From Prison to Palace, Istanbul’s Stately Four Seasons

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

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Half a mile from the banks of the narrow Bosphorus Strait, where Europe ends and Asia begins the Four Seasons Hotel glimmers in the form of a bold yellow palace. This intimate oasis is situated in Istanbul's oldest district, Sultanahmet, making it both an ideal hotspot for those exploring the rich history of the region and a leisurely escape from the urban tumult. The hotel is just steps from the millennia-old Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and relic-filled Topkapi. The Grand Bazaar and Spice Market are merely a mile away, affording convenient access to Turkish shopping, while the Four Season's sister hotel at the Bosporus is within a twenty-minute drive and provides spectacular views of the narrow strait.

Formerly a Turkish prison, the Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet is now one of the most opulent and accommodating stays in the city. Ivy vines climb its mustard-yellow façade, embellished by blue enamel and marble trim. Its lofty entrance makes a dramatic first impression; an arched wooden doorway leading to a regal interior of graceful corridors and pinched arches. Architect Mimar Kemaleddin Bey designed the hotel in the early 1970s, embracing Turkish Neoclassicism. However, much of the building's original elements remain, including hand-painted tile floors, striking towers, and vaulted windows and doorways. Glass-tunneled walkways provide regular glimpses of the hotel's tranquil courtyard, which comprises a meticulously landscaped garden and the glass-roofed Seasons Restaurant.

With no spa or pool on location, guests are granted access to the nearby Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Bosphorus. The moody spa offers Hammam journeys and other treatments from Sodashi, Biologique Recherche, and Triple Detox Therapy, while its epic swimming pool features tall pillars, elaborate marble patterns, and soaring skylights.

Rooms & Suites

Sixty-five spacious rooms and suites display elegance with lavish yet inviting atmospheres. They feature unique interior designs and are complemented by the Four Season's world-renowned service standards. The neutral abodes showcase authentic Turkish art pieces and Ottoman-inspired furnishings, including traditional wooden tables and kilim rugs handwoven by local artisans. Intricate iron scrollwork, finials atop drapes, and metal chrome fruit bowls demonstrate exceptional attention to detail, while marble bathrooms contain soaking tubs, flat-screen TVs, and L'Occitane toiletries.

Upgrading to one of the hotel's premier suites affords a fully equipped kitchen, dining room, and living area with an ornate fireplace. It's premier Marmara suite consists of 130 square meters of Turkish décor with blue and burgundy accents, as well as three sprawling terraces overlooking the Sea of Marmara and Princess Islands.

Restaurants & Lounges

There's hardly a better place in Istanbul to wine and dine than the Four Seasons Hotel at Sultanahmet. The ideal Seasons Restaurant is a glass-enclosed pavilion, located in the central courtyard, that serves unique Mediterranean cuisine and features seating both indoors and among the manicured gardens. Near the lobby, The Lounge features the renowned Third Wave Coffee, hosts most special events, and includes three distinct spaces: an intimate dining room with sky blue walls and fireplace, a piano room displaying original artwork, and a winter garden.

But the revered A'YA Terrace claims the most impressive setting. The expansive lounge is open daily from 2PM to 11PM and features Neo-Ottoman décor with red accents, while the iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque provide unrivaled backdrops. There, guests can savor sunset cocktails and Turkish wines while glimpsing panoramic views across the Bosphorus Strait.

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Tevkifhane Sk. No:1, 34122, Turkey

https://www.fourseasons.com/istanbul

+90 212 402 30 00

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