor's

Istanbul’s Asian coast, lined with wooden yali... has charming little neighborhoods, including bustling Çengelköy, now the site of one of the city’s most luxurious small hotels. — Condé Nast Traveler

To convert a 19th-century Istanbul distillery into a boutique hotel, owner-architects Mark and Nedret Butler looked to the Bosporus for inspiration. — Travel + Leisure

Set in the heart of Sultanahmet... this property’s century-old Neoclassical building and manicured garden courtyard have hosted hotel guests since 1996. — Travel + Leisure

A regular entry in ‘Best Hotel in the World’ lists, this place oozes quality and comfort. — Lonely Planet

Refined boutique hotel in the heart of the old city, a short stroll from Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. — Andrew Harper

Century-old prison turned plush Istanbul digs with manicured gardens, a roof terrace and spa. — Jetsetter

Probably the only Four Seasons in a prison, and one of the smallest in the chain, but there's nothing confining about this 65-room hotel. — Concierge

Contemporary hilltop hotel in a residential quarter behind the Dolmabahçe Palace, with Istanbul's largest spa. — Travel + Leisure

Swisshotel The Bosphorus is one of Istanbul's most luxurious hotels, situated in 65 acres of gardens overlooking the Bosphorus. — Oyster

The Swissôtel is one of those brands that says quality, luxury, sophistication, and understated elegance. — Frommer's

Modern glamour sitting pretty in historical gardens on the European side of the Bosphorus. — Jetsetter

Run by the Raffles Group, Swissotel is the choice of many globetrotters when in Istanbul. — DK Eyewitness

There is a variety of cuisines (from Asian to Mediterranean) to suit most palates, but it's the impressive wall of wine that will have us coming back for more. — Wallpaper

Five-star hotels have been popping up like seedlings in Istanbul in the last few years. Shangri-La Bosphorus opened in May and is one of only a handful right on the waterfront. — The Telegraph

It may take a knock for its lack of outdoor space, but if one must watch the Bosphorus Strait from indoors, there is no better place than the Shangri La. — Condé Nast Traveler

Luxe digs on the Bosphorus, with palatial rooms, a world class spa and a destination Cantonese restaurant. — Jetsetter

In a 1930s tobacco warehouse near the waterfront in the busy central neighborhood of Besiktas, the Shangri-La is popular with affluent families as well as a smaller number of business travelers. — Star Service

The hotel's lush garden is an extremely tranquil spot to eat breakfast, and there's also an intimate, two-level roof terrace with nice views. — Fodor's

Equally close to Sultanahmet’s major tourist sites as the Four Seasons, this boutique hotel is both quirkily charming and easy on the wallet. — Travel + Leisure

The nineteen rooms are in dark wood with richly coloured textiles, accessed by a narrow spiral staircase. — Rough Guide

A couple of period town houses form the basis for this charmingly simple hotel. — The Telegraph

It is claimed that Empress Zoe actually lived here. The two buildings have been restored to an exceptionally high standard of taste and design with an abundance of spacious suites. — DK Eyewitness

The owners of this terrific hotel overlooking Gülhane Park know what keeps guests happy – rooms are impeccably clean, well sized and loaded with amenities. — Lonely Planet

The Ottoman interiors go well beyond the usual sateen... to lend a more oriental, and regal, sense to the decor. — Frommer's

The air-conditioned, recently wallpapered guest rooms here are dreamily comfortable, with big beds on which rest not just a pillow menu but also a dish of Turkish delight. — Star Service

The Sirkeci Mansion hotel has built a very good reputation on the solid foundations of sound management and consistently good service. — The Telegraph

The comfortable and inviting room decor emphasizes local character, while the bustling, ornate lobby and warm, helpful staff convey feelings of refined luxury. — Fodor's

An exciting and evocative meld of old and new. Occupying a grand bank building complete with vaults. — Lonely Planet

Three or more nights in Istanbul's Karaköy, in a chic, design-savvy hotel, with breakfast and a welcome drink. — Jetsetter

The hotel will likely appeal to some of the same travelers who stay at the nearby Witt Istanbul, which is also stylish but has fewer facilities and a somewhat less convenient location. — Star Service

The hotel's 63 rooms walk the line between elegant and contemporary with tall arched windows, and frescoed ceilings, and dark-stained wide-plank timber floors. — Travel + Leisure

The 63-room Vault Karakoy is a luxury boutique hotel situated in a former bank. — Oyster

This nineteenth-century Ottoman palace sits on the European bank of the Bosphorus Strait and has "magnificent views" of the hills of Asia. — Condé Nast Traveler

Restored 19th-century palace converted to contain guest rooms and suites, a quarter of which have views across the sea to the shoreline of Asia. — Andrew Harper

Ottoman palace fit for modern royalty with a hammam and a pool beside the indigo waters of the Bosphorus. — Jetsetter

Adjacent to the Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, and nearly as costly, this Four Seasons property is as elegantly restrained as the Kempinski is glamorously over-the-top. — Travel + Leisure

While the new Four Seasons definitely rivals the Kempinski in opulence and service, it stops short of outshining its neighbor. — Concierge

Opulent, ultra-mod newcomer overlooking the Bosphorus with a rooftop cinema, lavish spa and Michelin-starred chef. — Jetsetter

Raffles Istanbul is a five-pearl property with dramatic, art-filled interiors situated in an upscale mall and residential complex, about a 30-minute drive from the top tourist sights. — Oyster

All rooms feature a balcony with the best views overlooking the Bosphorus and the Princes’ Islands. — Wallpaper

Unlike the majority of luxury hotels in Istanbul, Raffles does not pay homage to the city’s bygone Byzantine and Ottoman eras, but stands instead as a symbol of a modern, self-confident Turkey. — The Telegraph

With facilities catering to business travelers, families, couples, and VIPs, the 11th member of the international Raffles chain of luxury hotels has broad appeal. — Star Service

An attractive atrium between two wings houses the lobby, and well-appointed rooms are furnished in an eclectic mix of Turkish and contemporary styles. — Fodor's

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. — Oyster

A consistent performer, Amira has 32 attractive rooms with Ottoman flourishes. — Lonely Planet

Slightly larger than the Witt, but in a more tourist-preferred location behind the Blue Mosque, the Amira is an affordable hotel with little pretension — Star Service

The Marmara Taksim is a five-pearl hotel situated in eastern Istanbul on Taksim Square. — Oyster

The rooms here are extremely comfortable and beautifully decorated. — DK Eyewitness

In the modern heart of this sprawling metropolis, this hotel enjoys perhaps the best location for those who prefer not to stay in the historical surroundings of Sultanahmet across the... — Star Service

The Marmara is an excellent choice for those traveling for business or pleasure, particularly for its towering location above central and bustling Taksim Square. — Frommer's

Perfectly positioned overlooking Taksim Sq, this very popular hotel is an Istanbul institution. — Lonely Planet

Located in a converted office building, this boutique-hotel shows off trendsetting style from the second guests step inside. Like at the Sofa in Nisantasi, designer digs are a must to... — Star Service

The luxury suites here are large, well-appointed and equipped with kitchenettes. — DK Eyewitness

The back suites on the top two floors have views over the minarets and the Bosphorus. — Concierge

Showcasing nearly as many designer features as an issue of Monocle magazine... conveniently located near the Tophane tram stop. — Lonely Planet

All accommodations at this stylish boutique hotel in the popular Cihangir neighborhood are suites—essentially very large loft apartments with separate sleeping and living areas. — Fodor's