Four Seasons Hotel

Frommer's Review

For the journalists and intellectual dissidents sentenced to a prison term in this building, a period of incarceration was something to brag about -- and it still is, albeit for different reasons. After a long period of neglect, this Turkish neoclassical building located in the heart of Sultanahmet was converted from a prison into a five-star hotel, with much of the original marble and tile recycled into its present-day, elegant design. The saffron exterior is a bit severe, but the contrast within couldn't be greater. Rooms have elegant furniture all purchased locally; the architect even stayed true to tradition by applying paint as they did in the Ottoman palaces -- with a spatula. The opulent and luxurious bathrooms, all with separate toilet cabin, present a formidable amount of competition for time spent sightseeing, and the king-size beds are amazingly comfy. Plus, almost all of the rooms have views of something fabulous.

Facilities:
Restaurant; 2 bars; fitness room; Jacuzzi; sauna; shopping arcade; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; elevator

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.