Istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in Turkey as it straddles both Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. There’s a wonderful mix of the Old City and contemporary neighborhoods filled with vibrant art, shopping, and more. Whether you’re planning a trip to Istanbul to admire the architecture of the iconic Blue Mosque or wanting to get lost in the colorful market labyrinth that is the Grand Bazaar, you need a comfortable place to rest your head at night!
The Stay is my top recommendation for anyone traveling to Istanbul because of their stunning portfolio that includes 3, luxurious and design-led hotels which focus on culture and comfort as well. They also have a wonderful seaside property in Alacati, but we will be focusing on their Istanbul hotels below.
Each Stay hotel works hard to be a home away from home for their guests while providing state-of-the-art, inspiring and soulful places. Each of their locations in Istanbul are awe-inspiring, and with the combination of stellar customer-oriented service, you will never want to leave. For The Stay hotels, no request is too great and no detail too small. They truly want you to have an exceptional experience from beginning to end, and you will definitely leave wanting to already plan your next return visit.
Whether you’re in the heart of Istanbul’s fashion district or admiring the breathtaking views of the Bosphorus waters, The Stay in Istanbul offer truly special locations. What’s also nice is that each boutique hotel has no more than 44 rooms apiece, meaning you can enjoy an intimate getaway with five-star service. Without further ado, keep reading to discover 3 of the best luxury hotels in Istanbul…
#1 Bebek Hotel by The Stay
Bebek is Istanbul’s ritzy district and home to the historic and elegant waterfront Bebek Hotel by The Stay. This gorgeous property has been welcoming guests from around the world since the 1950s, and when The Stay took over in 2019, they injected a new lease of life and luxury!
Not only are you along the water with stunning views, those who stay at the Bebek Hotel are also close to Istanbul’s best shops and restaurants. This area is a go-to getaway for today’s see and be seen crowd in Turkey. The hotel’s interiors are designed by Turkish architect Mahmut Anlar who perfectly interweaves historic charm and Art Deco details. There are 22 spacious suites at Bebek Hotel with rich color palettes, marine-inspired turquoise carpets, subtle neon lighting, French windows and more. I would also highly recommend dining at their famed Chinese restaurant Dragon, as well as enjoying a sunset drink on their chic rooftop bar with panoramic views.
#2 The Stay Bosphorus
In the heart of Istanbul’s dynamic Ortakoy neighborhood, you will find The Stay Bosphorus. The name of the hotel is due to the location right next to the Bosphorus Bridge which magnificently connects Europe and Asia. The Stay Bosphorus is a beautiful 19th-century mansion with 26 rooms that blend original Ottoman authenticity with a modern flair.
The mansion was originally built by the Balyan family who are also responsible for much of Istanbul’s Ottoman architecture – including the Dolmabahçe Palace. The Stay Bosphorus also boasts fantastic water views and the neighboring Ortakoy Mosque. The rooms are refined with creamy color palettes, statement globe chandeliers, asymmetrical wood furnishings, decadent hanmam-inspired marble, glass bathrooms and more. You are certainly enjoying the good life at The Stay Bosphorus!
#3 The Stay Nisantasi
Situated in Istanbul’s fashionable Nisantasi neighborhood with 44 design-led rooms, The Stay Nisantasi is all about grown-up urban glamor. This boutique hotel is right above the flagship Prada store, surrounded by Nisantasi’s Art Nouveau residences and more luxury shops such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Hermès and more.
The rooms at The Stay Nisantasi are state-of-the-art with crisp, contemporary interiors, oak paneled walls, bespoke furniture and impressive marble bathrooms. There is also a wonderful communal library lounge to enjoy, created by the multi-award-winning design firm Autoban. The Stay Nisantasi is perfect for any trendsetting traveler who loves to be in the middle of the action when it comes to food and shopping. But you can also enjoy some sightseeing close by at the Dolmabahçe Palace and Istanbul Museum of Modern Art.