Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul

Set on the shoreline of the Bosphorus, farther removed from Old Town than many luxury hotel options, the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul ideally balances a chic yet serene atmosphere.

• The daily afternoon tea offering, which allows you to taste the best of Turkish teas and coffee alongside sweet and savory and snacks
• The 37,500-square-foot destination spa, with its three traditional Turkish hammams and three pools—one indoor and two outdoors, with views of the Bosphorus
• The private yacht dock steps away from the building, providing easy access to sunset cruises along the Bosphorus

Set along 650 feet of private Bosphorus shoreline, the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul is a luxury urban resort with impeccable interiors and buzzy nightlife. While it is further removed from the Old Town of Istanbul than many of its competitors, this property (which opened its doors in late 2021) feels like the place to be seen in the city. The East-meets-West personality of one of Europe’s most interesting cities is on full display here, where the regality of old Europe melds with the youthful energy of the Asian continent, visible across the water.

With only 100 keys, the property has a boutique feel. Eighty percent of the rooms have water views, and all subtly integrated Ottoman-style details. The light woods, smooth edges, cream and blue accents, and of course, ubiquitous sea views make a stay here reminiscent of that on a luxury yacht. Most rooms have a spacious balcony from which to savor the warm Turkish air and watch the Asian side of the city twinkle after a long day of exploring. Details such as spacious marble bathrooms and an envy-inducing minibar design emphasize that no expense was spared in the creation of this property. One thing to note, however, is that due to the E-shape design of the building, some suites with water views also look out onto other suites. If privacy is a main focus, you’ll need to book one of the Bosphorus Suites, which are closest to the water and do not face into other rooms. Of these, the Royal Bosphorus Suite is for travelers who feel like splurging: the 5,000 square foot suite has its own private gym and winter garden to make you feel like Turkish royalty.

The dining and nightlife scene is centered around the buzzy **Novikov Istanbul**, which fuses Eastern and Western cuisine. This is Istanbul’s first outpost from the London-started restaurant group. Combine this with the **Novikov Lounge Bar**, **Novikov Pool Bar** and Mandarin Oriental’s **Bosphorus Lounge**and there is no shortage of options for a cocktail or bite to eat throughout the day. The other standout at Mandarin Oriental is the oasis of tranquility that is the spa. A 37,500-square-foot facility, it has options for everyone, from its three traditional hammams to holistic wellness treatments and more. 

After a long day of exploring the souks, markets and mosques of Istanbul’s Old Town, it feels incredibly soothing to retire to this sanctuary along the Bosphorus.

Couples and families that don’t mind being away from the action of the Old Town and want to experience a luxury urban resort in a more local area of Istanbul.