Four Seasons Bosphorus

Business travelers, honeymooners and families all love Istanbul’s reigning queen of hospitality.

• The incredible 22,600-square-foot spa
• The Bosphorus views from the majority of rooms
• The swimming pool on the Bosphorus

Sister hotel to the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul Sultanahmet in the old town, the waterfront property boasts resort facilities and an enviable location overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. Families adore the heated 90-foot outdoor pool with stunning sea views, while spa-goers whisper that the Turkish hammam treatments there have ousted all others to become the best the city has to offer.

The property consists of three buildings (the Palace, North Wing and South Wing), each with very distinct characteristics. The original Palace is a beautiful, turn-of-the-century Turkish mansion with 18-foot ceilings and is the only building on the property that houses rooms with views of the Bosphorus. The Bosphorus-view room in the deluxe category overlooks the garden but also has a partial sea view at a much lower price point. Flanking the Palace on either side are the North and South Wings, contemporary additions to the hotel that hold more rooms, conference centers and the hotel’s remarkable 22,600-square-foot spa. The side wings have views of the “garden,” a loose term for the hotel’s main entrance and driveway, so be sure to book a room in the Palace.

There is no shortage of restaurants within a short drive of the hotel; in fact, most of Istanbul’s acclaimed eateries can be found in the New City – one of the advantages of staying here as opposed to sister Sultanahmet. (Our top picks include Sunset Grill, Ulus 29, Park Fora and the Suada Club). That said, guests may split their time between the two for the best of both worlds. The properties offer a complimentary shuttle between hotels, a 25-minute drive each way. If you want to avoid the traffic within Istanbul, the properties also offer a water taxi shuttle.

Travelers who want a getaway from the city but still want close access to all the best restaurants and shops. Four Seasons Bosphorus is great for families because of the space and the pool area.