Four Seasons Istanbul: Sultanahmet vs. Bosphorus
When it comes to Istanbul luxury, there’s Four Seasons… and then there’s everyone else. What makes it tricky? Istanbul has not one, but two Four Seasons properties, each with its own personality. We stayed at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet, but I also scoped out the Four Seasons Bosphorus — and honestly, you can’t go wrong with either. The key is knowing which one fits your trip.
Four Seasons Sultanahmet
This is the hotel you dream about if you want to step straight into the heart of Old Istanbul. The property itself is a converted Ottoman-era prison (don’t worry — it’s all charm, no chains). The interiors are elegant, the courtyard is lush, green and peaceful, and from the rooftop you have front-row views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Rooms & Suites
The hotel is boutique-sized (just over 60 rooms), which makes it feel intimate compared to many city hotels. Rooms are done in rich fabrics and warm tones, with marble bathrooms and traditional Turkish details. Families will love:
Superior & Deluxe Rooms – perfect for couples or parents with a baby/toddler.
Premier Rooms – more space and lovely courtyard or street views.
One-Bedroom Suites – ideal if you want a separate living area (cribs and rollaways fit easily).
Specialty Suites – for a splurge, these have the wow-factor views of Hagia Sophia from your windows.
Dining
Breakfast: Served in the lush garden courtyard, it feels like a private oasis in the middle of the city. Platters of fresh fruit, cheeses, breads, Turkish pastries, and eggs made to order arrive at the table. It’s the kind of breakfast you linger over, while kids can play nearby in the courtyard space. book with us for complimentary breakfast included with your stay!
Rooftop Restaurant & Bar: This is a must, even if you’re not staying here. Watching the sun set behind Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque while you sip a cocktail is pure Istanbul magic. The restaurant serves a mix of Mediterranean and Turkish dishes, beautifully plated but approachable enough for families.
Avlu Restaurant: The hotel’s main dining option, set in the courtyard, offers both Turkish and international menus. It’s relaxed, welcoming to kids, and feels far from the tourist bustle outside the gates.
Why We Loved It as a Family
You can walk everywhere — Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi, and the Grand Bazaar are all right outside your door. No long taxi rides with tired kids.
The courtyard is a safe, quiet space for little ones to burn off energy between sightseeing.
Service is warm, thoughtful, and the staff truly understand family travel (they’ll remember your child’s name by day two).
There is complimentary land or water shuttle to the bosphorus hotel where you can enjoy the other property! we cruised over for a morning of swimming in their stunning resort pool.
The vibe: intimate, historic, and deeply atmospheric. You feel wrapped in Istanbul’s layers of history the moment you arrive.
Four Seasons Bosphorus
Now picture this: a palatial waterfront mansion, terraces spilling out over the Bosphorus, and one of the dreamiest pools you’ll ever see. That’s the Four Seasons Bosphorus.
Here, it’s less about walking to landmarks and more about soaking up the luxury lifestyle side of Istanbul. You’ll see locals pulling up in boats for lunch on the terrace, guests lingering over cocktails at sunset, and families lounging by the pool with the skyline twinkling in the background.
Why families love it:
The pool is a total hit with kids.
More spacious rooms and connecting suites than Sultanahmet.
Easy access to ferries and day trips on the water.
The vibe: glamorous, resort-like, and relaxed — you could happily spend a whole day here without feeling the need to leave.
So… Which One Is Best for Your Trip?
First-time visitors / history buffs: Sultanahmet is unbeatable for proximity to the city’s most famous sites. If you want to wake up and wander straight into the Old City, stay here.
Families with younger kids: Both work, but Sultanahmet wins for convenience, while Bosphorus wins for downtime (pool + space).
Luxury lovers / second-time visitors: Bosphorus gives you the “holiday resort in the city” feeling — perfect if you’ve already seen the big sites or want to balance sightseeing with serious relaxation.
Couples / celebratory trips: Honestly, flip a coin. Sultanahmet is wildly romantic at sunset, Bosphorus is unforgettable at night with the bridge lights twinkling.
My Take
If you’re doing 3–4 days in Istanbul for the first time, I’d start with Sultanahmet — maximize your time exploring without the hassle of long drives.
If you’re planning a week in Istanbul, or pairing it with Cappadocia or the coast, split your time: a few nights in Sultanahmet for the history, then move to Bosphorus for pure luxury and relaxation.
Either way, Four Seasons Istanbul sets the bar. It’s not just about five-star comfort — it’s about feeling like you’re living inside the story of the city itself.
We are here to help you choose the right fit for your trip and as always, include the best perks because of our amazing relationship with the four seasons brand.
