Istanbul has a vast choice of accommodation options, from youth hostels to Ottoman palaces and restored mansions, all the way through to luxury tower block hotels.
The Sultanahment district, south of the city centre, is home to many hotels and has retained plenty of charm despite becoming extremely popular with tourists. A good 4-star hotel here is the Valide Sultan Konagi, which boasts an Ottoman-style decor and offers modern facilities.
Eminönü is a bustling market area in the centre of the city, and most of the hotels here are conveniently located near the Sirkeci Train Station, one of Istanbul’s biggest transport hubs. The 4-star Yasmak Sultan is in this area, a short walk from Sultanahmet Square, the Grand Bazaar and the Galata Bridge.
Istanbul's centre for culture and arts, Beyoglu has become a popular hub for business visitors and tourists alike. Here, you'll find several 5-star hotels including the Hilton, the InterContinental Ceylon, the Hyatt Regency and one of the most famous hotels in Istanbul, the Marmara Istanbul.
Those looking for a mid-range hotel in Istanbul should consider the 3-star Kariye Hotel. Located in the Edirnekapi district, this hotel is a restored 19th-century Ottoman mansion and serves fine Ottoman cuisine.
If you’re looking for a more peaceful area to stay, you may want to opt for the Asian side of Istanbul, which has a less manic atmosphere than the European side. The Kent is a small, budget hotel located a short walk from the heart of the cobbled streets of Kadiköy and the ferry terminals.
Read more in our Istanbul Guide.