Istanbul Luxury Hotels

Ciragan Palace Besiktas
Its terrace lapped by the Bosphorus, this Ottoman palace has a spa, health club and two of the city's best restaurants. Most of the 315 rooms are in the modern extensions, but for a real treat take one of the 12 suites in the original palace. @ Oragan Cad 84 • Map C4 • (0212) 258 33 77 • wwwciragan palace.com • SUSS
Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet
The sheer opulence of the Four Seasons belies its past as an Ottoman prison. The 65 rooms are exquisitely furnished with antiques and kilims, there is a health club for the virtuous and sybaritic alike, the glass-roofed restaurant is magnificent, and there are superb views over the Sea of Marmara. @ Tevkifhane Sok 1 • Map R5 • (0212) 638 82 00 • www four seasons.com • SSSSS
Eresin Crown Sultanahmet
Standing on the site of the great Byzantine Palace, this truly luxuri-ous hotel even has its own museum. All 59 rooms and suites have parquet floors and Jacuzzi baths. There are two restaurants, a bar and a terrace with fine sea views. @ KUçUk Ayasofya Cad 40 • Map R4 • (0212) 639 44 28 • www.eresin crown.com.tr • sssss
Ceylan Intercontinental Taksim
This hilltop tower offers some of the finest views in a city where peerless views are commonplace. It has 390 rooms and suites, bar, restaurants, terrace, health club and 24-hour business centre. Join Istanbul high society for tea with live music in the botanic garden or tea lounge. @ Asker Ocagr Cad 1 • Map 85 • (0212) 368 44 44 • wwwinter conti.corn.tr • SSSSS
Hyatt Regency Taksim
A resort hotel with 360 rooms and suites, the Hyatt has a health club, pool, tennis courts and business facilities, as well as elegant decor and great views. @ Taskisla Cad • Map 65 • (0212) 368 12 34 • www.istanbuthyatt. corn • $SSS$
Conrad Istanbul Besiktaş
Each of the 590 rooms in this huge, S-shaped hotel has a view. The facilities are second-to-none, and the furnishings chic. Its bars and restaurants offer Italian and Turkish cuisine. YlIchz Cad, • Map C5 • 0212 227 30 00 • www. conradistanbulcom • MSS
Marmara Pera Tepebasi
In the heart of Beyoglu, • with a signature café-restaurant and rooftop pool, this chic hotel has fabulous floor-to-ceiling windows in every room. Mesrutiyet Caddesi • Map J.5 • (0212) 251 46 46 • vvww.themarmara hotels.com
Bosphorus Palace Beylerbeyi (Asian Side)
This confection of gilt and crystal on the banks of the Bosphorus is the restored yak (mansion) of a 19th-century Grand I Vizier. With only 14 rooms, it is intimate as well as glamorous - perfect for a romantic dinner. A private boat commutes to the city centre. ® Yalsboyu Cad 64 • Map U4 • (0216) 422 00 03 • www.bosphorus palace.com
Ritz-Carlton Şisli
Ritz" is a byword for luxury, and the Istanbul hotel's 244 rooms and suites more than live up to expectation. There are spas for the women, and a whisky and cigar bar for the men. @ Siker Plaza, Elmadag • Map U4 • (0212) 334 44 44 • www. ritzcarlton.com
Central Palace Taksim
This boutique hotel has 49 spacious rooms, with workstations, Jacuzzis and even steam baths. No alcohol is served or sold, but you can bring your own to your room. @ Lamartin Cad 18 • Map 85 • (0212) 313 40 40 I• www thecentralpalace. com