How to find the best hotel deal in Istanbul
Booking flights with us is a breeze, right? Well, that same clever search engine can also help you find amazing prices on Istanbul hotels. Use these hacks to spot the best prices fast.
The earlier you book, the better off you are. You're more likely to score a lower rate on a Istanbul hotel and have more options when you plan in advance.
Still, be ready to jump on any last-minute offers. Some places reduce their rates right before check-in to fill empty beds. This is more likely to happen during off-peak season or on quieter days, however.
Another secret to scoring cheaper hotels? Stay flexible. If your itinerary isn't locked in, play around with your travel dates to find out how much you can save.
Search for accommodation options with free cancellation and book with peace of mind. You can amend or cancel your stay without penalty if things change or a better deal pops up.
Where to stay in Istanbul
Central Istanbul
To experience the best of central Istanbul, you'll want to be near the attractions that inspired your visit in the first place. Here are a few standout accommodation options close to the highlights.
Bram Hotel Istanbul makes exploring a breeze. Around 0.80 kilometres away, this 3-star stay is one of the most well-known hotels near Hagia Sophia. Couples often choose this place when visiting.
Browsing for hotels near Historic Areas of Istanbul? Roughly 2 kilometres away, Golden Horn Bosphorus Hotel lines you up nicely for a visit. With a 4-star rating, this hotel in Istanbul is especially appealing to business travellers.
Hotels near Hagia Sophia History and Experience Museum are also worth keeping on your radar. Erba Hotel is 0.32 kilometres or so from this top sight and has a steady following among business travellers. It has a 3-star rating and is a great base for discovering the city at large.
Şişli
If you need more inspiration on where to stay, consider Şişli. Here are a few places where you can rest your head near some leading sights.
Hallmark Hotel & SPA Istanbul is one of the best hotels near Harbiye Military Museum and Cultural Centre Command, a major attraction in this area. This hotel in Istanbul has a 4-star rating and gets good guest feedback for its sleep quality.
Searching for hotels near Ihlamur Palace? The Void Hotel is ready to check you in. Appreciated by travellers for its cleanliness, this 3-star Istanbul hotel is a comfy base to relax after a day of sightseeing.
There's plenty to get excited about in the range of hotels near Ara Guler Muzesi too. You'll be able to easily reach this attraction (and experience more of Şişli) from Union Hotel Port. One of the big draws for guests at this 3-star stay is its service.
Browse the full lineup of hotels in Şişli and discover a stay worth remembering.
When to go to Istanbul
If your ideal trip involves a full itinerary, book your hotel in Istanbul in August. This is peak season, so be ready for the city to feel extra lively.
March is the best month to lock in your Istanbul hotel for a less crowded experience.
Don't forget to factor in the weather when picking your dates. July offers the warmest conditions, with maximum temperatures reaching 30ºC.
Expect lows of 2ºC during January, the coolest month here.
Browse around for Istanbul hotels during July to enjoy mostly clear skies. Averaging two days of rain, it's the driest month.
January brings the wettest weather. You can expect around eight days of rainfall.
Best hotels in Istanbul
Best budget hotels
Just need a place to sleep? Budget Istanbul hotels provide the basics so you can spend your cash on what really matters: adventures and cramming your suitcase with souvenirs. Often equipped with money-saving amenities like self-service laundries and kitchenettes, you'll find at least 510 of these well-priced stays across the city.
Sultan Mansion is a 3-star option in Sultanahmet that focuses on comfort without overcomplicating things. Room desks and Wi-Fi in designated areas are among its many amenities.
Tucked away in Fatih, Bram Hotel Istanbul delivers 3-star value. Handy perks including shuttle services and air conditioning are there to make your Istanbul hotel stay easier.
You'll also like the prices at Union Hotel Port, which is rated 3 stars. It's located in Beyoğlu and features air conditioning and internet access.
Best 4-star hotels in Istanbul
Searching for hotels in Istanbul that offer more than just the necessities? A 4-star stay is the perfect match. With around 390 to choose from, they come with appealing extras like pools, concierge service, and stylish restaurants. You get high-end quality without the high-end cost.
Car rental options and a restaurant are the start of the things that add to your comfort at Darussaade Hotel Old City - Sultanahmet. This 4-star accommodation option is located in Sultanahmet.
Car rental options and concierge assistance are just some of the amenities available at Golden Horn Bosphorus Hotel. You'll find this welcoming Istanbul hotel in Fatih.
Best Garden Hotel is one more that's easy to like. It's in Fatih and comes with room service and a restaurant, among other things.
Best luxury 5-star hotels
Equipped with anything from soundproof suites to butler service and chef-led restaurants, a 5-star hotel is where your escape levels up. Spa sessions, rooftop pools, and designer toiletries? Good chance you'll find those too. Mostly located in Beyoğlu, there are at least 160 luxury hotels in Istanbul.
Enjoy a taste of the high life at Komana Hotel Binbirdirek. This Fatih stay comes with a restaurant, car rental options and other features that make it a total dream getaway.
Fidelya Boutique Hotel also delivers 5-star elegance from start to finish. Located in Kumkapi, this Istanbul hotel features room service, a nightclub and more.
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton in Fatih is one more choice. Make the most of its many perks including concierge assistance and car rental options.
Best hotels in Istanbul for families
Family trips can be hectic, but your hotel should be the easiest part. You'll find roughly 420 family-friendly hotels in Istanbul that know what keeps kids happy and adults comfortable. These stays often come with handy features like multi-bedroom suites, play areas, and games rooms.
Otel Efendi lets you enjoy family time for less. This affordable 2-star hotel comes with amenities like a ticket office, Wi-Fi and much more.
If you'd like a more luxurious option, treat the kids (and yourself) to an escape at The Peninsula Istanbul. This 5-star Istanbul hotel features express check-in and luggage storage and is located in Karaköy.
Often earning positive feedback for its service, Katelya Hotel is another easy pick. An airport shuttle and express check-out are some of the amenities at this 3-star option in Fatih.
Best hotels with a spa
Find your zen at one of the 610 or so Istanbul hotels with a spa. Located mostly in Fatih, they feature anything from saunas and hot tubs, to fitness centres and treatment rooms. Toss in yoga classes, beauty salons, and wellness programmes and you've got the recipe for relaxation.
Get the break you deserve at Ares Hotel. This 3-star option in Fatih comes with all the thoughtful touches, including a steam room and a hot spring.
Located in Beyoğlu, Hotel Balo is another top pick where you can enjoy a little TLC. Take advantage of concierge assistance and a sauna at this 3-star hotel in Istanbul.
Once you've checked in to Ramada by Wyndham Istanbul Umraniye, you'll wonder why you ever stayed anywhere else. This Ümraniye accommodation option has a 4-star rating and comes with amenities such as a lounge and a sauna.
Best hotels with a pool
There are around 250 pool hotels in Istanbul, each offering a different experience. City hotels tend to offer indoor or rooftop pools, while resorts generally go big with outdoor setups and extras like water slides. Whether you're here to unwind or make a splash, you'll find a stay that fits.
Claim your spot by the water at Doubletree by Hilton Istanbul Umraniye. This 5-star Istanbul hotel is located in Ümraniye and offers an indoor swimming pool, room service and a fitness centre.
The Marmara Pera will also convince you to pack that extra swimsuit. You'll find an outdoor swimming pool, a lobby bar and shuttle services at this 4-star stay in Beyoğlu.
Inntel Hotel Istanbul is another stay with all the essentials covered. This 4-star hotel in Beyoğlu comes with an outdoor swimming pool, a 24-hour front desk and a fireplace.
Best pet-friendly hotels
Why explore solo when your pet can tag along? From cosy beds and grooming stations to nearby walking areas, pet-friendly hotels are set up to help you and your best buddy feel right at home. There are around 320 Istanbul hotels that'll happily host your furry friend.
Show up with your sidekick at İstanbulites Hotel. This 3-star pet-friendly hotel in Istanbul is based in Beşiktaş. Make the most of conveniences here like express check-in and express check-out.
Your little buddy can also join the fun at Second Suit Hotel. Express check-out and ironing services are part of what's included at this 3-star accommodation option in Bakırköy.
Komana Hotel Binbirdirek in Fatih will have you feeling right where you belong. It has a 5-star rating and amenities including a restaurant and a laundry.
Flying to Istanbul
Istanbul Airport (IST)
A flight to Istanbul usually means landing at Istanbul Airport (IST), this city's main airport. From there, the centre is around 32 kilometres away.
The drive to central Istanbul takes about 45 minutes, while public transport is roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Want more ideas? YOTEL Istanbul Airport Landside gives travel days a softer landing. Plenty of business travellers make this 4-star hotel their stay of choice.
Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW)
Make your way to Istanbul through Istanbul Sabiha Airport (SAW). About 31 kilometres from the centre, the city's it's another key airport for the city.
Travelling by public transport into the city will take roughly 1 hour 40 minutes. The journey by car is usually 1 hour, depending on traffic.
A short distance from SAW, Radisson Blu Hotel Spa Istanbul Tuzla is a convenient base to kick back and plan your next move. You'll have the essentials covered at this 5-star Istanbul hotel, including a steam room and a 24-hour front desk.
Or get comfy at 216 Hill. A favourite among families in particular, this 2-star option will get your trip off to a smooth start.
You can also put your feet up for a bit at Sabiha Gokcen Istanbul Houses. This 3-star stay is close to SAW and has overall guest ratings above 4 out of 5.
