Four Seasons Sultanahmet
I’m often asked for my opinion on the best area of Istanbul to choose when you’re coming here as a tourist. Without a doubt, if this is your first visit to Istanbul then it has to be Sultanahmet. All the main sights are in easy walking distance.
In a city as congested as Istanbul, even with its terrific public transport system, that’s important. You want to make memories that don’t involve feeling like the whole city is crammed onto the same bus as you, complete with the less than savoury scents of summer, if you get my drift. Once you’re ready to venture further afield, my bespoke guide Istanbul 50 Unsung Places will ensure you get where you want to go and back with ease.
As for which hotel to stay at, the Four Seasons Sultanahmet is the perfect choice if you’re after a luxurious, intimate experience where you’ll be cocooned in genuine Turkish hospitality right in the historic centre. Solo travellers take note, the warmth and friendliness of the Four Seasons Sultanahmet staff mean you’ll never feel lonely as well as safe at all times.
History of the Four Seasons Sultanahmet
The building was designed by Mimar Kemaleddin Bey as a prime example of Turkish neoclassical architecture, with its characteristic pointed arches, ornate tiles, dramatic domes and fairy tale looking towers. Set around a landscaped courtyard garden atwitter with birdsong, the tranquil calm belies the fact that in the early 20th century the property was a prison for intellectual dissidents such as world famous poet Nazim Hikmet. The working mescit, a small prayer room, and historic guard towers in the courtyard date to that time.
What to expect during your stay at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet
The Four Seasons Sultanahmet has served as a luxury hotel since the 1990s and underwent extensive renovations during the Covid period. Today it exudes an atmosphere of elegance and charm in the midst of the bustle and endearing chaos of the old city.
The corridor walls are decorated with antique etchings dating to when Istanbul was known as Constantinople, modern works by local artists and displays of traditional costumes and gold thread embroideries. Rooms look out over the courtyard or across the city and are very well appointed. I love to start my day lounging in a chair with a book and end it by reading before going to sleep so I particularly like the fact there were so many lights to choose from.
Guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to dining too. Indulge your tastebuds at Avlu Restaurant year round. The team serve up modern Anatolian cuisine so good it’s listed in the Michelin Guide to Istanbul.
If you’re partial to duck, their signature Duck Tirit dish is a culinary masterpiece both for the palate and visually. Chef Akin Karabatak gives a modern interpretation of this traditional dish, inspired by his grandmother who cooked chicken with phyllo pastry.
Enjoy a snack and a drink at the Lingo Lingo bar and snuggle up by the fireplace with a glass of wine during the winter months and drink in the atmosphere. If you pass on dessert drop into La Pistache Patisserie one afternoon. Their lokum, that’s Turkish Delight , really is wonderful and goes well with a Turkish coffee.
Come morning Avlu transforms to a breakfast room fit for a sultan. Turkish olives, assorted cheeses, Aegean greens, homemade jams, traditional pastries and oven warm breads adorn the counter along with freshly squeezed juices, oats, cereals and yoghurt. Enjoy made to order egg dishes such as menemen, omelets or eggs Benedict, to name a few.
The chef sends out complimentary food and drink samples so you can try something different each day.
In summer head for the rooftop bar where the team serve up the incomparable creations of mixologist Burak Temnur. The Hagia Sophia provides a stunning backdrop as you sip on cocktails, listen to the call to prayer from the nearby Blue Mosque all the while overlooking an exciting yet-to-be opened archaeology site. You can read about other places to have a drink in Istanbul here.
Other facilities in the Four Seasons Sultanahmet
I’m certain booklovers like me will find something to tempt them at the hotel bookshop. They sell my books too so it’s easy to pop in and pick one up! I consider reading a form of self-care and the hotel provides more in the form of the Four Seasons Sultanahmet Kurna Spa. In addition to traditional Turkish hamam services for solo travellers or couples, they provide a bridal hamam too.
Imagine celebrating your upcoming nuptials with your besties in a Turkish bath! You get to choose the music and they pamper you and your guests with a full kese and foam treatments, snacks, fruit, traditional Turkish sherbet drinks and more. Contact the spa direct to make a reservation and readers note, you don’t need to stay at the hotel to enjoy this experience.
Guests of the Four Seasons Sultanahmet have complimentary access to the gorgeous waterfront pool at the Four Seasons at the Bosphorus during the summer season. A shuttle service runs between the two hotels several times a day, year round.
How to get to the Four Seasons Sultanahmet
When I’m looking to book a flight I like to use Kiwi.com. However be aware that Istanbul has two international airports, one on either side of the city, both equidistant from Sultanahmet. Although I’m a big advocate of public transport when I need to be picked up from or get to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, I use one of these GetYourGuide airport transfers.
Check whether you need a tourist visa in advance. If you do, they’re easy to arrange so there’s no need to pay extra to have someone do it for you. Here’s my post on everything to know about evisas before you take off.
Other useful tips to help you make the most of your upcoming trip.
Staying in touch is important and esim from Airalo are easy to use and affordable.
Even if I never claim on it, I always take out TRAVEL INSURANCE. I recommend Visitors Coverage. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
That’s all from me other than to say a big thank you to the staff and management of the Four Seasons Sultanahmet for inviting me to stay with them.
Have a fun, carefree time in Istanbul. I hope you come to love it as much as I do. Iyi yolculuklar!
