Description
Formerly a neo-classical Turkish prison, the building has been renovated into a luxurious 64-room boutique hotel. The building is formed around a central open courtyard, with a lovely garden and an al fresco restaurant in the centre. The rooms and suites are very spacious and unique in design, decorated in a traditionally Ottoman style. Many rooms have outstanding views, with the highlight being the hotel’s large roof terrace looking directly over the beautiful Hagia Sophia and old town in one direction and out towards the Bosphorus in the other – probably the best views in all of Istanbul!
The hotel has a spectacular position, right in the centre of the old town with just a very short walk to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and Topkapi Palace. Another stroll away is the amazing underground cistern and grand bazaar with its huge number of stalls and produce. This hotel is perfect for those wishing to be right in the centre of this exciting, mysterious city, with all the main sites and fabulous restaurants on their doorstep.
Guide price
£950 Per person
£950 per person for 4 nights in a Superior Room on a B&B basis including BA flights and return private transfers in mid season.
Accommodation
Offering 65 guest rooms and suites, the Four Seasons provides an intimate atmosphere in the heart of this exotic city. The hotel's historic architecture creates a variety of unique rooms and suites, all nestled around a beautifully landscaped courtyard. All rooms feature a refrigerated private bar, large plasma TV, and are equipped for wired and wireless internet. Lavish marble bathrooms include a deep soaking bathtub and separate shower, small LCD TV and separate WC.
Childcare
Children are welcome but there are no particular facilities except babysitting and a children's menu is available.
Facilities
In the courtyard, a spectacular glass pavilion is home to Seasons, where fine cuisine can be enjoyed indoors or on the terrace. Enjoy more casual fare, cocktails or coffee served in the three unique settings of The Lounge. Exclusively for Four Seasons guests, a variety of revitalising massage treatments and Istanbul's highest level of personalised attention are available in the Health Club. Separate men's and women's saunas in the luxurious locker rooms enhance the sense of relaxation.
Activities
There are tennis and golf facilities in the proximity of the hotel and the concierge is always on hand to help you to plan activities and excursions in and around the local area.
When to travel
The best times to visit Istanbul are in spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when skies are clear and temperatures are moderate. During July and August it is hot and steamy; a lot of Istanbullus head for the west and south coasts over these months and some businesses close. Biting winter winds and snow are common in winter.
Be aware that during the five-day Kurban Bayrami banks shut and ATMs can run out of money. During Ramazan business hours can be erratic. Hotel rooms skyrocket in price and are often overbooked during the Formula 1 Grand Prix in June.
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Average time to visit
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Location and directions
Istanbul, Turkey
Central location in Istanbul's old town and less than a 10-minute walk from Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, and the Spice Market.
How to get there
3-hour 45-minute direct flight from London to Istanbul with British Airways. Istanbul's Atatürk International Airport is approximately 20-minutes by car from Four Seasons Sultanahmet.
