Turkey is hot, diverse, and gorgeous — from the sparkling and very long Turkish coastline to bustling Istanbul to the beautiful inland, home to the famous Cappadocia region. A stay at a boutique hotel promises to add another level of classic Turkey & modern comfort and charm to your stay.
Where to stay at a boutique hotel in Turkey? Top locations at a glance
Istanbul: Unique big-city flair
© The Haze Istanbul At a boutique hotel in Istanbul, expect unadulterated class and a quaintness particular to Turkey’s half-European, half-Asian city — this looks best in glorious dining halls, rooftop or patio bars, and lavish spa centers. With great locations and wonderful views of the city’s staggered skyline, boutique hotels offer a homey atmosphere that promises to add an extra level of comfort and style to your stay. Istanbul is known for its rich history, great food, and myriad sightseeing opportunities. The Hagia Sophia is iconic and boasts a long and fascinating history: Built in 537 as the largest Christian Church in the eastern Roman Empire, it has since changed hands many times and now serves as a museum highlighting exactly this trajectory. Wandering the streets of the Sultanahmet Old City and Taksim Square and Istiklal Street is a destination in itself — the latter replete with chance for high-end shopping as well as for cultural activities like visiting the modern art museum SALT Beyoğlu. The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar are worth a visit for a shopping experience unique to Turkey — expect a sort of chaotic but very fun energy radiating throughout these massive, covered shopping arenas. If you’re looking for a unique souvenir or a classic one like a Kilim rug or beautiful ceramics, the Grand Bazaar is the place to go. Finally, for an experience you can really only get in Istanbul, walk across the Bosphorus Bridge and cross from Europe into Asia.
Turkish Riviera: Coastal beauty & seaside charm
© Lycia Hotel The glistening Turquoise Coast has much to offer in terms of unadulterated beauty and the highest class of leisure. Spend full days laying in the Mediterranean sun and swimming in the warm sea. Boutique hotels right on the coast strike a lovely balance between resort-like establishments, decked out with all the most modern amenities and facilities, and cozy atmospheres with quaint dining halls & patios and romantic, private sunbathing areas. Watch the sunset from your room’s huge balcony or enjoy a raki, Turkey’s national drink, poolside at your boutique hotel near Bodrum. Down in Kas, savor delicious Turkish cuisine and fresh seafood delicacies served beachside. Take advantage of opportunity also for boat trips off the coast and waters perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. In addition to taking in the scenery and relishing in the company of the great Mediterranean and all her glory, you can cruise down the Dalyan River for glimpses of ancient structures carved into mountainsides, indigenous wildlife, and thermal springs. In the town of Daylan, do what the locals do and take a mud bath for a kind of natural facelift. The Taurus Mountains serve as the divide between the coastal area and the central Anatolian Plateau and are magnificent for their grandeur and their having once served as the barrier between the ancient worlds of Anatolia and Syria.
Inland Turkey: Out-of-this-world Cappadocia & fun in Turkey’s capital
Cappadocia is spectacular in every way — its unique terrain is a sight to behold, shooting up from valleys are clustered rock formations which have been described as many things, among them as “fairy chimneys.” This region spans thousands of years and a rather large chunk of Central Turkey. A boutique hotel overlooked by the awe-inspiring Mount Erciyes volcano and among the bewildering rock formations will most likely be tucked away in a kind of cave and decorated with fine Turkish rugs and traditional-meets-contemporary design concepts. Here you’ll find particularly intimate atmospheres paired with luxe and wonderfully curated style. While in Cappadocia, a ride on a hot air balloon over the region is a must. Hikers will also find this magical terrain to be primed for wanders in the hot sun through Güllüdere (Rose) Valley to Haçlı Kilise church of stone. Also in Turkey’s inland is Ankara, the capital since 1923. Head to a boutique hotel in Ankara if what you’re after is a younger spirit, a hip restaurant and café scene, as well as a necessary taste of the extremely old like at the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the Anıt Kabir, the massive mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
© Deniz Feneri Lighthouse Hotel
Good to know
Etiquette: If you are visiting a mosque or other place of worship, avoid wearing open shoes or revealing clothing — especially shorts for men and short skirts or tank tops for women. Note that public displays of affection are frowned upon (especially in cities) but holding hands is okay.
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