Gay Istanbul Istanbul City Guide

Istanbul’s hotel scene has undergone a magnificent transformation in recent years, with the arrival of ultra-luxury properties that blend Ottoman grandeur with contemporary sophistication. Leading the pack is the splendid Peninsula Istanbul, occupying a prime position along the Bosphorus waterfront in the historic Karaköy district. This architectural masterpiece spans four buildings, including three meticulously restored heritage structures from the early 1900s, each telling its own story of Istanbul’s rich past. The hotel’s 177 opulent rooms and suites seamlessly merge traditional Turkish elements with Peninsula’s signature technology, whilst the stunning rooftop restaurant offers sweeping views of the historic peninsula. The piece de resistance is the sprawling Peninsula Spa, complete with traditional hammam and a sublime infinity pool that appears to merge with the Bosphorus waters.

Just a short stroll away, the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus presents an entirely different but equally alluring proposition. Situated in the prestigious Kuruçeşme neighbourhood, this urban resort captivates with its contemporary design that pays homage to Turkish artistic traditions. The property’s expansive rooms – among the largest in Istanbul – feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame mesmerising views of passing ships and the bridge connecting Europe with Asia. The Mandarin’s Novikov restaurant has rapidly become the see-and-be-seen spot for Istanbul’s cosmopolitan crowd, whilst the spa’s vitality pool provides a serene escape with its stunning waterfront vistas.

For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury, the Raffles Istanbul commands attention from its perch in the Zorlu Center, the city’s premier fashion and performance venue. This modern masterpiece showcases an impressive collection of contemporary Turkish art throughout its soaring spaces, creating an ambiance that’s both sophisticated and distinctly local. The hotel’s 185 rooms and suites are among the most generously proportioned in the city, each adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces that offer panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus. The Long Bar, inspired by its namesake at Raffles Singapore, has established itself as a favourite among Istanbul’s creative set, serving artisanal cocktails with a Turkish twist.

History enthusiasts will find their perfect match at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus, housed within a restored 19th-century Ottoman palace. The hotel masterfully balances historical grandeur with contemporary comfort, offering 145 guest rooms and 25 suites, many with stunning water views. The outdoor pool area, framed by ancient palace walls and manicured gardens, provides an elegant setting for summer lounging, while the indoor pool’s striking columns and domed ceiling create an atmosphere of Ottoman-era opulence. The hotel’s AQUA restaurant, with its waterfront terrace, has earned acclaim for its refined Mediterranean cuisine and romantic setting.

For an intimate experience in the heart of the old city, the AJWA Sultanahmet presents an exquisite boutique option. This jewel box of a hotel showcases museum-quality Azerbaijani and Turkish artworks throughout its spaces, creating an atmosphere that feels more like a private mansion than a hotel. The 61 rooms feature handcrafted furniture, silk carpets, and marble bathrooms, while the rooftop restaurant, Zeferan, offers panoramic views of the Marmara Sea alongside contemporary interpretations of Ottoman palace cuisine. The hotel’s proximity to major attractions like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, coupled with its distinctly non-tourist feel, makes it an ideal base for cultural exploration.