Shangri-La Bosphorous, Istanbul
Istanbul, Turkey
At a Glance
The Shangri-la is a luxury, contemporary hotel sitauted on the banks of the Bosphorus
The style provides an eastern twist to traditional Turkish hospitality with fantastic chinese food
Good choice of dining options and a fantastic breakfast buffet
Relax in the indoor pool and large spa
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
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 Ramadan business hours can be erratic. Hotel rooms skyrocket in price and are often overbooked during the Formula 1 Grand Prix in June.
Insider's View
When you go to the 'Shang Palace' chinese restaurant, be sure to order a cup of tea! The kung fu tea master will put on a show that has to be seen to be believed!
To start planning your vacation to Shangri-La Bosphorous, Istanbul
Description
The Shangri-la is located in the entertainment district of Besiktas, right on the Bosphorus Strait, with many of the rooms offer stunning views across to the Asian side of Istanbul.
Located right on the river, the Shangri-La is a short walk to the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, otherwise there's a ferry station right outside which connects Besiktas to the Asian part of the city. There are plenty of places to shop and eat close by, and it's a short drive to the Golden Horn and the Old City.
Part of the prestigious far eastern hotel group, the Shangri-La Bosphorus seamlessly blends Turkish-influenced design and architecture whilst following the strict principles of Feng Shui.
The hotel offers two restaurants; IST TOO, whose menu features a fusion menu of Asian, Turkish and Mediterranean dishes and Shang Palace, which serves authentic Chinese-Cantonese cuisine. After dinner, le bar provides a fun and contemporary space to enjoy cocktails and canapés.
If you are looking to relax after a long flight, or a busy day exploring, the Chi spa provides treatments based on Asian healing philosophies alongside a traditional Turkish hammam.
Accommodation
Shangri-la has 186 rooms and suites. The rooms tend to be spacious and all are very well equipped. All have beautiful marble bathrooms, with separate shower and bathtub. Choose between quiet rooms with views over the internal courtyard, rooms with city view, or the most in-demand rooms which offer spectacular views over the Bosphorus.
Facilities
The Shangri-la offers a range of fantastic dining options. The all-day dining venue IST TOO offers a wide choice of Asian and Mediterranean cuisines, and has a Japanese sushi bar.
Shang Palace is the hotel's Cantonese restaurant, and arguably the best Chinese restaurant in the city.
The bar in the hotel's lobby lounge is a great place for an aperitif or an after-dinner drink.
Reviews
James Ferguson (Staff)
The Shangri-la is a lovely hotel and a great option for a short or long stay in Istanbul. The rooms are beautiful, I would advise choosing one on the Bosphorus side as the views are great. The bathrooms are very luxurious with beautiful touches like top class toiletries and even TVs embedded in the bathroom mirrors.
Experiences
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Basilica Cistern
Below the hot and bustling city of Istanbul lies the Basilica Cistern, built in the 6th century. The Basilica Cistern is a stunning architectural feat, and is not to be missed during your stay in Istanbul.
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Half day walking tour of the Old City
Enjoy a half-day private, guided tour of the monuments of the Old City. Your guide will be able to tailor-make the tour for you depending on your interests as well as adjusting your itinerary to avoided crowded times.
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Helicopter Tour of Istanbul
Take in the city from above on a helicopter tour over Istanbul. Admire the bird's eye view of the Golden Horn, the Historical Peninsula and the Bosphorus.
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Istanbul culinary tour and Spice Market
Explore the Kadiköy Market and Street Food stalls of Asian Istanbul followed by the renowned Spice Market, stimulating your senses with tantalising sights, sounds and smells.
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Spice Bazaar & Suleymaniye Mosque
From the frescoes of the Church of St. Savior and the Suleymaniye Mosque to the bustling Spice Bazaar, this tour of Istanbul combines iconic landmarks with a taste of local life to offer a unique experience of this vibrant city.
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Topkapi Palace, Bosphorus Cruise & Grand Bazaar
Admire Topkapi Palace, cruise Bosphorus which separates Asia and Europe, practice your bargaining skills at Grand Bazaar and enjoy a cultural evening with a choice of either Whirling Dervish or belly-dancing shows.
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Traditional Turkish Bath Experience
Take a break from the bustling city of Istanbul, and visit one of its old bath houses for a traditional hammam experience.
Vacation Ideas
Location & directions
Istanbul, Turkey
The Shangri-La offers a nice location by the Bosphorus, a 15 minute walk from Dolmabahce Palace and a short taxi ride from the city center.
- 24/7 concierge service
- 24/7 emergency assistance
- Firsthand knowledge
- Renowned service
- Award-winning tour operator