A Historic Gem in the Heart of Istanbul: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

Right in the center of Istanbul’s Old City, just a few minutes’ walk from the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the ancient Hippodrome, sits the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet. One of two Four Seasons properties in the city, this one has a distinctly intimate feel, with just 65 rooms and 11 suites.

The building itself has a fascinating past, once serving as a prison before being transformed into a hotel in 1996. Today, its high stone walls enclose a peaceful courtyard filled with flowers that are refreshed daily by a team of twenty gardeners. Despite its incredibly central location, the atmosphere inside is serene; you’re only steps away from Istanbul’s busiest landmarks, yet it feels a world apart from the crowds and noise.

Each room reflects the signature Four Seasons attention to detail, with bathrooms clad entirely in Turkish marble - a brand-wide standard that adds a touch of timeless luxury.

The rooftop terrace is a highlight, offering sweeping views of the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, as well as glimpses of Byzantine ruins and the Sea of Marmara. It’s the perfect spot for a cocktail at sunset, watching the city shift from day to night as the call to prayer echoes across the skyline.

The hotel tends to attract a largely American clientele, around seventy percent of guests come from the U.S. - which says a lot about how well it resonates with travelers looking for both comfort and cultural immersion. For anyone wanting to stay somewhere deeply rooted in Istanbul’s history yet effortlessly elegant, the Four Seasons Sultanahmet is an easy choice.