11 Best Hotels In Karakoy Istanbul Turkey

Can you imagine a former red-light area is one of the most happening neighborhoods of the stunning city of Istanbul? Behold Karaköy, a happening harborside area located on the European side of Istanbul, where the Golden Horn meets the Bosphorus Strait. Ottoman-era structures and traditional neighborhood shops and bakeries rub shoulders with late-night cocktail bars, funky cafes, and contemporary art galleries. There’s even the 16th-century Kılıç Ali Paşa complex, which houses not only a mosque but also thermal baths. The best hotels in Karakoy, Istanbul, Turkey, are the same heady, mishmash, offering all comforts across a range of budgets. Think everything from high-end, five-star hotels lining the Bosphorus Strait and smaller boutique hotels to the most pulsating party hostels on the European side of Istanbul! Oh, and did we mention that it’s home to the iconic Galata Tower, one of the top things to do in Istanbul.

Even though it’s a touristy neighborhood, Karaköy is worth exploring and makes for a great base in Istanbul. It’s just a 10-minute tram ride from Sultanahmet, and a 5-minute one from Kabataş, which is also where you can catch the funicular for the dazzling and buzzing Taksim Square. And, of course, the Bosphorus Strait, with its water tours and cruises, runs right along the neighborhood. To that end, here are the best stays in Karaköy, Istanbul, which is not just one of Europe‘s most-visited cities but also one of the most-visited cities in the world.

Louis Appartements Galata

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Did you know that Karaköy’s medieval name happens to be Galata? Yes! That’s why first on our list are the Louis Appartements Galata, which keep the very spirit of the neighborhood alive. Moreover, they sit just a stone’s throw from the majestic Galata Tower.

The 12 accommodations, however, were anything but medieval, with chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling windows, flat-screen TVs, oversized headboards, and framed artwork. Sleek touches include free Wi-Fi, docking stations, Blu-Ray players, and Nespresso machines, along with a fully-equipped, ingeniously designed kitchen.

Even the common spaces beautifully blended the old and the new: think inset lights, mid-century furnishings, elaborately decorative tiles, and vaulted bricks overhead. Even though there’s no restaurant, they do deliver breakfast to your apartment for a fee. That being said, the front desk was an incredible resource, dishing out tips we needed for a fantastic stay in Istanbul.

Georges Hotel Galata

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Best rooftop views. The Georges Hotel Galata goes to show just how sophisticated, urbane, and cosmopolitan Istanbul can be. This stylishly refurbished guesthouse/hotel sits slightly further from the Galata Tower, in the buzzing Galata neighborhood. However, its most distinguishing feature is the spectacular views of the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn from its rooftop terrace. The space belongs to the superb Le Fumoir restaurant, which serves all meals, brunch, high tea, and cocktails in a chic setting.

The amenities might be fewer, but the service was no less amazing, whether it was the in-room yoga sessions with an instructor, the concierge services, or the hammam and spa reservations, which the front desk was able to do at the drop of a hat.

Our experience with the rooms was similar, and they lacked nothing when it came to comfort. Think walk-in rainshowers, soundproofed rooms and suites, and goose-down duvets. Many rooms, including ours, looked out towards the Bosphorus Strait from their private balconies.

The Galata Istanbul Hotel Mgallery

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In a stately structure on the other side of the road in Karaköy sits the upscale The Galata Istanbul Hotel Mgallery. Not only was it a less than five-minute walk from the ancient Galata Tower, but it was a 10-minute walk from the Karaköy ferry terminal and the Karaköy tram station. If that wasn’t enough, Beyoğlu is a 10-minute funicular ride away from the Karaköy inclined railway station, which is again just a five-minute walk. Perfect location, anyone?

Choose from a host of polished rooms and suites, all of which come with room service, free Wi-Fi, Nespresso machines, minibars, and flat-screen TVs. Moreover, the upgraded rooms and suites even added balconies, living areas with sofas, and/or views of the Galata Tower or the Golden Horn. It couldn’t get any better than this.

“The location close to tram stops, inclined railway stations, and the ferry ports ensured that we could explore the whole of Istanbul while staying at this Mgallery hotel.”

WOW Travel

Downstairs, there were two elegant restaurants that served Turkish and international fare across all meals. The bar had amazing water views, and the buffet breakfast was delicious (there are room options with and without breakfast, so choose carefully). Rounding up the amenities were the hot tub, the sauna, the hammam, and the fitness center, with massages available in the room for a fee.

Cheers Porthouse

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A small, simple, and yet amazing value for money guesthouse close to the Bosphorus Strait? Now that’s what we call accommodation gold! Welcome to the charming Cheers Porthouse, which sits smack dab in the middle of all the action in Karaköy in an Art Nouveau structure. We loved the contemporary rooms, which came with exposed brickwork, pops of color, and white walls that lent it an upscale vibe. Moreover, they had comforts such as flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and modern bathrooms with bath products.

The chic bar downstairs was a great place to meet locals and other travelers. What’s more, the place even served complimentary tea and coffee round-the-clock. Besides that, there was free Wi-Fi, a modern communal kitchen, and a 24-hour front desk with paid shuttle services and luggage storage.

Nomad Hostel Karaköy

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Best hostel. Primely located hostels on Istanbul’s European side don’t get any better than Nomad Hostel Karaköy. It sits in the heart of Karaköy, just two streets from Galataport, with everything from Sultanahmet to Taksim a short tram ride away.

We had the choice of a slew of comfy adults-only, air-conditioned accommodations, which were divided into dormitory rooms and private ones. What’s more, the dorms were either four-bed or six-bed ones, and both mixed and female-only, thus ensuring safety and privacy. Moreover, all rooms were soundproofed, came with shared but immaculate bathrooms, and excellent city views. Not only were the rooms spacious, but they even came with wardrobes, tiled floors, free Wi-Fi, and privacy curtains on the bunk beds, ensuring a comfortable stay.

Downstairs, facilities included paid shuttles, a shared kitchen for cooking meals, bike hire and parking, a concierge, and a lounge for mingling with other guests.

SuB Karaköy

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If you’re looking for something chic yet value-for-money, then look no further than SuB Karaköy. This small but effortlessly cool design hotel sits in the heart of Karaköy, equidistant from the port and the interiors, like the Galata Tower. It blends maritime design and comfort, making for a unique yet affordable stay in what is one of Istanbul’s most buzzing neighborhoods.

We loved the chic and minimalist rooms with neon lights, big windows, and exposed brickwork. What’s more, they came with a boatload of creature comforts, including anti-stress mattresses, LED TVs, iPod docking stations, air-conditioning, and swish bathrooms with Turkish cotton towels.

We were impressed by the amenities as well. For instance, the bohemian bar was a great place to hang out, meet, and swap stories with other travelers. Our days began with full Turkish breakfasts that were brought right to the comfort of our room. They included the likes of Turkish tea and coffee, fruit jams, cheese, olives, fresh eggs, and pastries. Even though there’s no formal restaurant, the terrace space even offered afternoon snacks and light dinners.

Ecole St Pierre Hotel, Galata/Karaköy

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A hodgepodge of cultures comes together beautifully at the Ecole St Pierre Hotel, which is the hotel closest to the iconic Galata Tower. This 17-room boutique hotel is set on the same location where a French Catholic school formerly sat, in the gardens of an Italian monastery. In fact, the monastery was designed by the same architect who restored the Hagia Sophia in the 19th century. Moreover, it saw pupils from all over Europe and was run by Dominican monks. Talk about a mishmash of cultures!

So, this interesting conversion is visible throughout the now-hotel. For instance, the galleried floors saw louvred French windows opening onto wrought iron balconies running around a central courtyard. What’s more, the remains of the 13th-century Genoese ramparts are now part of the restaurant. On the other hand, the monks’ dormitory is now a lounge/café hangout, complete with a cocktail bar in the garden.

The room interiors are pretty zeitgeisty – statement contemporary lighting, exposed brick, blond wood, inky-blue Venetian-tiled bathrooms, and colonial cane accents. Modern touches included air-conditioning, city/garden views, soundproofed windows, minibars, and bathrobes.

10 Karaköy

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10 Karaköy shimmers with sophistication and elegance, making for a chic and stylish stay in one of Istanbul’s most buzzing neighborhoods. Sitting in a historic structure, the hotel offered a choice of minimalist yet cool rooms that made for the ideal retreat after a long day of exploring Istanbul’s sights. Think fabulous modern bathrooms, crisp white linens, cool steely gray hues, and high ceilings, among other things. If you want to splurge, the views of the city from the Penthouse Suite are enchanting and downright divine!

Our days began with sumptuous buffet breakfasts at Brasserie 10, which also served brunch and high tea. The other restaurant, Bahane on 10, was open for all other meals and also served high tea. Meanwhile, the bar was ideal for sipping drinks at the day’s end. A 24-hour front desk aside, the hotel also provided concierge and room services, as well as dry-cleaning and laundry services. Did you know that the hotel also offered VIP room facilities, complete with a comprehensive city guide with hints and tips? Yes!

The Bank Hotel Istanbul, a Member of Design Hotels

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We found a sense of old-world nobility at The Bank Hotel Istanbul, a glorious-looking, restored, luxury design hotel in the neighborhood. The name comes from the fact that it’s set in a historic bank, and so we found many of the original features. Think large windows, columns everywhere, and high ceilings in the lobby. And yet, it’s chock-full of modern touches and luxuries. Did you know that this hotel was formerly called the Vault, and happens to be one of the top gay-friendly hotels in Istanbul? In fact, as the Vault, this smart hotel was one of the pioneers of the new wave of contemporary boutique stays, changing the face of Istanbul’s hospitality scene.

Today, it’s part of the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, which is evident in the elegant and understated digs. Think arched windows overlooking the affluent Bankalar Cadessi, old iron radiators, wooden desks, plush beds, swish bathrooms with rainforest showers and L’Occitane bath products, and minibars.

Since it was formerly a bank, original elements make an appearance in the most interesting ways. For instance, there’s a safe-turned drinks cabinet at the bar, there are cash registers, and there’s even a wine cellar in the original vault! The on-site fine dining riverside restaurant is exquisite and serves both Turkish and international fare. Finally, the terrace bar overlooking the glittering city lights was our favorite place to relax with a cocktail.

Novotel İstanbul Bosphorus

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Best location. A reliable, high-end chain hotel sitting right on the Bosphorus Strait? It doesn’t get any better than that! Welcome to Novotel İstanbul Bosphorus, which sits on the Promenade in Karaköy and overlooks the Golden Horn waterway and the waters of the Bosphorus Strait. So, everything we wanted to explore in Karaköy, and Istanbul for that matter, was a walk, a train ride, or a boat ride away.

Just like other Novotel outposts, we had the choice of modern rooms here, many of which offered views of the city and of the Bosphorus Strait. What’s more, all rooms came with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea-makers, and sitting areas. The suites also added Nespresso machines, minibars, balconies with water views, and even separate living rooms, some of which even had sofabeds. Did we mention that room service was available in all rooms? Yes.

Our days began with a gourmet selection buffet breakfast, which we’d enjoy with views of the water. When we wanted to unwind, we’d head to the indoor pool or the spa center, which came with a Turkish bath, a steam room, a sauna, and massages. Three restaurants on the property, including a bar and a bistro, meant that we didn’t have to venture far for food. A fitness center and an excellent location wrap up the amenities here.

The Peninsula Istanbul

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Most luxurious. Life in Istanbul revolves around the Bosphorus, and so does the hotel scene, which is evident in the luxurious Peninsula Istanbul. It sits in the mixed-use Galataport cruise terminal, a hotspot for hotels in the city. Set across four adjoining structures, the hotel is a sleek mishmash of the past and the present. For instance, the towering Bauhaus-era Lobby restaurant was formerly the passenger terminal of the port.

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On the other hand, the newly constructed wing houses spacious, light-filled suites overlooking the river. All 177 rooms and suites are filled with the usual comforts and hallmarks of a Peninsula outpost — think state-of-the-art technology, thick Tai Ping carpets, and monochrome hues. Even sleeker modern bathrooms with luxurious fittings and every mod-con under the sun wrapped up the amenities here.

This is Istanbul, which means the spa is where the brand’s character shines the brightest. It reaches its pinnacle with the marble-lined, shimmering, and purpose-built hammam, which can rival even the most established baths in Istanbul. It even has a gorgeous sauna and eight treatment rooms. Post a spa session, we’d head to the stunningly long indoor swimming pool, which was open in all seasons. Besides the Lobby restaurant, the star here is the rooftop restaurant Gallada, helmed by a two-Michelin-starred chef, and with superb Bosphorus views.

Our Verdict!

Karaköy is certainly one of Istanbul’s most vibrant neighborhoods, with easy connections to both Sultanahmet and Taksim. While we loved all the stays on this list, here are the best of the lot.

• Best rooftop views: Georges Hotel Galata
• Most luxurious: The Peninsula Istanbul
• Best hostel: Nomad Hostel Karaköy
• Best location: Novotel İstanbul Bosphorus

Where to Stay in Karaköy?

Karaköy itself is a neighborhood, essentially split into two discrete parts by the Kemeraltı Cadessi, which is also the main street along which the tram line runs. This ethnic melting pot of a neighborhood is full of winding, narrow streets — think of it as Istanbul in miniature.

The first part of Karaköy is the part that lines the Bosphorus Strait. It’s home to Galataport, which is home to Istanbul’s cruise ship terminal, among other things like shops, cafes, restaurants, museums, hotels, and even entertainment venues. The Promenade, which runs along the Bosphorus Strait, is one of the most picturesque places in the neighborhood. Another big attraction here is Umbrella Street, which is easily one of the most photographed places in all of Istanbul.

The second part of Karaköy sits inland, away from the sea, on the other side of Kemeraltı Cadessi. It’s famously home to the Galata Tower and is lined with vintage stores, shops, excellent restaurants, cafes, and whatnot. It offers a very different taste of Karaköy, which is what makes the neighborhood so special.

Which hotel is closest to the Galata Tower?

That would be the Ecole St Pierre Hotel, which lies less than a km from the iconic monument.

Which hotel in Karaköy has the best views?

The House Hotel Karaköy has lovely views of the neighborhood, the waterway, and the iconic landmarks.

Which is the most luxurious hotel in Karaköy?

That would be the Peninsula Istanbul, which has stunning Bosphorus views, opulent digs, and excellent service.