Istanbul hotels: From Soho House to Shangri-La

The Big Six

Soho House, Beyoglu

Soho House, Beyoglu

There's a no-photos rule at this photogenic club, membership to which is awarded only to creative-minded people. There are bedrooms attached to the club, and prospective guests are checked out by the reservations team to ensure they're of the right "mindset". The bedrooms are full of vintage goodies, including cut-glass crystal wine glasses, record players and old-school records. The decor is Turkish-inspired, with Ottoman-style rugs and colourful cushions. Access to the house is permitted for those staying in the rooms, and there's a rooftop cocktail bar complete with Fifties-style yellow-and-white candy-striped sun loungers, a pool and an incredible view over the city.

Evliya Celebi Mahallesi Mesrutiyet Caddesi 56 , Beyoglu (00 90 212 377 7100; sohohouseistanbul.com). Doubles from €115, B&B.

The Vault, Karakoy

A former bank in the commercial Karakoy district, The Vault combines history with style; it was built for Credit General Ottoman in 1863. The hotel has kept original features such as marble surfaces and wood-panelled doors, adding heavy curtains, plush furnishings and a beige-and-green colour scheme. In keeping with the hotel's premise, there's also a cocktail bar named Gold Bar, located behind cast-iron vault doors.

The Vault Karakoy, Bankalar Caddesi 5, Karakoy (00 90 212 244 6434; thehousehotel.com). Doubles from €148, B&B.

Shangri-La Bosphorus, Besiktas

A former 1920s tobacco factory, this five-star hotel is located on the Bosphorus strait. There is a gilded sweeping staircase and enormous chandelier in the entrance hall, while the bedrooms are a little more subtle, decorated in greys, blues and whites, with classic furnishings. Some even come with private terraces from which to enjoy the vista across the strait to the city's Asian shore.

Sinanpasa Mah, Hayrettin Iskelesi Sok 1, Besiktas (00 90 212 275 8888; shangri-la.com). Doubles from €540, including breakfast.

Raffles Istanbul, Besiktas

This five-star hotel opened last September. The bedrooms are a mix of contemporary and traditionally Turkish with cool, blue walls contrasting with bright, Ottoman-style furnishings. The rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows, balconies, panoramic views and marble bathrooms. Some also have a feature wall by the bed. Elsewhere in the hotel are two swimming pools, a rooftop cinema and a helipad – should you wish to arrive in style.

Zorlu Center, Besiktas (00 90 212 924 0200; raffles.com/istanbul). Doubles from €385, room only.

Banker Han, Karakoy

Another new offering in the up-and-coming neighbourhood of Karakoy is Banker Han. The renovated building was once used as an inn by visiting merchants and now offers 36 rooms, including three loft bedrooms with private terraces. Inside, the feel is urban-chic with exposed brick walls and high ceilings. In keeping with its trendy vibe, the hotel exhibits street art and hosts jazz evenings, book clubs, wine tastings and cupcake workshops.

Banker Sokagı 2, Karakoy (00 90 212 243 56 17; bankerhan.com). Doubles from €77, B&B.

A'jia Hotel, Kanlica

The only way to arrive at this waterside hotel, on the Asian side of the Bosphorus strait, is by speedboat. The Ottoman mansion, which appears to float on the water, combines a grand exterior with modern interiors. It's small, with just 16 bedrooms, with high ceilings, white linen, and wooden floors. Suites come with river views; some have balconies jutting out over the water.

Ahmet Rasim Pasa Yalisi Halide Edip Adıvar Caddesi 27, Kanlica (00 90 216 413 9300; ajiahotel.com). Doubles from €225, room only.