Top 3 five stars hotels with a view of the Dolmabahce in Istanbul, Turkey

Guests praise the spa services, breakfasts, service, and of course, the views. It is pleasant to watch passing cargo ships and passenger ferries from the panoramic windows. You can enjoy your time in the hotel lounge, work in peace, and have a cup of coffee. 

Directly across the street from the Swissotel hotel is the Dolmabahçe Palace. From the windows of some hotel rooms and public areas, there is a view of the palace, which is hidden among the trees, but still remains visible. The majestic Bosphorus Strait, the bridge across it, and the Asian part of Istanbul will be visible from the panoramic windows of your room. Wait for the night lighting of the bridge - it will certainly impress you!

When you book a room with a view of the Bosphorus, try to choose higher floors, then you are guaranteed to enjoy the view of the Dolmabahçe Palace. There are various categories with such a view: from standard double rooms with one or two beds to two-bedroom apartments. The latter will have an open terrace, loungers, and a view from the window that you will never forget. In standard rooms, there is a coffee table with chairs by the panoramic window, where you can comfortably have breakfast while enjoying morning Istanbul.

All the hotels on my list are located in the same area, have similar views, but each has its own unique feature. Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul has chosen as its mission to support the organization "SOS Children's Villages." When a child can no longer live in the family where they were born, this organization gets involved and starts caring for them with the help of the local community and government partners. If you choose the "Worthwhile Journey" offer, you will donate 10 dollars to the organization—this amount will allow feeding two families or buying a school backpack for one of the wards. Your stay will also include breakfasts.

Istanbul is a large and bustling metropolis. Of course, there aren't as many tourists at the Dolmabahçe Palace as there are in Fatih, but I assure you, they will be there. I want to help you relax outside the hotel walls and suggest where to spend time in peace. It's a great fortune that the building is located in close proximity to the Democracy Park Maçka. Some rooms have windows overlooking the park. The main entrance is also located on the side of the park. It's nice to set up a morning run or lay out a blanket for a picnic here. Many locals do just that. Take the opportunity to ride the funicular. This way, you will reduce the distance and also see the surroundings from above.

During the ferry trip, this skyscraper was impossible to miss. Now I will know that The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul is located here. You can relax in the local spa or attend a football match at the Besiktas stadium, which is near the hotel.

The Ritz-Carlton Istanbul is located on an elevation further than the previous hotel, offering magnificent views of the Bosphorus Strait and, in particular, the Dolmabahçe Palace from its windows. Here, the entire scale of the palace complex is already visible. You will see how the morning rays of sun play in the palace windows and the waves of the Bosphorus, and how the setting sun paints the white walls in a golden hue. Take the opportunity to go up to the highest floor and view Istanbul from above.

Choose a hotel room with a view of the Bosphorus and enjoy not only comfort and luxury but also the landscapes of Istanbul. Relax on the terrace or by the window and watch as ships glide through the strait, how the Çamlıca Mosque towers over the Asian shore, how beautiful the Bosphorus Bridge is in the evening. An Nespresso coffee machine and a tropical shower will help you refresh and start your day anew. Take care of your body with Asprey cosmetic products. Or head straight to the Turkish hammam and begin your day just like the Ottoman sultans.

A feature of the Ritz-Carlton that I find remarkable is the presence of its own Turkish hammam. This luxurious place allows you to enjoy all the delights that friendly Turkey has to offer. In addition, the Soul spa center has 7 treatment rooms where you can receive pleasant and relaxing body treatments: scrubs, wraps, massages, foot baths, and facials. They even offer eye care, scalp and hair treatments, fitness consultations, and fitness classes for complete body wellness. After that, you can dive into the heated indoor pool that is 17 meters long. Its space is surrounded by Byzantine columns, and the ceiling features a heavenly painting. It is very beautiful here! If you love fresh air, head up to the sun terrace and spend time in the panoramic pool with a view of Istanbul.

The Ritz-Carlton hotel offers an endless number of excursions! I have selected for you the ones you should visit first. “Istanbul in One Day” offers a chance to get acquainted with iconic places: Sultanahmet Square with its famous mosques and the Basilica Cistern, aromatic and colorful bazaars. This is a Must See in Istanbul. Purchase spices and Turkish delight and don't be afraid to haggle! Uncover the secrets of the Ottoman era on the “Magnificent Ottomans” tour. Spend time away from tourist spots on the “Like a Local” and “Off the Beaten Path” excursions. Take a cruise on a private yacht and admire the Dolmabahçe Palace from the water as part of the “Glamorous Bosphorus” tour. If you get tired of the noise and large crowds, head to the Princes' Islands on a cruise. You will sail through the Sea of Marmara and, if you're lucky, see dolphins.

You couldn't have missed this hotel if you have ever sailed through the Bosphorus and admired the Dolmabahçe Palace. It is adjacent to it and the naval museum. Shangri-La Bosphorus is located right on the shore of the strait — the sound of waves crashing against the shore and the best views are guaranteed here.

Shangri-La Bosphorus is located in line with the Dolmabahçe Palace, so only some rooms face it. Sitting on the terrace or by the window, you can watch the boats glide across the Bosphorus, while the silhouettes of historic buildings are outlined in the distance. The evening lighting comes on, and the palace appears in a special light. 

I know that the two-level suites offer a view of the Dolmabahçe Palace. I cannot comment on the other rooms of the hotel. Stunning views are provided by floor-to-ceiling windows. The mighty Bosphorus Strait is right at your fingertips. The interiors are done in a classic style. The living area and terrace are located on the lower level, while the upper level features a bedroom with a bed longer than 2 meters. The marble bathroom has a heated floor. Everything you need and more is available: from an iron to aromatic bath salts.

Of course, the highlight of this hotel is its location on the first line of the Bosphorus coast. In the past, there were only Ottoman palaces and summer residences of noble figures along the shore. The building itself holds centuries of history. Take the opportunity to see Istanbul from the water as many times as you wish. Cross the Bosphorus and reach the Asian coast, where you can visit the Çamlıca Mosque. Or take a longer trip to Emirgan Park. Perhaps you would like to take a ferry to reach the historical part of the city? It will be very convenient to do so, as the ferry station is located right beneath the hotel.

Uncover the secrets of making Turkish baklava by visiting the kitchen of a legendary pastry shop in Karaköy. Prepare the dessert yourself and then enjoy a tasting. Discover the mysteries of Turkish coffee and fortune-telling at a masterclass near the Galata Tower. Bring home souvenirs in the form of a cezve, cup, and coffee set. Get acquainted with traditional Turkish art by attending a marbling water painting masterclass in the vibrant Sultanahmet area. And be sure to gift your finished masterpiece to your loved ones. At the end of your journey, reminisce about all the sweet Eastern scents that surrounded you. Perhaps the smell of spices at the Grand Bazaar stayed with you the most. Then, try to recreate it at a perfume masterclass in Nişantaşı.