Four Seasons Sultanahmet
Tevkifhane Sokak No. 1, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey, 34410
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expert-rated hotels in Istanbul- Recommended for:
- Business travellers, Couples, Families with younger children, Foodies, Honeymooners, Celebrity spotting, Romance, Shopping, Special occasions, Trendiness
Expert review of Four Seasons Sultanahmet
Luxurious accommodation and amenities in a distinctive building with a notorious past.
Sultanahmet’s most luxurious hotel by far is almost its most unusual, situated as it is inside a century-old neoclassical building that held prisoners as late as the 1980s. With rooms set around an attractive courtyard garden, the former Sultanahmet Jail retains some of its closed-off quality, but in the service of creating what I found to be a relaxing oasis amid the area’s hubbub.
Location:
Set just behind Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, the Four Seasons is conveniently located and easy to find – perhaps a little too easy, as the local carpet touts seem to have the entrance well staked-out.
Bedrooms:
Done up in a variety of warm, but tastefully subdued colours, the 65 rooms and suites all have deep marble tubs, writing desks, high ceilings, and wood-framed windows, mostly looking out over the landscaped courtyard, though some have Marmara or neighbourhood views. Hand-woven kilims and original pieces of art are employed to give the rooms a more home-like than hotel-like feel, though in some cases I found the décor to be a bit heavy on the high-end knick-knacks.
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Public areas:
The flower-filled courtyard is a peaceful place to take a break.
Eating and drinking:
The well-regarded Seasons Restaurant turns out high-end takes on Mediterranean specialties as well as some fusion fare. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, I recommend the Friday night wine tastings, with generous pours of good local wines and a rich buffet of cheeses and other snacks for a very reasonable 30 Turkish Liras.
Leisure facilities:
The small but excellent spa and health club features a Turkish bath, men’s and women’s saunas, and a variety of exercise machines. Additional services include massage, aromatherapy, and facials.
Service:
The service is as impeccable as you’d expect, with extremely competent (and multilingual) concierges, twice-daily housekeeping, and daily deliveries of fresh fruit and bottled water.
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Who stays there:
Both business and leisure travellers, as well as wedding parties and other groups hosting special events. Locals come to enjoy the restaurant and rooftop bar.
Price advice:
The breakfast buffet is lavish, but at an additional 60 Turkish Liras (30 euros), probably just worth having once for a treat. Internet access is likewise a pricey extra, costing 40 liras (20 euros) a day.
Pros:
Great service
Comfortable rooms
Good location
Cons:
No pool
Pricey extras
Some construction noise in area
More information on Four Seasons Sultanahmet:
- Price from:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- Tevkifhane Sokak No. 1, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey, 34410
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, Fitness Centre, High-Speed Internet, Parking, Restaurant, Room Service
- Neighbourhood:
- Sultanahmet
