Famous around the world for its rich history and architecture, Istanbul has been a major attraction for tourists from all over the world for a long time.

With millions of tourists coming in every year, Istanbul has well and truly become one of the biggest metropolises in the world. When you plan your trip to Istanbul you need to get two things sorted: your flight and accommodation. 

Here is a list of top luxury hotels in Istanbul.

Shangri-La Bosphorus

Sitting between the famous maritime and palace collection museum, Shangri-La hotel is located in the up-and-coming district of Beşiktaş. As you enter through the spacious marble lobby you see three massive bohemian chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and the elegant staircase that leads into the posh ball and conference room in the lower lobby.

One of the best things about the staff at Shangri-La is that apart from being extremely courteous they always greet the guests by name and make you feel right at home. There is a pool in the basement where you can go for a dip anytime of the day. You can also sit by the pool, have a drink or two and relax while you keep an eye on your kids playing in the children's pool which is adjacent to the main pool.

The hotel has a total of 186 rooms which vary in decor, size and price. Some of the suits have their own private terraces that look over the waterfront while others frame the beautiful scenes of the Beşiktaş hills.

Each room has a fully equipped work desk with paper clips, USB charger sockets, and an iPhone docking station. The marble Bathrooms have heated floors, soaking tubs, rain showers, luxury toiletries and plush towels and robes.

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul

Located near the famous Dolmabahçe Palace, Four Season Hotel Istanbul is the best place to set base if you plan on exploring the major attractions of the city. The hotel has a front terrace with a central fountain and tons of sitting space for the guests. Looking over the Bosphorus strait and the hills of Asia in the distance, this terrace offers some great views for the guests.

The outdoor pool has a great sun deck where you can sit, have a drink and bathe in the sun for a while after your swim, whereas the indoor pool gives you a more intimate experience with its mosaic design and creative lighting. There is a well-equipped fitness and wellness center where you can make use of the massage rooms, the Turkish bath, and the sauna.

The rooms have a contemporary decor with a touch of Ottoman opulence. All the rooms either have king-sized double or twin beds, Smart TVs with super-fast internet, and big windows that let in a lot of natural light. The rooms in the palace building are the most expensive with large, keyhole shaped floor-to-ceiling windows that look over the Bosphorus and marble bathrooms with high ceilings, chic deep soaking tubs, plush bathrobes and toiletries.

The St. Regis Istanbul

Located in the center of Nisantasi, The St. Regis Istanbul is minutes away from the Maçka Democracy Park and has the minarets and domes of the historic city as a backdrop. This seven-story building was designed by famous Turkish architect Emre Arolat and looks a bit like a cruise ship.

The hotel has a well-equipped fitness center where you can work out any time of the day. Other hotel amenities include an indoor pool, bar, Sauna, and Restaurant. However, the hotel's crown jewel is the Irıdium Spa that features a beautiful decorative waterfall and offers a wide range of traditional and contemporary wellness treatments.

There are 118 rooms in total that either look over Abdi Ipekçi street or Maçka Democracy Park. All the rooms feature plush carpets, veneered furniture, large floor-to-ceiling windows, and potted plants. The King-sized beds are extremely comfortable, while the smart TVs are built into the wall above the dressing table. You also get a Nespresso machine and an electrical cattle to make tea. The bathrooms are spacious and have grey and white marble floors with white tubs, plush robes, and designer toiletries.

Raffles Istanbul

Situated in the busy Zorlu Center, Raffles Istanbul mixes Ottoman architectural style with contemporary and modern elements. The lobby boasts Turkish and international artists including a giant sculpture in the style of Henry Moore, while the corridors have Ottomon style glass panels.

There are a number of small outdoor pools with beautiful sun decks, while the massive indoor pool offers a more luxurious experience with high glass ceilings, artificial light, and plush poolside lounge chairs. Other amenities include a spa, a wellness center with three steam rooms, yoga and pilates studios, and a small 24-hour gym that also has outdoor cardio equipment, so you can work out in fresh air.

The rooms have simple decor with earthy hues on the floors, walls, and ceilings. The clad beds have body-conforming mattresses with local artworks hanging above the headboards. Each room also has a workstation with a bunch of USB ports, an iPod docking station, and a tablet computer.

The hotel also has an onsite restaurant called Isokyo which is run by Kiwi chef Clinton Cooper. The restaurant has many chefs that come from different parts of the world, but it is famous for its Asian food. Some of the most popular dishes include caramelized miso black cod and tom yum braised lamb shank.

Pera Palace

Located on the western edge of Beyoğlu, Pera Palace is the best place to stay if you want to experience Istanbul’s nightlife.

This seven-story building has an interior that looks straight out of a history book, with its 1920’s interior. The staff is courteous and everyone speaks fluent English.

The hotel has a top-of-the-range spa with three treatment rooms, a marble-clad Turkish steam room, and a sauna, plus there's a decent-sized 'jet stream' pool where you can go for a dip any time of the day.

The guest rooms have been refurbished to give a modern look. High ceilings, large windows, king-sized beds, elegant chandeliers, Turkish rugs, exquisite woodwork, and dark period furniture all combine to give the room a more luxurious look. Other features include an Espresso machine, a Smart TV, a safe, and a work desk with all the necessities.

For breakfast, you can head to the northeaster terrace of the hotel, where you can have a nice breakfast in the warm weather as you look over the beautiful city views.

  

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