Dinogo Readers' Top 3 Hotels in Istanbul for 2024

Istanbul stands out as one of the premier destinations in 2024, largely due to its remarkable selection of luxurious hotels. This year, the most popular choices among voters are situated along the scenic Bosphorus, the iconic strait that separates Europe from Asia. These properties excelled with their blend of historic elegance, closeness to essential attractions, and exceptional service.

Understanding the Voting Process

In our annual World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences globally, providing insights into the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. This year, over 186,000 T+L readers participated in the 2024 survey, casting more than 700,000 votes across 8,700+ properties (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Hotels were categorized as resort hotels, city hotels, inns, or safari lodges based on their location and amenities, and they were specifically evaluated according to the criteria listed below:

Room quality and amenities
Proximity to attractions
Customer service
Culinary offerings
Overall value

Respondents were able to rate each attribute as excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores represent the average of these ratings.

What Guests Appreciated

Istanbul's rise in popularity among travelers has been nothing short of remarkable in recent years. It was named the best city in Europe for 2023 and secured a spot in the top 5 of this year’s World’s Best Awards. So, what sets these three hotels apart in a city bustling with options? Guests at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus (No. 3) rave about its breathtaking architecture and rich history. Once an Ottoman palace from the 19th century known as Atik Pasha, it underwent a stunning renovation by interior designer Sinan Kafadar, who transformed it into an exquisitely designed hotel. Today, it features hand-painted ceilings, elegant mahogany furnishings, and sophisticated décor. One reader enthusiastically noted, “This stunning property is one of my favorite hotels globally.”

The Shangri-La Bosphorus (No. 2) also received enthusiastic feedback from discerning voters. One guest remarked, “The location is ideal for visitors,” explaining that nearby attractions are more accessible on foot than by taxi. Nestled in the Beşiktaş district, this historic building is just a 15-minute stroll from Dolmabahçe Palace, the largest palace in Turkey and a significant landmark of Ottoman heritage. However, the reigning champion truly excelled in all these aspects, particularly in ensuring guests felt genuinely welcomed.

The Champion

The Peninsula Istanbul

Image courtesy of The Peninsula Hotels

Inaugurated in February 2023 in the Karaköy district, the Peninsula Istanbul is an impressive hotel comprising four distinct buildings, featuring 177 luxurious rooms. One guest remarked, “My suite was so spacious that you could practically fit a bus in it.”

Dining options include The Lobby, Topside Bar, and the popular Gallada restaurant, which offers Turk-Asian cuisine. For wellness enthusiasts, the Peninsula Spa and Wellness Centre features eight private treatment rooms, allowing guests to enjoy the saunas, relaxation rooms, and hammams before or after their treatments. Another highlight is the outdoor swimming pool that boasts stunning views of the sparkling Bosphorus waterfront.

However, it was the outstanding service that truly impressed readers, solidifying The Peninsula Istanbul as the top choice. “The service was remarkable,” one guest remarked. “It was the most extraordinary experience I’ve ever had.”