Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel ★★★★★

In the Old Town of Sultanahmet, passing fragrant spice markets, bakeries full of sweet pastries, magnificent mosques and opulent palaces, you’ll arrive at your hotel, surrounded by some of the most important historical monuments from the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires.

The Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel feels right at home amongst these famous UNESCO World Heritage sites, with its palatial design based on the famous Haga Sophia museum itself and its structure from the Ottoman State Archive Building.

This is where history and modernity meet, where marble columns and graceful archways, meet contemporary, sleek interiors with coloured glass and shiny gold walls. Welcomed with warm Turkish hospitality, you will start to feel right at home here too.

Enter your room and you’ll be surprised by the contemporary and stylish design in here too – innovative bold furniture, brightly coloured abstract art and freestanding baths in the corners. And from the windows, you’ll enjoy one of the best views in the city – the towering minarets and graceful domes of the Hagia Sophia.

Each day begins with a fresh continental breakfast, with produce from a nearby organic farm, which can be followed by discoveries and explorations of some of Istanbul’s most famous sights, just steps from the hotel.

Surrounding the magnificent Sultanahmet Square, visitors can see a closer glimpse of the Hagia Sophia museum, filled with treasures from the Byzantium and Ottoman empires; the Topkapi Palace, the imperial home of the Ottoman emperors for four centuries; and the magical Blue Mosque, with its many spires and domes.

As well as the major sights around the square, you’ll also find a wealth of sights located nearby including the fascinating Great Palace Mosaic Museum, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art and the Museum of Archaeology. Afterwards, enjoy some downtime in Gülhane Park, where you can stroll among the flowers or sample a traditional Turkish apple tea in one of the charming outdoor cafes enjoy the views over the Bosphorus beyond.

Escape from the busy streets in the late afternoon to unwind in the hotel’s luxurious Sura Spa, situated in a peaceful botanical garden and featuring a typical hammam, steam room, ice fountain, salt room and sauna. When fully reinvigorated, indulge in a Turkish-style high tea served every day at 5pm, accompanied by traditional live music.

In the evening, choose to eat in the opulent Deraliye restaurant, where you’ll dine like a Sultan in a classy dining room of greys and golds or the Sura Restaurant, offering traditional Anatolian and Ottoman cuisine in stylish and modern space. Think mezze platters, gourmet kebabs, fresh fish and meat stews, all served with organic vegetables.

At night when the stars begin to shine, head back to your room to drink in the view of the stunning Hagia Sophia once more – your hotel surely couldn’t be in a better location.