Istanbul Welcomes Travelers Again—with Several New Hotels to Explore

Editor’s note: On February 6, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southeastern Türkiye and northwestern Syria, resulting in over 50,000 fatalities at the time of this writing. Numerous organizations are actively providing assistance in the aftermath and are accepting donations. Here’s what you need to know about traveling to the country and how you can contribute. According to our sources in Türkiye, the majority of the country was unaffected by the earthquake, and tourism continues to play a vital role in the national economy. Dinogo has resumed its coverage celebrating Türkiye as a whole.

Known for its enchanting waterways, historic architecture, and rich hospitality traditions, Istanbul has long been one of the globe’s most captivating hotel destinations. This latest wave of new and refurbished properties demonstrates that Istanbul remains a magnet for international hospitality brands while also nurturing its local boutique scene. Whether you’re seeking luxurious waterside accommodations along the Bosporus, a stylish stay in the vibrant Beyoğlu district, or a renovated retreat in the historic Ottoman area, here are the top hotels to consider right now.

The Peninsula Istanbul

After much anticipation, the Peninsula Istanbul has finally opened its doors in the vibrant Karakoy district, with the first set of rooms becoming available in February. The full range of accommodations and amenities, including an outdoor swimming pool, gardens, and a fine dining restaurant, are expected to be ready by summer. Housed in four waterfront buildings—three of which are elegantly restored fin de siècle landmarks—the hotel provides stunning views of the domes and minarets of the Historic Peninsula across the Bosporus, alongside a magnificent lobby that serves the Peninsula’s signature afternoon tea. Guests will also enjoy private boat services and a magical garden designed by renowned Swiss landscaper Enzo Enea.

The hotel has brought in some of Turkey’s leading talents as collaborators. Interior designer and architect Zeynep Fadıllıoğlu, famed for the stunning Şakirin Mosque in Istanbul, crafted the design for the 177 rooms, seamlessly blending dark woods and pastel hues with traditional Turkish elements like mother-of-pearl inlay. Fashion icon Arzu Kaprol, also from Turkey, designed the staff uniforms. Among the luxurious amenities in the opulent bathrooms clad in Marmara marble are bespoke toiletries, including a custom scent called “Citrus Fig & Bosphorus Breeze,” created by the renowned artisanal perfumery brand Nishane. The rooftop restaurant, Gallada, which will feature a Silk Route-inspired menu, is set to open in June and is helmed by the two-Michelin-starred chef Fatih Tutak, making reservations highly coveted.

Note: Until the end of 2023, for each night spent at any Peninsula property globally, a donation of €10 will be made to the Hope for Türkiye fundraiser to support earthquake survivors in the country. Additionally, each hotel will provide guests with opportunities to contribute to charitable organizations that directly assist the victims.

Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus

Upon its debut in the summer of 2021, the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus introduced the brand’s signature cosmopolitan elegance to a picturesque stretch of the Bosphorus, located about four miles north of Galatport. With 100 tranquil rooms, dazzling swimming pools, a luxurious spa, and a seamless indoor-outdoor design by Tihany Design, the hotel resembles a private resort amid one of the world’s most bustling cities. Istanbul’s elite flock to the hotel’s trendy restaurant, Novikov, for sushi, while discerning food enthusiasts savor the Italian pizzas and pastas at Olea. You can indulge in a minimalist plate of al dente fettuccine while watching ferries and freighters traverse the Bosporus, with the calls of muezzins resonating across the water. Coming this summer: a branch of Hakkasan (from the London-based restaurant group), featuring neo-Cantonese fusion dishes and inventive dim sum.

Ecole St. Pierre Hotel

Nestled in the Beyoğlu district, once the cosmopolitan Pera of the Ottoman era, two new boutique hotels offer a prime location while still providing a retreat from the hustle and bustle of tourism. Located almost directly beneath the iconic conical Galata Tower, Ecole St. Pierre Hotel is housed in a former French elementary school designed by a renowned 19th-century architect. (Yes, the rumor that Sarah Jessica Parker recently stayed here is true.) The hotel boasts 17 guest rooms—some featuring balconies with views of the Tower—decorated with midcentury charm, abundant rattan, and eye-catching blue-tiled bathrooms. The on-site restaurant, Il Cortile, serves dishes inspired by Ligurian cuisine and cleverly incorporates a section of the neighborhood's ancient 14th-century Genoese walls.

Adahan DeCamondo Pera

Adahan DeCamondo Pera, part of the Autograph Collection, embodies a similar commitment to preservation. This carefully executed restoration has transformed an 1874 mansion once owned by the affluent Sephardic Jewish Camondo family into a cozy retreat. Its spacious guest rooms are adorned with luxurious textiles, dark hardwood floors, and inviting lighting. Surprisingly, the rates are quite reasonable, with doubles starting at $165. The inviting downstairs salons, featuring plush seating, aged ceilings, and vintage sepia photographs, evoke the charm of an aristocratic family home. Guests are welcomed with a delightful demitasse of expertly brewed Turkish coffee.

Four Seasons Sultanahmet

For those seeking to immerse themselves in the historic district filled with mosques and bazaars, Four Seasons Sultanahmet is a splendid choice. Situated in a former Ottoman jail, painted in a warm saffron yellow, this hotel reopened in summer 2022 after a two-year renovation, emerging more elegant than ever. The redesign, undertaken by the London-based firm Goddard Littlefair, accentuates the vibrant tiles, arches, and marble columns characteristic of late-Ottoman neoclassicism, while also catering to contemporary tastes.

Savor a sage martini at the rooftop Süreyya lounge, perfectly situated between the stunning Blue Mosque and the majestic Hagia Sophia. For dinner, enjoy exceptional regional Anatolian cuisine at Avlu restaurant, nestled in a garden filled with the scent of jasmine. Here, the passionate anthropologist-chef Özgür Üstün crafts a magnificent wood-roasted duck served with thin dough rolls to soak up the rich juices, inspired by his mother's traditional Black Sea goose recipe. He also excels at creating exquisite meze and fish dishes at Lingo Lingo, the hotel's newest dining venue. Even if you're not a guest, make sure to visit for some of the finest culinary experiences in Istanbul.

Ciragan Palace Kempinski

Anticipated by summer 2023, the iconic Ciragan Palace Kempinski, often referred to as the “grande dame of the Bosphorus,” will reveal the first phase of its luxurious renovation. This will include a redesign of many rooms and suites within the hotel, a lobby transformation, and two new restaurant concepts that are yet to be announced. The refreshed accommodations, designed by acclaimed Ottoman art expert and celebrity interior designer Serdar Gulgun, will draw inspiration from the Ottoman Empire, featuring opulent bull’s-blood reds and deep blues, tulip-patterned textiles, and lavish hamam-style marble bathrooms.