“Ottoman style grandeur in this converted prison. Elegant rooms with large windows, soft hues and antique furniture overlook the historic part of the city. A small but indulgent spa. Dine on phenomenal cuisine in the pretty courtyard. A luxurious choice ideally placed to explore the city. ”

Hotel review

Even the most jaded critic runs out of superlatives to describe this small and intimate gem in the crown of the Four Seasons brand. It has a sister hotel down on the Bosphorus shore, but if we have to choose, this 65-room haven wins on the strength of its location in the ancient heart of the city. From the rooftop terrace, there are the requisite views of the domes and minarets of Sultanahmet. Each room is individually designed and decorated, service is unobtrusively superb, and the menu at the à la carte ‘Seasons’ restaurant may serve the best modern Turkish food in the world. ‘Seasons’ is in the inner courtyard, which – in the building’s original 19th century incarnation as a prison – must have been the exercise yard. If this is prison, lock me up and throw away the key.

Robin Gauldie
Robin Gauldie Review published: 2018-10-23

Recommended for

  • Local exploring

    • Right in the heart of the most historic part of the city, with views over the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia, both just steps away.
  • City Style

    • An elegantly restored neo-classic Turkish prison, boasting a perfect blend of East and West, contemporary and tradition.
  • Sailing

    • Discover Istanbul from the waters on a cruise on the Bosphorus, for added romance try a sunset cruise.
  • Local markets

    • Search for treasures in the Grand Bazaar, the perfect spot to pick up some goodies to bring home.
  • Sights nearby

    • Close to many of the most famous historic sites including the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
  • Great walks

    • Stroll from Eminonu to Cankurtaran and marvel at some of Istanbul's most notable sites.
  • Other Activities

    • Experience an exclusive Sultanahmet massage at the hotel's glorious spa- utter bliss!
  • Pet friendly

    • Pets stay for free
  • Conference facilities

  • Romantic

  • Gourmet

  • Family Suites

  • Wedding license

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Full of character

  • Opulent

  • 5* Luxury

  • Spa

  • Grand Hotel

  • Restaurant

  • Historic

  • Gym

  • Child friendly

  • Disabled access

  • Wellbeing

  • Traditional

  • Luxury

  • Free wifi

Facilities

  • Rooms

    65 rooms in this hotel
  • Pet friendly

    Pets stay for free
  • Parking

    Free parking
  • Airport transfer

  • Conference facilities

  • Rooms with balcony/terrace

  • Wedding license

  • Bar

  • Family Suites

  • Safe

  • In room DVD

  • Outdoor dining

  • Internet

  • Sauna/Steam

  • Meeting Room

  • Massage

  • Sit-out Terrace

  • Spa

  • Restaurant

  • Garden

  • Gym

  • Child friendly

  • Room service

  • Business Centre

  • Disabled access

  • Suites

  • Concierge

  • Satellite / Cable TV

  • Wifi

  • Air conditioning

  • Free wifi

Activities

  • Sailing

    • Discover Istanbul from the waters on a cruise on the Bosphorus, for added romance try a sunset cruise.
  • Local markets

    • Search for treasures in the Grand Bazaar, the perfect spot to pick up some goodies to bring home.
  • Sights nearby

    • Close to many of the most famous historic sites including the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
  • Great walks

    • Stroll from Eminonu to Cankurtaran and marvel at some of Istanbul's most notable sites.
  • Other Activities

    • Experience an exclusive Sultanahmet massage at the hotel's glorious spa- utter bliss!

Map & Location

Video

Other reviews

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

"Only the Sultan in Topkapi palace enjoyed a better location than this. From its rooftop terrace, prepare to be awed by its 360-degree panorama: on one side, the mouth of the Bosphorus and Sea of Marmara laden with merchant shipping; behind you, the Blue Mosque, a paragon of poise with its slender minarets."

Originally published by The Telegraph

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