I had the pleasure of spending 5 nights here before another 3 nights at the Four Seasons Bosphorus. This hotel is incredibly luxurious. The premium room was spacious with a beautiful marble bathroom. Because the building was a prison, the walls are thick and the rooms are quiet. The staff is uniformly excellent. They really work hard to make you feel comfortable. One of the waiters told me that they aim to make the hotel your temporary home--and they succeed.

You step out the front door, turn right, and you're in the heart of ancient Istanbul. Aya Sofya is right in front of you and just nearby are the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace. Each of these is no more than a 10 minute walk. There's a lovely little bazaar (Arasta Bazaar) a few minutes away, and they have some wonderful stores and a big cafe where you can eat bread made right there--or even smoke a water pipe if you want to.

The concierge team always came up with helpful suggestions. The front desk staff were always welcoming. Everyone knew my name and it was just a tremendously enjoyable stay.

Loved the fact the Four Seasons took an amazing old abandonned building and restored it to such high quality and with many special touches,art and artifacts. A pleasure to stay in with very helpful, friendly staff.

We stayed for three nights to explore a bit of Istanbul. The location is absolutely amazing to relax, enjoy some tea but also to explore the Aya Sofia and Blue Mosque. Excellent hammam and the grand bazaar are only a short walk away.

The staff are friendly and very helpful. The concierge gave great local advice and make some good recommendations for meals, especially recommending a local fish place (Balikci Sabahattin) and kebab (Khorasani.) One night we were recommended to Bebek Balikci which was quite a disappointment. We ordered fresh fish and were given chunks of fish which were overcooked and tasteless. Avoid this place if recommended.

I really can't say enough about the hotel. Rooms are large. Staff are friendly and attentive. And the location is divine!