Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at The Bosphorus
Istanbul, Turkey
Forget the Hagia Sophia; for a certain crowd of well-heeled travellers, the prime landmark in the Turkish city of Istanbul isn’t the domes and minarets of its mighty mosque but the Ottoman opulence of the Four Seasons Hotel. This former 19th-century palace, which sits on the European side of the Bosporus Strait, is a glittering vision of elegance: red-striped cabanas line the pool; pristine gardens coddle a spacious public terrace, and the ivory-cream Neoclassical main building has a quiet, restrained kind of beauty. The twin USPs at this Four Seasons hotel are its impeccable service – to be expected from the globally renowned brand – and its Turkish bathhouse. Pick from express hammam experiences and premium, hour-long Turkish treatments. Regulars come here to relax, rather than explore; it’s a hote ripel for living in, as much as staying at (although access to the city’s sites is close). Interiors blend contemporary comfort with nods to Ottoman heritage. Some of the best rooms at the front of the property promise original features like arching windows and high ceilings, as well as luxurious modern touches – and the marble bathrooms are magnificent.
Key Information
- Rooms: 170
- Starting Rate: $881
- Dining: AQUA
- At the Hotel: Spa, golf, tennis, pools, fitness centre, personal training, meeting rooms
- 902123814000
- Visit Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at The Bosphorus's Website
Location
28 Çırağan Cd., Istanbul, 34349
