Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Indulge in serenity within Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district. Our neoclassical residence, steeped in century-old heritage, is just steps from iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Under the attentive care of our Four Seasons team, you'll find a space where history harmonizes with contemporary comfort. Enveloped by the melodies of birdsong in our courtyard, you'll be transported to a world of enduring elegance and charm.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Luxury
Historic Hotel
Languages Spoken
English, French, Russian, Spanish and 2 more
Location
Tevkifhane Sokak No. 1, Istanbul 34122 Türkiye
Name/address in local language
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet
5 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Nestled in the heart of historic Istanbul, the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet garners acclaim for its unbeatable location close to cultural landmarks. Guests often describe the atmosphere as a haven of serenity and luxury. While views on the hotel's value vary, the immaculate cleanliness and the luxurious amenities consistently receive high marks.
Service at the hotel is regularly celebrated for its personalized touch, although there have been rare service hiccups. Rooms are praised for their comfort and elegance, with sporadic mentions of AC and view-related issues.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Serene
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Top-notch
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Unprecedented customer service, beautiful property & the nicest people. This Four Seasons has set a new precedent in service excellence. I’ve stayed at other Four Seasons properties worldwide including the one at the Bosphorus, but what I experienced at the one in Sultanahmet one sets an extremely welcome and high benchmark. The housekeeping manager for one must be lauded for his team’s performance. I use a silk pillowcase and was too tired to fit it on a pillow the first night. The next day, housekeeping had found the perfect sized pillow and laid it on top. Thank you. My phone charger was neatly wrapped and its charging point covered by the cutest leather cover, my sunglasses placed on a soft glasses cloth I provided by the hotel to avoid scratching. A thoughtful and heartwarming water colours palette and brush with a postcard left to paint as the nicest memento. The deluxe bedroom was spacious, beautifully decorated with the nicest bed! The towels could be improved with softer ones. The hotel Itself is beautiful. Romantic and intimate. I wish the terrace was open as it’s the nicest place to be with the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia providing the perfect backdrop. Breakfast offers a number of bakery items and some juices and drinks, but no yogurt, sliced and cut fruit, nuts or salmon etc. you could of course order these, but it does disappoint why these staple items are being exempted from the breakfast buffet by a hotel of this standard? The staff are lovely, each and every person who s amazing. But housekeeping takes the crown. Thank you!
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Date of stay: February 2025Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Serap Akkuş, Owner at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet
Responded 3 weeks ago
Dear faryal2012, First and foremost, we are truly delighted to hear that we could contribute to making your stay so special and memorable. Knowing that our efforts to uphold the highest standards of service have left such a positive impression on you is a great source of motivation for us. Thank you for your kind words about our Housekeeping team. They take great care in considering every detail to provide our guests with the utmost comfort. We are thrilled that the thoughtful touches you experienced added to your satisfaction. Please know that we also take your feedback into careful consideration. Your suggestions regarding breakfast variety and towel softness are valuable insights that help us enhance the guest experience even further. We are eagerly looking forward to reopening our terrace for our guests to enjoy, and we truly hope to welcome you back on your next visit. Looking forward to seeing you again, Best regards, Serap Akkuş Hotel Manager
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Spent three nights at this hotel. I was impressed with the lovely grounds and gardens surrounding it. Seems like an oasis in the middle of a very busy area. Taxi drivers (from the airport) have a difficult time navigating the roads and finding the main entrance tucked away within a labyrinth of alleys and narrow streets. It is an easy walk to The Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome and several other attractions in the old town. There are many restaurants and shops close by but be prepared for the “hustle” when taking a walk by these shops and restaurants. Everyone seems to have a “special deal just for today and just for you.”
The hotel restaurant serves an outstanding breakfast, probably the best breakfast of any hotel I have ever stayed at, for sure. I was so impressed with the hot and cold selections including many delicious Turkish dishes. It was really incredible with outstanding service, as well. I enjoyed one fabulous dinner in the same restaurant. I also attended a special reception one evening on the rooftop terrace with beautiful views of surrounding landmarks.
My room overlooked the main entrance and was very well appointed and cleaned to perfection every day. Front desk staff accompany guests to their rooms to ensure satisfaction. Staff were consistently helpful and courteous throughout the property. I was able to preview several rooms during my stay which were all quite unique in shape and structure since the property was originally a Turkish prison. All were beautifully appointed.
The hotel has a free shuttle service to its sister hotel on the Bosphorus. If you have the time, take advantage of this opportunity. You will not regret it. It is located directly on the water with lovely waterfront dining options both inside and outside on the patio. Both of these Four Seasons Hotels are unique and quite different from each other including an incredible art collection on the grounds and within the lobby areas. But, be aware and forewarned not to use one of the portable charging stations should your phone battery need recharging. My phone was hacked during this process. I begin receiving hundreds and hundreds of foreign emails, which, even several months later, I am still receiving and sending to my junk file.
All in all, I would definitely recommend this hotel. And, I can add the fact to my travel dossier, that I actually stayed in a “Turkish Prison.”
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Serap Akkuş, Owner at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet
Responded Dec 24, 2024
Dear joy1, Thank you for such a detailed and complimentary review; it truly makes us happy! We are delighted that you enjoyed our courdyard, breakfast and the service provided by our staff. Additionally, we are proud that you appreciated the historical charm and unique architecture of our hotel. We are sorry to hear about the issue you experienced with the charging station and we will ensure to raise awareness among our guests about this matter. Rest assured, we will investigate this issue thoroughly to enhance the protection of our guests' devices. Thank you for bringing it to our attention. We look forward to welcoming you again and creating more unforgettable memories at both of our hotels! Regards, Serap Akkuş Hotel Manager
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We booked two deluxe rooms for a one-night stay to break up our flights from the states to Africa. We had previously stayed at this hotel in 2015 for a week and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, so we wanted to return. We did not realize that the new airport was much further away than it previously was, so that was a bit of an inconvenience, but no fault of the hotel.
We booked airport transportation through the hotel, which was fairly expensive at about 350 euro per way, but it does include a meeting from airport staff upon exiting the plane who will take you on a vehicle (which was much appreciated after a long flight when the walk would have been about a mile in total). They will also take you through expedited passport control and take you directly to your car. The same experience is provided upon departure.
The hotel is an old prison, so it really is a unique experience staying here. It feels extremely private and quiet, which we appreciate. The breakfast buffet is always incredible, and the staff is attentive.
The hotel is always an enjoyable experience and always feels extremely safe. Overall, we would recommend staying here if you are wanting close proximity to attractions while feeling well taken care of.
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Date of stay: December 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
For me this is easily the best hotel in Istanbul's Sultanahmet area, arguably in the whole of Istanbul and probably in the world that is why it was voted the world's best hotel by Travel & Leisure readers.
Service is beyond excellent. All the staff from the concierge to front desk to housekeeping to F&B were extra attentive and offered their best. Turndown and in-room services were quick and flawless.
Location is the best thing about this hotel being a stone's throw away from iconic sights such as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace, an area that is ultra safe at night because it is heavily guarded and monitored.
The room gave us the best sleeping experience we had in a long time from the bed to the pillows to the duvet to total darkness to the soundproofing (helped by our mobile speaker playing sleeping music to drown the first Muslim call for prayer for the day).
I could not wait to stay in this venerable hotel again.
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Date of stay: April 2024Trip type: Traveled with family
Room Tip:Its rooftop resto lounge that has breathtaking views of nearby Hagia Sophia closes from late...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Serap Akkuş, Owner at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet
Responded May 28, 2024
Dear kielwin, Thank you for your glowing review of Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet. We are honored by your high praise and thrilled to hear that you had such an exceptional experience with us. Your kind words about our service, staff, and location are deeply appreciated. We’re delighted that you found our rooms comfortable and enjoyed a restful sleep. We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable stay in the future. Warm regards, Serap Akkuş Hotel Manager
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The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, with it's perky yellow fasade, is a unique building in the historic district of the city. This converted prison incorporates the architecture of aTurkish neoclassic building while injecting the quality standards of the 4 C's Brand. Amenities include: luxurious boutique spa, fitness facility with personal trainers, centerfold to the historic district of Istanbul, an interesting prison backstory, eat in a beautifully landscaped garden and enjoy the renowned service of the 4 C's brand.
My guest room was spacious and decorated with an earthly tone palette with shades of green and blue. A dreamy bed was fitted with luxurious sheets and covers, as Turkey is well known for it's cotton. The bath was marbleized with a deep soaking tub and a separate shower. In the courtyard in an atrium-like setting, is the hotel's primary restaurant, Avlu which serves up all food day-parts in an Anatolian menu fashion. I relished a feed of Fennel & Sweet Corn Soup along with an entree of Grilled Wild Sea Bass. Lingo Lingo Bar & Restaurant serves up a selection of craft cocktails and mezze dishes. The rooftop Lounge serves signature cocktails and bar bites along with breathtaking views of the city.
So, if you want a luxe hotel that affords you the privilege of experiencing Istanbul's important attractions on foot, ..............then try the..............Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet.......This Place Used To Be A Jail.
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Absolutely wonderful stay and the best hospitality experience. This FS in Istanbul is the best location and option for tourist travelers looking for a central, walkable hotel to the main attractions. Overall, the staff and room comfort are far above anything else I have experienced from a major global hotel chain, so there is a reason for the cost. Would definitely stay here again or recommend to others. My best tip is to utilize the concierge for any and all questions. We learned so much and received very helpful advice, even with such small matters as tickets to tourists attractions and how best to utilize public transport to dinner one evening; would never have known how to get there so efficiently, as google maps does not show the tunnel as a transport option. The amenities and turn-down service are also sumptuous. There is a free shuttle to the Bosphorus FS, which has a very large fitness center and is a great location for a meal along the water.
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Date of stay: November 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Serap Akkuş, Owner at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet
Responded Nov 22, 2024
Dear Globaltraveler555, Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review! We're truly grateful for your appreciation of our staff, services, and location. It’s wonderful to know that our concierge team could assist in making your stay even more enjoyable. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we’re delighted to have been part of your Istanbul experience. We look forward to the opportunity to welcome you back soon! Best regards, Serap Akkuş Hotel Manager
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Although I am in the tourism industry and used to the level of 5°/palace hotels, I have to admit The Four Seasons Sultanahmet is one of my 10 best hotels worldwide. It offers much more than just a luxurious stay—it truly feels like a home away from home and delivers an extraordinary experience. From my very first interaction with the commercial team, I felt confident and taken care of. Then, as soon as I stepped into the Four Seasons Sultanahmet, I knew this was going to be something special. The location alone, nestled between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, feels like stepping right into the heart of Istanbul’s history. Yet, what truly makes this hotel stand out isn’t just its beauty—it’s the people. Ilayda at reception welcomed us with such warmth that I instantly felt at home. Her professionalism and genuine smile set the tone for the rest of our stay. But the real star of my experience was Derya, the Chef concierge. I’ve stayed in many places, but Derya’s level of care, passion and attention is rare. She constantly anticipated our needs, always going above and beyond to ensure our happiness. Her whole team mirrors that same passion and expertise, and it’s clear they all love what they do. Every morning, Muhammet and the breakfast team made sure the day started perfectly. Their attention to detail, whether it was remembering our favorite drink or recommending local dishes, was impeccable—matched only by their kindness. Though I don't typically focus on hotel restaurants, the one at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet truly stands out. It is a real treat, in a relaxed yet welcoming atmosphere. Even though I didn’t catch all their names, the entire restaurant team was fantastic—always ready with a smile and eager to make every meal a pleasure. The rooms are Spacious, comfortable, and so quiet despite being in the heart of the city. I loved knowing that, within minutes, I could wander through Sultanahmet's vibrant streets. It’s that mix of tranquility and immersion in local culture that makes this place so unique. Staying here didn’t just feel like staying at a luxury hotel—it felt like being cared for by people who genuinely want to make your time in Istanbul as special as possible. I can’t recommend it highly enough.
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Date of stay: October 2024
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Trip type: Traveled on business
Room Tip:Do not miss the cocktails at the bar: very good! And the rooftop is also a must.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Serap Akkuş, Owner at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet
Responded Oct 20, 2024
Dear MareeWal, Thank you for taking the time to share your exceptional experience with us. We are truly honored to be counted among your top hotels, especially given your extensive background in the tourism industry. It is wonderful to know that our team's efforts, from the initial communication through to your arrival and stay, made a positive impact on your visit. I’m delighted to hear that Ilayda’s warm welcome and Derya’s personalized attention contributed to a memorable experience. We are fortunate to have such dedicated colleagues who genuinely care about our guests, and your recognition of their efforts means a lot. I’m also glad to hear that Muhammet and the breakfast team contributed to a perfect start each morning and that our restaurant offered a delightful experience in both taste and atmosphere. We appreciate your recommendation and your kind words. We look forward to welcoming you back for another memorable stay in Istanbul. Best regards, Serap Akkuş Hotel Manager
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This hotel has a great location and is central to everything you need to see in the city. In the historic center of Sultanmet. This hotel horrified me. From the outside it looks magnificent, the decoration of the lobby is nice, but the quality of the service bothered me. This quality of service should not be offered by paying high prices per room. It is unacceptable that managers do not see it.
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Date of stay: May 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This is the hardest review, why?, because i stayed there for three nights and was trying to find something to fault the hotel but found nothing! This was a perfect stay! I arrived at the hotel around midnight and wanted to have a drink on the terrace bar overlooking Hagia Sofia, but the bar was closed, no problem, the receptionist immediately opened the area, set up a table and was able to enjoy my drink overlooking the magnificent Hagia Sofia( it couldn't be closer). Everything about the hotel is perfectly balanced, nothing is overstated and nothing is understated. The hotel is spotless, not only the rooms but every area, cleanliness is at another level. The room was big with a big bathroom, and the bed linen was so fresh and soft. The restaurant in the courtyard is again perfect , offering a perfect breakfast, you would never know are in a big buzzing city. Finally the staff. Amazing! They are always around but not in a way that you feel that someone is always watching you, very polite but not overly in a way that makes you feel awkward.
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Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The hotel is a beautiful ancient building renovated and with attention to the smallest details. The room (junior suite) is perfect for a family (with two children aged 14 -11) with two large double beds and a sofa bed. Spotlessly clean: the sheets and pillows are really of excellent quality, very soft. The impeccable service both in the room and on the ground floor and in the restaurants. The breakfast was of a high standard with both an international and typical menu, excellent I would say. We ate one evening at the restaurant on the ground floor, the Ramadam menu, really good and excellent quality - price. The proximity to the monuments (the Blue Mosque is a stone's throw from the hotel as is the Hagia Sophia) makes the stay in this hotel truly evocative. I would be very pleased to enjoy a good aperitif even on the terrace, which is still closed, this is the only thing that surprised me. Before arriving in Istanbul I dreamed of having an aperitif on that magical terrace... Perhaps it should have been mentioned on the site. The Four Seasons confirms its refinement and extraordinary hospitality. Super good! oops one important thing: Istanbul is a very safe city even for families. All my worries vanished in an instant, also thanks to this magical hotel!
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Date of stay: April 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Los Angeles, California138 contributions84 helpful votes
The Hagia Sofia is a 10 minute walk from the hotel and there is a tram stop next to the Hagia Sofia. The tram ride would be a 5-7 minute ride. Everything is very close by
There are more places to choose from in the Istanbul area.
PRICE RANGE
$550 - $942 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
4 seasons hotel istanbul at sultanahmet, four seasons istanbul, istanbul four seasons, four seasons hotel istanbul
LOCATION
TürkiyeIstanbulSultanahmet
NUMBER OF ROOMS
65
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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