These fascinating historic hotels in Turkey will give you a taste of Turkish culture and make your holiday truly special. Get a feel for the Ottoman splendour, stay in a centuries-old cave in Cappadocia, enjoy a luxurious bedroom on the Bosphorus or even relax in a former prison-turned luxurious residence. From sprawling mansions to charming and unusual boutique hotels, here are the top historic hotels in Turkey.
Çiragan Palace Hotel Kempinski
Çiragan Caddesi 32, 34349 Istanbul, Turkey.
For the true imperial experience, it’s hard to beat this luxury hotel in Istanbul. The Çiragan Palace is set in a 19th-century Ottoman palace, and from the moment you enter – through its monumental arch – you’ll feel like royalty. Relax in the infinity pool overlooking the Bosphorus or enjoy exquisite afternoon tea in the Gazebo Lounge.
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Çiragan Palace Hotel Kempinski
Ibrahim Pasha Hotel
Terzihane Sok – Sultanahmet 5, 34400 Istanbul, Turkey.
The splendour of the last days of the Ottoman Empire can be felt in this hotel’s rooms. Built as a family mansion in 1910, it stands surrounded by some of Turkey’s finest monuments in Istanbul’s Old City. The interiors are luxurious and decorated in a style that harks back to the Ottoman era, with lavish rugs and geometric designs. Head up to the rooftop terrace for stunning views across the city.
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Double room at the Ibrahim Pasha Hotel
Cave Hotel Konak Cappadocia
Dar 2 Sok 5, 50400 Urgup, Turkey.
For a holiday you’ll never forget, try this charming historic hotel in Turkey with an unusual twist. This family-run hotel in Urgup is set in a series of caves. The caves and the stone houses on top of them have been inhabited since 1650. Many of the original features are still intact. The hotel also has a panoramic roof terrace and a generous breakfast buffet based on local cuisine.
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Duplex Cave Suite at the Cueva Konak Capadocia Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Tefikhane Sok No 1 Sultanahmet, 34110 Istanbul, Turkey.
While many of the other Turkish historic hotels on our list are former palaces or mansions, the Four Seasons at Sultanahmet once had an entirely different purpose. This building was built in 1918 as an Ottoman prison. It housed men, women and juveniles until its abandonment in 1969. Many famous dissident writers were imprisoned there. Today, the hotel has all the luxury you’d expect from the Four Seasons, including a soothing spa and gourmet restaurant.
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Avlu Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul in Sultanahmet
Aydinli Cave Hotel
Aydinli Mahalelesi Aydinli Sokak No 12, 50180 Goreme, Turkey.
One of the details that set Aydinli Cave Hotel apart from other hotels in the area is its privileged location. High on a hillside, it offers beautiful views over Göreme. A rooftop terrace allows you to make the most of your stay. The spacious cave rooms are traditionally decorated with iron-framed beds and shelves carved out of rock. There are only 14 rooms, so this family-run hotel can offer a personal welcome to all guests.
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Deluxe Cave Room at the Aydinli Cave Hotel
Gamirasu Cave Hotel Cappadocia
Ayvali Koyu, 50400 Ayvali, Turkey.
The rooms of this cave hotel are surprisingly spacious. They are decorated in an elaborate and traditional style, with famous Ottoman rugs and beautifully carved wooden furniture. Established in volcanic rock, these caves have been inhabited as far back as the 11th century. For an extra treat, upgrade to a room with a spa bath.
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Roman King Suite at the Gamirasu Cave Hotel in Cappadocia
Taksim Prelude Hotel
Kuloglu, Sadri Alisik Sk 26, 34435 Istanbul, Turkey.
Taksim Prelude offers budget travellers a chance to stay in a historic hotel in Turkey. The building dates back to the early 19th century and is decorated to celebrate Ottoman design. The rooms are bright and airy, with high ceilings and huge floor-to-ceiling windows. In the heart of Istanbul, the Taksim Prelude is great if you want easy access to the trendy boutiques of nearby Istiklal Street.
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Lobby of Hotel Taksim Prelude
Divan Çukurhan Hotel
Tarihi Ankara Kalesi Necatibey Mahallesi Depo Sokak 3, Ulus, Ankara, Turkey.
This striking hotel is set in a 16th-century caravanserai, carefully restored concerning the building’s original purpose. The rooms are all individually decorated, featuring striking and charming artwork with unusual details. It stands in the heart of Old Ankara, close to some of the city’s most fascinating buildings. The bricks and tiles of the hotel are in stunning tones of raspberry and rose.
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Courtyard of the Divan Çukurhan Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus
Çiragan Cad 28 Besiktas, 34349 Istanbul, Turkey.
This luxury hotel is set in a 19th-century Ottoman palace. While it has been thoroughly renovated for modern tastes, its historic architecture remains intact. The hotel’s restaurant has a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, where guests can relax over a tasty Mediterranean meal. The spa features a Turkish bath with a range of treatments.
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Indoor swimming pool at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul on the Bosphorus
The Stay Bosphorus
Salhane Sokak 1, 34347 Ortaköy, Turkey.
This 19th-century mansion is the work of the Balyan family, the Ottoman Empire’s master architects. A true landmark, it stands right on the waters of the Bosphorus next to the bridge that connects Europe to Asia. The rooms have been carefully restored but retain many original details, including ornate wall designs and spectacularly high ceilings.
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Superior City Room at Hotel La Estancia Bósforo
Pera Palace Hotel
Mesrutiyet Caddesi 52, Tepebasi Beyoglu, 34430 Istanbul, Turkey.
This 19th-century building offers a unique blend of European and Ottoman architectural styles. Built by French-Ottoman architect Alexander Vallaury in 1892, it features a rich mixture of neoclassical, Asian and art nouveau design. Many of the rooms have views across the Istanbul skyline. It has been renovated for modern guests, featuring charming marble bathrooms inspired by traditional hammams. Its spa is one of the finest in Istanbul, complete with a hammam, sauna and indoor swimming pool.
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Kubbeli Saloon Tea Lounge at the Pera Palace Hotel
Hotel Yunak Evleri Cappadocia
Yunak Mahallesi, 50400 Urgup, Turkey.
This unique luxury hotel is one that combines a Greek-style 19th-century mansion with ancient cave dwellings, some of which have been inhabited since the 5th century. The turquoise waters of its swimming pool create a beautiful contrast with the surrounding cliff face. The cave rooms in the Yunak Evleri have traditional carpets, artisan furniture and modern marble bathrooms. Some come with a balcony or terrace, offering uniquely remarkable views.
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Yunak Evleri Hotel Cappadocia
Manastir Hotel & Suites
Kumbahçe Mah Mutafa Kemal Cad No 37, 48400 Bodrum, Turkey.
This hotel stands on a hilltop, offering sweeping views across Bodrum Bay. In the 18th century, it was a monastery. Today, it is a luxury hotel with some original details retained, such as the old stone gate. Some rooms even feature hydro-massage tubs, boasting views over the sparkling blue waters of the Aegean Sea. This family-friendly hotel has a separate swimming pool and games room for kids.
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Outdoor swimming pool overlooking the Aegean Sea at the Manastir Hotel & Suites
Hotel Gumusyan
Asmal Mescit Cad 9, 34430 Istanbul, Turkey.
In the 19th century, this building was a lavish family residence. Today, it is a charming boutique hotel in the centre of Istanbul. The rooms feature interesting, unusual old design details, such as exposed brickwork around the windows and striking artwork. Right in the city centre, this is a great historic hotel for budget travellers.
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Double room at the Gumusyan Hotel
Gulevi Safranbolu Hotel
Hükümet Sokak 46, 78600 Safranbolu, Turkey.
In Safranbolu’s historic centre, this lavish hotel is set in three Ottoman mansions, built over 200 years ago and carefully restored to welcome modern guests. The rooms have spectacular Ottoman details, like ornately carved wooden ceilings and beautifully woven rugs. Each room has its own fireplace, and the windows are equipped with shutters. The hotel has its own garden and a gourmet restaurant featuring a wide selection of Turkish wines.
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Gulevi Safranbolu Hotel
