The Shangri-La Bosphorus sits on the European shore in Besiktas, two minutes' walk from the water, and it combines the polished service of an Asian luxury brand with a distinctly Istanbul setting. The hotel lists 186 rooms, from Deluxe and Premier rooms to suites and executive suites, with floor-to-ceiling windows, Nespresso machines, marble bathrooms with heated floors and deep tubs, and toiletries from Bulgari or Acqua di Parma. At the center of the property is a courtyard with two preserved sycamore trees, and a collection of more than a thousand artworks runs through the public spaces, which gives the building a gallery-like feel. Dining includes Shang Palace, a Cantonese restaurant that the hotel notes has Gault and Millau recognition, a second restaurant, a coffee shop and two bars and lounges, with twenty-four-hour room service. The spa has eight treatment rooms, plus a sauna, steam room and a Turkish bath, and there is an indoor pool and a children's pool. The Naval Museum is next door, and the hotel even offers city tours in a Rolls-Royce Ghost for guests who want to see Istanbul in extravagant style.
Who it suits
Travelers who want a tranquil base with excellent service, couples celebrating an occasion, and anyone who enjoys art and food in their hotel. The reviews praise the staff and the concierge in particular, with only occasional notes such as a slow check-in despite a prepaid booking. Families are welcome, with free cribs on request and a children's pool, but the atmosphere leans calm and refined rather than resort-lively.
Location math
The Bosphorus is a two-minute walk, Besiktas Pier three minutes and Yildiz Park five, with Dolmabahce Palace about twelve minutes on foot and Ciragan Palace about fifteen. Taksim Square is within roughly a mile, and Istanbul Airport is about forty minutes by car. The Macka cable car station is a fifteen-minute walk. Sultanahmet lies across the Golden Horn, so budget half an hour or more by taxi for the old-city sights. The location is ideal for ferries from Besiktas, for exploring the Bosphorus shoreline and for a trip to Ortakoy.
Practical notes
Buffet breakfast is available for a fee and is served in the morning, check-in starts at three o'clock and check-out is at noon, with late check-out subject to availability. The hotel accepts cards but not cash, and a photo ID and deposit may be required at check-in. Spa and massage reservations are required, and children under six need adult supervision in the pool.
Pets are accepted for a fee within stated limits. Ask about Bosphorus-view rooms, and check the rate terms: free cancellation is available on select rates only. For a splurge, book a table at Shang Palace on a quiet evening.
Why stay here
- ✓Courtyard with two preserved sycamores
- ✓Collection of over 1,000 artworks
- ✓Shang Palace Cantonese restaurant
- ✓Spa with sauna, steam room and Turkish bath
- ✓Indoor pool and children pool
- ✓24-hour room service
- ✓Free self and valet parking
- ✓Bulgari or Acqua di Parma toiletries
Good questions
How close is the Shangri-La to the Bosphorus?+
About two minutes on foot, with Besiktas Pier three minutes away and Dolmabahce Palace around twelve minutes.
What dining does it offer?+
Shang Palace, a Cantonese restaurant, plus a second restaurant, a coffee shop, two bars and twenty-four-hour room service.
Is there a spa?+
Yes, with eight treatment rooms, a sauna, steam room and Turkish bath. Reservations are required for spa treatments.
