3 star Hotels in Istanbul

Istanbul's good 3 star hotels are the thrifty traveler's choice.

You get a comfortable two-person guest room with private bathroom, nice decor, and sometimes even such 4 star services as minibars or refrigerators, satellite TVs, wireless (Wifi) Internet connections, and air conditioning. You can't depend on there being many other services (elevator/lift, restaurant) - but there may be.

4 star Hotels in Istanbul

Istanbul's first-class (4 star) hotels offer excellent comfort and convenience at moderate rates, whether in Sultanahmet, Hocapasa or Beyoglu (Taksim Square or Tepebasi).

Consider a 4 star hotel if you enjoy modern comforts in rooms of quite adequate size and you don't need luxury services such as large meeting rooms, swimming pools, shopping arcades, and a variety of in-hotel restaurants.

Most of Istanbul's 4 stars are modern (built in the last 15 years or less) and many are conveniently located near tourist attractions and main squares.

5 star Hotels in Istanbul

Istanbul has a good selection of international-chain hotels and a few fine local hotels for you to consider.

Virtually all hotels in this 5 star category have the usual deluxe facilities: comfortable guest rooms with one or two double, queen or king-size beds, luxury bathrooms, mini-bar, satellite TV and broadband Internet connection.

Public areas always include several restaurants and bars, health club/exercise room, shops, and meeting and/or convention facilities. Many (but not all) of Istanbul's deluxe hotels have swimming pools, as well as that ultimate local status symbol: rooms with views of the Bosphorus.

Location is an important consideration. If you stay in Sultanahmet, you'll be only steps from Istanbul's major sights, including Ayasofya, the Hippodrome, and Topkapi Palace, but you may not get a swimming pool or Bosphorus views.

If you stay in Beyoglu, especially Taksim Square, you're close to shopping and nightlife, and only a 15-minute taxi ride from Sultanahmet. Your hotel will probably offer a swimming pool and Bosphorus views.

If you stay on the Bosphorus shore, you may have both these features, but there may be few shops or attractions near your hotel and you'll probably spend an hour or more each day getting around by taxi.