Who's Going
Hedge Funders, London Bankers, Celebrity Couples
Reason to Stay
Historic Building, Tourist City Center, Luxury Spa
Hotel Type
Luxury Hotel
The top hotel address for American luxury travelers staying in Istanbul, Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is located within a 200-year-old neoclassic Turkish prison in Istanbul's historic center walking distance to the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Looking more like a palace than a prison on the outside, Ottoman-inspired architecture is translated through elaborate doorways and arched windows along a mustard colored façade of smooth stucco with grassy lawn and shaped topiary linking a grand entrance. Inside, a Ottoman architecture gets the Four Season one-over with familiar creamy color-palette that's surrounded in fluffy seating areas with typical arrangement of Chippendale chairs and floral-print sofas with Murano-glass chandeliers dangling from above. A center courtyard with its turrets and cobblestone walkways feels more Florence or Provence than Istanbul where we would prefer a swimming pool in lieu of the landscaped courtyard with Seasons Restaurant inside a a glass-enclosed courtyard and outdoor terrace. Massage and fitness lovers find a well-equipped spa with in-house gym offering sauna and hamam facilities in addition to treatment rooms with surprisingly affordable menu of services.
The Room
Just 65 guest rooms and suites define one of two Four Seasons outposts in Istanbul, Sultanahmet being our favorite with its historic façade and location close to everywhere you’ll want to be in the city albeit the Bosporus location has a bit more glam and a sensational pool. Rustic wooden windows and opulent architectural details recalling the building’s history define entry-level superior rooms, although not necessarily that of a prison located on the first floor. Hushed shades of green and blue frame cozy lounge arrangements with sofa, club chair and writing desks in larger rooms and separate oversize bedroom in even larger executive suites. The furnishings, however, could be at any Four Season worldwide and lack a local flavor except for Ottoman-inspired artwork and porcelain tchotchke.
Preferred Room
Executive Suite
Special Features
Historic Location, Celebrity Clientele, Luxury Spa
Amenities
Restaurant, Spa, Lounge, Concierge, Fitness Center, Sauna
