No doubts, bank of Bosphorus provides sublime hotel setting. Bosphorus waters are always alive, day or night, with numerous boats of any possible type and size browsing its smooth surface in all directions, majestic palaces and mosques framing the scene from both sides, European and Asian.
Our first stop, Four Seasons Bosphorus.
This large scale waterfront resort accommodates in majestic 19th-century Ottoman palace known as Atik Pasha. All you will find inside and out is rather contemporary with gentle reference to the history of the place, high end Four Seasons standards intact, fresh from the recent renovation. If Four Seasons Bosphorus is in your price range, it is spotless luxury on the shores of Bosphorus.
Location has its pluses and minuses. The views are spectacular, but Four Seasons Bosphorus doesn’t have much to offer within walking distance. 20 minutes promenade will bring you to Ortaköy area where you will find small waterfront market selling fresh fish at the morning, street food at the evening, and some souvenirs shops. There are dozens of stalls selling Kumpir – Turkish style staffed baked potatoes. If you like simple food, it is something to try for sure. There is a residential district with cluster of small streets, some antique shops and local restaurants to explore, but nothing really exciting in my opinion.
Ideally, especially if it is your first visit to Istanbul, I would suggest splitting your stay between two Four Seasons properties. For site seeing, Sultanahmet position is definitely preferred. For life style and relaxation, Bosphorus is the place. The distance by car between two is about 12 km, but traffic can make journey kind of longish. Boat can be faster option.
Another quite stunning property which shares Four Seasons Bosphorus location is Kempinski Çiragan Palace.
Kempinski Çırağan Palace is literally next door from Four Seasons, a bit closer to Ortaköy area. The Grand Dame of Istanbul. Well, if you like it contemporary, not you cup of tea. But if you want the best luxury hotel breakfast in Istanbul, this is the place.
Service which makes a difference. People who’s been working for the property for decades being totally dedicated to warm perfection which makes luxury hotel true luxury. Guests who keep coming again because this is the place. Prices in food and beverage outlets which are kept human because they must be affordable for locals who are frequent here, not only for Americans. And tons of heritage.
Contact me to book, you will not regret for sure. 🙂
