A small jewel box decorated in an elegant and serene contemporary style, this 16-room boutique hotel sits on the banks of the Bosphorus on the Asian side away from the bustle of the city but is less convenient to major attractions. There are in-room massages but no spa. The best rooms have sea views.  This is a good choice if you want to get away from it all.

A former Ottoman Palace, The Ciragan Palace Kempinski was renovated in 2007 adding the latest modern conveniences to its imperial grandeur. This 315-room bustling hotel is located on the Bosphorus, and the best rooms have a full sea view. There is a spa with a traditional style Turkish Hamam, a fitness center and indoor pool (open 24 hours a day), and an outdoor swimming pool heated in the winter. The Gazebo Restaurant with its view of the Bosphorus and service on the terrace is open 24 hours a day, and the breakfast buffet is delicious. When booking, specify whether you want a smoking or non-smoking room.

In a glorious setting overlooking the Bosphorus, the Four Seasons in 2008 opened this 166-room luxurious hotel in a former 18th century palace. Expect the usual Four Seasons amenities including a huge fitness center, a 90 foot outdoor heated pool, an indoor pool and lavish spa. As ever, the Four Seasons is particularly welcoming to children with special treats as well as cribs, rollaway beds and babysitting services.

This historic seaside mansion has been converted to an opulent, very expensive, and very private 10-suite hotel complete with a terrace overlooking the Bosphorus, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center with Pilates equipment, a Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa, Turkish Hamam and private cinema. Staying here feels like being in a private home.

This contemporary and moderately priced hotel has a spa well-equipped with cardio and Pilates facilities and is walking distance to the shops and cafes of Nisantasi. The stylish in-house restaurant, Longtable, is known for good steaks and meat dishes.

An elegant 90-room hotel located in Nishantasi, the fashionable residential and shopping quarter. There is a spa offering a fully equipped gym and a full range of relaxation treatments.  The 1922 historic building was renovated to offer every modern convenience while preserving the character of the original building.

A modern, chic, 120 room  moderately-priced hotel offering fantastic views of the Bosphorus and the Imperial Mosque as well as a Wellness and Beauty center. The incomparable Japanese restaurant, Zuma, beloved in London, is right next door.  Jazz lovers should note that the hotel is also next door to the Istanbul Jazz Center.

The Swissotel is located on a hilltop overlooking the Bosphorus near chic Nistantasi. We recommend the Executive Floors in the Northeast Tower with the wonderful private lounge,  glorious views, computers; there’s an ongoing daily buffet starting with breakfast followed by snacks and fruit going through to tea and happy hour. It’s a great place to gather if you’re traveling with business associates or with friends and family. There’s a large outdoor pool, 2 tennis courts and a brand new gorgeous spa.

This beautiful, luxurious 65-room hotel fashioned from an old prison, is located in the heart of the Old City and while it’s very convenient for touring, it’s a long drive to restaurants and prime shopping areas outside the Old City. It’s a good choice for those who have only a few days to spend in Istanbul and limited time to see the important sites.