Istanbul

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

What was once the home of an extended Armenian family offers comfortable, stylishly decorated rooms... with vintage-looking wood and leather furniture. — Fodor's

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

A half-block from the Hippodrome, two from the Blue Mosque, and within 10 minutes' walk of Aya Sofya, this hotel occupies a restored late-19th-century house behind the Turkish and Islamic... — Star Service

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

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

Storied grande dame hotel in arty Beyoglu district, wonderfully refurbished to preserve period ambience. — Andrew Harper

Luxury can be found elsewhere but if mystery and history appeal, you will love the atmosphere and original trappings. — DK Eyewitness

If you have no nostalgic whimsy... this is a solid high-end hotel in a central part of town. — Concierge

Rooms have been given a luxurious facelift, and although most are cramped, the sumptuous breakfast buffet and extensive facilities... compensate. — Lonely Planet

Features an entry lounge with an "interactive art installation" mixing lights, mirrors, and video installations...and a traditional Turkish-style hammam in the W Spa. — Condé Nast Traveler

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

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

An 1870s Ottoman block of row houses has been restored and enhanced with posh ultramodernity—sexy lighting, chic East-meets-West decor, and cool amenities. — Fodor'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

This is a unique, small hotel that provides an excellent alternative for those who want large accommodations but prefer not to stay in a big tourist hotel. It is housed in a historic... — Star Service

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

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

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

Offers superb accommodations and authentic character, with guest rooms furnished with warm woods, textiles in natural colors, high ceilings, and original artwork. — Fodor's

A must for those seeking Ottoman atmosphere and history. — The Telegraph

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

Completely renovated as a five-star hotel... Excellent, attentive service as you’d expect. — Rough Guide

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

"It seems smaller and feels more intimate than it is. We were addressed by name everywhere we went, and the concierge is incredible." — Condé Nast Traveler

Once a residence for the Ottoman sultans, the late 19th-century Çırağan Palace (pronounced chi-rahn) is Istanbul's most luxurious hotel. — Fodor's

In a 19th-century Ottoman palace, this 5-star hotel features an infinity pool with views of the Bosporus. — Time Out

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

Well, all you need to know these days is that this is one of only two grand hotels on the European shores of the Bosphorus. — Concierge

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

This fabulous place is the prototype for most of Sultanahmet's boutique hotels but is unique in that it is constantly being changed and improved. — Lonely Planet

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

If you do strain your back on the way up, you'll be pleased to find extremely comfortable beds and loads of character when you make it to your room. — Frommer's

The Empress Zoe is one of the rare places in the area to display any spark of creativity in its concept and design. — Concierge

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 Istanbul Edition is a slick city pad that eschews Ottoman finery and instead submerges guests in a Zen-inspired interior soaked in serious understated luxury. — Afar Magazine

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

A chic, designer hotel with three-floor spa, housed in a modern tower block in Levent, one of Istanbul’s most fashionable areas. — The Telegraph

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

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

In Istanbul it is all the rage to restore old buildings to create upscale hotels. The Park Hyatt, housed in what was the art-deco Macka Palas, a 20th-century apartment block designed by... — Star Service

Overall, the Park Hyatt is a great option for business travelers or those seeking a little indulgence in a classier, less touristy—though still vibrant—part of Istanbul. — Concierge

You’ll find no more glamorous neighborhood than Nisantasi, with its Parisian-style cafés, recession-be-damned boutiques, and now a suitably posh hotel. — Condé Nast Traveler

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

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

One of Istanbul's most talked-about boutique hotels, the recently refurbished Sumahan on the Water hugs the Asian shore of the Bosphorus in the village of Çengelköy. — Concierge

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

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

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

The plant-filled roof terrace has a lovely view of the Sea of Marmara, and service is on par with that at sister establishment Dersaadet. — Fodor's

Housed in acharmingly traditional building, the upscale Hotel Niles Istanbul is a small family-runproperty set just two blocks from Istanbul's must-see Grand Bazaar. — Oyster

Niles is a solid, no-nonsense, family-run hotel on the fringes of the tourist heartlands of the old city, the kind of place where experienced travellers go back time after time. — The Telegraph

Serious shoppers seduced by the prospect of bunking down close to the Grand Bazaar could do a lot worse than stay in this well-run and reasonably priced place. — Lonely Planet

This sister hotel to the Dersaadet Oteli is located in a working neighborhood a 3-minute walk from the Beyazit transportation hub and the Grand Bazaar. — Frommer's

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

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

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

This "grand hotel" on a wooded hilltop sits on the gardens of Dolmabahçe Palace, the last residence of the Ottoman sultans. — Condé Nast Traveler

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

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

The Shangri-La Bosphorus is a first-rate luxury hotel housed in a former waterfront warehouse on the European side of the Bosphorus river. — Oyster

Ist Too, one of the two restaurants found within the newly opened Shangri-La hotel in Turkey's culture capital, certainly lives up to the building's exterior grandeur. Designed by Hong... — Wallpaper

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

Offering all the opulence and sophistication expected of this world-class brand, the Shangri-La Bosphorus overlooks the water, with a glittering lobby that features a two-story crystal chandelier. — Fodor's

Roughly translated, the Turkish word 'Dersaadet' means 'Place of Happiness' – and you will indeed be happy if you stay here. — Lonely Planet

Dersaadet means "place of happiness" in Ottoman Turkish and this small, cozy hotel lives up to its name—rooms have an elegant, even plush, feel. — Fodor's

In Turkish, Dersaadet means "place of felicity and beauty" -- an appropriate designation for this handsome hotel fashioned in the style of a 19th-century Ottoman house. — Frommer's

The Dersaadet Hotel Istanbul is a cozy, upscale property set in a remodeled 19th-century Ottoman-style inn. — Oyster

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

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 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

A family-friendly Istanbul hotel with period charm, an atmospheric restaurant, a hammam and Golden Horn views. — The Telegraph

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

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 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

A mid-19th-century bank building near the Galata Bridge combines historical accents and contemporary design in comfortable, attractive rooms spread over two separate buildings. — Fodor's

This restored 19th-century Ottoman palace with two modern wings exudes luxury. — Fodor's

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

The hotel is a practically flawless center of hospitality and service. — Frommer's

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

This luxury hotel in busy Besiktas is partially housed in the 19th-century Ottoman Atik Pasha palace on the European bank of the Bosporus. It features a 623-ft waterfront terrace with a... — Star Service

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

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

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

Once the Turkish headquarters of Ogilvy and Mather, the centrally located Witt Istanbul Suites hotel teems with Mad Men worthy mid-century design and furnishings. — Mr & Mrs Smith

The modern interiors created by Turkish firm Autoban are attracting design aficionados to the new 17-room hotel. — Travel + Leisure

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

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

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

Channels the city’s Byzantine charm and mystery with gorgeous views from almost every room and lush Turkish textiles. — Condé Nast Traveler

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

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

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