Four Seasons At Sultanahmet

Finding a view of Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque from your room is a tall order in Istanbul—unless, of course, you book here. But if you find yourself staring at your room itself instead of the view out the window, we won’t be surprised. Guest rooms are as cinematic as they come, with rounded windows flanked by golden and gauzy draperies, Ottoman-era inspired artwork, and carved blonde wood furniture. Amenities are just as luxe, with twice-daily housekeeping, DVD and CD players, and in-room espresso machines and private bars. Get a sultan’s experience by booking the 861-square-foot Pasha Suite, which has two separate levels, private veranda, a walk-in closet and a marble-lined bathroom. Be sure to spend at least one morning exploring the hotel’s leafy courtyard, redolent of rosemary, peppermint, and other herbs.

An ornate 65-room retreat in a 1918 neoclassical estate, with doting service and three toothsome restaurants.

Equipped with an enormous spa (though on-site treatments are available). Need more? They are happy to shuttle guests to be pampered at their sister hotel, Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus.

The staff have exquisite taste, literally, and have curated a host of foodie experiences for guests, whether you want to ramble through towers of cinnamon and sumac in the Old City’s spice market or indulge in a barista-perfected coffee ritual using Third Wave beans.

Rooftop lounges don’t get any better than A’Ya terrace, where the lights of the Hagia Sophia illuminate twilight over the town. You settle into your banquette and order an amethyst cocktail—with tequila, hibiscus syrup, passion fruit puree and egg white—and find it’s heaven in a glass. Or is that the view talking?

Seasons Restaurant - Savaş Aydemir's cuisine featuring local products The Lounge A 'Ya Rooftop Lounge