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What are the best hotels in Istanbul, Turkey?
Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey. Often Istanbul is mistakenly considered as the capital of Turkey (btw, Ankara is the capital), which is a typical misconception of Turkey. Istanbul is one of the best places to visit in Turkey. It boasts a wide variety of tourist attractions, rich history and ancient landmarks.
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Table of Contents
Best Hotels in Istanbul For Every Budget (For Independent Travelers)
Here they are – starting from cheap to top hotels in Istanbul.
Some of these hotels are located in the historical neighborhoods of Istanbul on the European side, some of them – in less central parts of the city. All of them offer different types of rooms that range in size, level of comfort and not only. For all the options, check them out on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Best Cheap Hotels in Istanbul
There are many cheap hotels in Istanbul.
These aren’t the cheapest hotels in Istanbul, but the best value for money.
1. Hotel Orkide
A very popular budget hotel in Fatih, Istanbul.
Overall, one of the best hotels in Istanbul (cheap hotels).
Fatih is one of the most popular districts of Istanbul. Historically Constantinople, Fatih is full with historical landmarks and impressive buildings. Some of the most popular landmarks are located near the hotel: Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and the colorful neighborhood, Balat. All of these landmarks are located in walking distance from the hotel.
The rooms at Hotel Orkide are simple but cosy.
All rooms come with air conditioning and private bathroom.
The hotel has a terrace which boasts seaviews.
PRICE: Double room starts at 25 EUR
BOOK ONLINE: Booking.com, Agoda.com
Disclaimer. Prices change constantly. What’s 100 euro today, might be 50 euro tomorrow. Check the latest price. And ALWAYS compare the price. Sometimes the same hotel is cheaper on Booking.com, other times – on Agoda.
2. Stay Inn Taksim Hostel
A very good hostel with a central location.
Stay Inn Hostel is located in in the heart of Beyoglu district, one of the most popular areas for tourists. Galata Tower is a 15-minute walk from the hostel, and Taksim Square is located just a 10-minute walk away. The hostel offers shared accommodation (dorm rooms) and private rooms with shared or private bathroom.
All rooms are modern and feature a charming design with neutral colors. If you are a single traveler traveling on a budget, this hostel is a great option. Guests can use communal kitchen.
The hostel has terrace on the top floor and a nice cafe downstairs.
PRICE: Double room starts at 30 EUR; a bunk bed starts at 10 EUR
BOOK ONLINE: Booking.com, Agoda.com
3. Nar Hotel
A good budget hotel near the Blue Mosque.
Nar Hotel is a perfect option for those who wants to stay in the city center but are on a budget. Located only a 9 minute-walk away from the Blue Mosque, the hotel has rooms of different sizes – from budget double rooms to family rooms. Each room comes with a private bathroom and air conditioning. The hotel has a shared kitchen which guests can use to cook their meals.
There’s also a shared washing machine you can use (for a fee).
PRICE: Double room starts at 25 EUR
BOOK ONLINE: Booking.com, Agoda.com
Best Hotels in Istanbul (Mid-Range)
4. Queen Seagull
A beautiful boutique hotel in a quiet neighborhood.
There are quite a few boutique hotels in Istanbul, and Queen Seagull is one of the best options if you want a peaceful holiday. The hotel is located in Yedikule, one of the oldest parts of Istanbul. It’s a rather peaceful and quiet neighborhood – away from the hubbub of Taksim and other more central parts of Istanbul. However, it doesn’t mean that the hotel is located in the middle of nowhere. Quite close is İmrahor İlyasbey Street where you can find a lot of different local cafes and supermarkets.
Queen Seagull Hotel is small and cozy retro style boutique hotel with cute rooms. There are only 6 rooms at the hotel. Most rooms are rather small, but cozy. All come with a private bathroom and air-con.
The hotel has a beautiful lobby with a shared lounge.
The breakfast is served on the terrace with a beautiful sea view.
PRICE: Double room starts at 50 EUR
BOOK ONLINE: Booking.com, Agoda.com
5. Madame Roza
Good hotel with a great location, located on a quiet street.
Mademe Roza is a lovely mid-range hotel in Istanbul. It’s located on a quiet street in the central part of the city. Taksim Square is only a 5-minute walk away from the hotel. Craftsmen park viewpoint is a 10-minute walk away. We have stayed in this area a lot, and also this exact hotel, and have gone on many beautiful walks from there. Location-wise it’s the best place to stay in Istanbul.
The rooms in the hotel are nicely decorated. Each has a private bathroom, air conditioning, a fridge and a kettle.
The breakfast (which is decently-priced) is served in the cafe downstairs.
PRICE: Double room starts at 60 EUR
BOOK ONLINE: Booking.com, Agoda.com
6. Maduro Hotel Istanbul
A great mid-range hotel in the heart of Istanbul.
Grand Bazaar is only a few minute walk away. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Gulhane park is also within a walking distance. This hotel is perfect for those who want to stay close to the most popular tourist attractions. The rooms in Maduro Hotel feature a private bathroom, air-con, fridge and a TV.
Certain rooms come with a balcony.
At the hotel, good continental breakfast is served.
PRICE: Double room starts at 45 EUR
BOOK ONLINE: Booking.com, Agoda.com
Best 5-Star Hotels in Antalya
These are only two of the best 5-star Istanbul hotels.
There are many more great five star hotels in Istanbul.
7. Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
One of the best 5-star hotels in Istanbul.
One of the best hotels in Istanbul with sea view.
If you have the right budget, stay in one of the 5-star hotels in Istanbul. Swissotel offers some of the best accommodation in the city. This luxurious hotel is simply wonderful. Its elegant spacious rooms are well equipped and feature floor-to-ceiling windows with views of the garden or the Bosphorus. The hotel is located in Beşiktaş, not far from Taksim Square.
You can take a ferry from Beşiktaş. It’s a very short journey. And then — go on a scenic walk on Asian side of Istanbul.
Swissotel offers a wide range of accommodation – from twin rooms to massive luxurious presidential suites. The hotel has an exclusive rooftop pool, great spa and stylish restaurants.
PRICE: Double room starts at 450 EUR
BOOK ONLINE: Booking.com, Agoda.com
8. CVK Park Bosphorus Hotel Istanbul
A luxurious 5-star hotel in Istanbul, in the heart of the city.
CVK Park Bosphorus is a great hotel with a very central location. Located just a few minute walk away from Taksim Squre, the hotel offers luxurious accommodation, elegant interior and exclusive amenities such as an extensive spa and fitness centre and great pool. The hotel has a beautiful landscaped grounds. Just like any other luxury five star hotel, CVK Park Bosphorus offers a range of accommodation – from twin rooms to luxurious king suites.
PRICE: Double room starts at 270 EUR
BOOK ONLINE: Booking.com, Agoda.com
Where to Stay in Istanbul?
What are the best places to stay in Istanbul? Two of the best areas for tourists are Beyoğlu and Fatih.
Beyoğlu District, Istanbul
Beyoğlu district consists of several neighborhoods. Here are some of our most favorite ones:
- Taksim Square – a very central location, great for shopping and dining.
- Istiklal Avenue – the most famous street in Istanbul, known for its historical tram. This pedestrian street runs from Taksim Square to Galata Tower, and houses shops, boutiques, nightclubs, restaurants, historical patisseries and chocolateries. It’s a very popular shopping street in Istanbul.
- Karaköy – one of Istanbul’s oldest parts. Now it’s a trendy neighborhood with funky cafes and bars.
- Galata – one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Istanbul. The main landmark is the Galata Tower.
Keep in mind that Beyoğlu, especially the area around Taksim Square and Galata Tower is hilly. You’ll be walking uphill and downhill all the time while in Beyoğlu. If you are traveling with a lot of luggage, or just don’t like walking uphill, stay elsewhere. Otherwise, for us, personally, it’s the best area to stay in Istanbul.
Fatih District, Istanbul
Fatih is a large district in Istanbul. It consists of a number of neighborhoods. Fatih is very popular among tourists because it boasts important Byzantine era and Ottoman period monuments and landmarks. The most popular neighborhoods for tourists in Fatih are:
- Sultanahmet – the Old City of Istanbul. It’s the oldest part of Istanbul. It is where most of its historical landmarks are located.
- Balat – one of the oldest parts in Istanbul. Balat is known for its colorful houses and lovely cobbled streets.
- Yedikule – a quiet neighborhood located a bit further away from the Old City of Istanbul.
If you have only one or two days in Istanbul, stay in one of these areas. If you have three or four days in Istanbul — do the same. But, if you have more time for Istanbul, considered visiting the Asian side of Istanbul. It may surprise you, but it’s more modern, quiet and less hectic than the European side. Kadikoy is the most popular district on the Asian side of Istanbul.
Have you been to Istanbul? Where did you stay? In which area of Istanbul? What’s the best hotel in Istanbul you have stayed at or seen? What’s the best cheap hotel in Istanbul in your experience (if you have been in several)?
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