The hype
Guests are obsessed with the 'insane' views and the helpfulness of the staff (specifically the concierges and butlers).
Raffles Istanbul
$550-850 / nacht
Boek dit als You want the slickest, most modern luxury pad in the city with direct access to high-end shopping and zero 'Old City' crumbling charm.
Waarom mensen ervan houden
- The 'Bosphorus View' rooms actually deliver a panoramic sweep of two continents
- Direct elevator access to Zorlu Center (Eataly, luxury brands, performing arts)
- Butler service that actually does things (like unpacking or drawing herbal baths)
Snel Overzicht: It feels more like a billionaire's penthouse in Singapore or Dubai than a historic Turkish hotel, but the service is flawless.
Beoordeeld door @gregkiep: I checked into the Raffles Istanbul and honestly, I never wanted to leave. The suite is bigger than my apartment! Watching the sunset from that massive balcony with a glass of wine was the highlight of my trip. If you want to feel like a VIP, this is the place.
Gast die hier verbleef zei
Reality check
The AC struggles to get 'American cold' in the summer, and soundproofing between rooms isn't perfect—you might hear your neighbor's TV.
- You love 'mall luxury'—being attached to high-end shops and dining
- You prefer floor-to-ceiling windows and modern tech over antique rugs and creaky floors
- You are traveling for business or want to be near the Etiler/Bebek social scene
Schoonmaak & Onderhoud
9.5
- Housekeeping: Impeccable. Twice-daily service is standard, and they are proactive (e.g., organizing your toiletries on a cloth).
- Bathroom hygiene: Sparkling. Marble is polished, grout is white, and drains are clear. No mold issues found in searches.
- Maintenance: Excellent. The building is relatively new (2014) and well-maintained. Minor scuffs on furniture are rare.
- Linens & towels: Plush, heavy, and crisp. High thread count and replaced generously.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of their signature floral/fresh scent (often described as lavender or custom). No musty smells reported.
Sleepability™
7.5STIL
0-4LUID
4-7.5GEMATIGD
7.5-10STIL
- Isokyo restaurant/bar DJ (evenings)
- Hallway noise/doors slamming
- AC fan noise (can be loud when working hard)
Voordat je boekt
Goed om te weten
- The hotel is attached to Zorlu Center, which has an Eataly—great for a 'cheaper' but high-quality meal.
- Traffic in this area (Levent/Beşiktaş) is brutal at rush hour (5-7 PM); use the Metro (Gayrettepe station) which connects to the mall.
- The outdoor pool has a vibe, but the indoor pool is a stunning, quiet sanctuary.
Wat je mee moet nemen
- Dressy casual outfits (locals dress up for the mall and dinner here)
- Swimsuit for the stunning indoor/outdoor pools
- Universal adapter (though the room tech is good, backups help)
Kamer Genie
Beste keuzes
- Bosphorus Suite (worth the splurge for the wrap-around balcony)
- Corner Premier Room (extra windows, massive views)
- Any room on a floor *above* the 15th to clear the mall roof and minimize noise
Kamers om te vermijden
- City View rooms on lower floors (you stare at office buildings/traffic)
- Rooms directly above the Isokyo restaurant/bar (vibration/bass issues)
Kamer Aanvraag Genie – kopiëren en plakken
“I would love a room on a high floor (15+) facing the Bosphorus. Please ensure I am NOT located directly above the Isokyo restaurant or near the elevator bank, as I am a light sleeper.”
Veelgestelde vragen & Verborgen tips
Alles wat je eigenlijk wilt weten voordat je boekt.
Is it close to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia?
No. It's a 30-45 minute taxi ride (depending on traffic) or a metro ride away. This is the 'modern' side of town.
Does the butler actually do anything?
Yes. They will unpack your bags, arrange a helicopter tour, or draw a bath with salts and herbs. Use them.
Is the pool open year-round?
The indoor pool is open year-round and is beautiful. The outdoor pool is seasonal (summer only).
Can I walk to restaurants?
Yes, but mostly inside the Zorlu Center mall (which has great options like Eataly, Morini, Parle). For street food, you need a taxi.
Is it kid-friendly?
Surprisingly yes. They provide baby amenities (cribs, diapers, balloons) and the mall has a playground, but the vibe is definitely 'adult luxury'.
How much is breakfast?
Expensive. Expect to pay around €45 ($50) per person for the buffet.
Tips van Insiders
- ✨
Use the 'Residents Entrance' to the mall to skip the security lines at the main mall doors.
- ✨
The 'Ortigia' bathroom amenities are a rare Italian luxury find—ask housekeeping for extra sets.
- ✨
The hotel has a massive art collection (over 200 pieces); ask the concierge for the 'Art Tour' map to do a self-guided walk.
5 dingen die je moet weten voordat je gaat
💡The 'Isokyo' restaurant isn't just for dinner; it turns into a loud party spot with a DJ, which can be annoying if you want a quiet meal.
💡You can take a helicopter directly from the roof (there's a helipad), which is the ultimate 'Succession' move.
💡The AC system struggles to get the room 'meat locker' cold in the peak of August heat.
💡The 'City View' rooms basically look at office towers and traffic; the 'Bosphorus View' is the only reason to stay here.
💡The spa has 'Ice Fountains'—literally crushed ice to rub on yourself after the sauna.
Lokaal Playbook
Kaart
Bekijk waar Raffles Istanbul zich bevindt en wat er in de buurt is.