Istanbul

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

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

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

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

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

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 — Star Service

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

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

This stylish hotel is in the center of Akaretler, surrounded by cafes and design galleries. The W features 2 restaurants, a modern gym and a day spa. — Time Out

Located in a converted office building, this boutique-hotel shows off trendsetting style from the second guests step inside — Star Service

  The Sirkeci Mansion Hotel is a picturesque structure that encompasses high quality service, Turkish hospitality, and a history that dates back half a century — Time Out

Perhaps its biggest strength is the hard-to-beat location; you can't get a pad much closer to the Bosphorus Strait — The Telegraph

Located in the city's premier design and fashion neighborhood housing the trendiest shops and cafes, this boutique-hotel targets a younger clientele. — Star Service

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

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

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

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

The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul overlooks the curvaceous bends of the Bosporus from a superb central location just a short stroll from Taksim Square. — Afar Magazine

The sultans themselves would have appreciated local designer Zeynep Fadılloğlu's lavishness and attention to detail. — Concierge

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