Istanbul Hotels

Perhaps no other city in the world combines the mystery and magic of the past with the drive and rhythm of the present like Istanbul; and all of the treasures of the city are within a short distance of many Istanbul hotels. The mysticism of ancient religions, the power of a bygone empire, and beautiful architecture which has survived the passing years will capture your imagination and inspire your soul. After a day of sightseeing you can retire to your hotel in Istanbul to prepare for the vibrant, cosmopolitan night life of the city.

As one of the premier commercial and business centers of the region, Istanbul has never stopped growing. Unlike some of its nearby counterparts, this city has refused the temptation to become a museum of an earlier era. But that is not to say that it has abandoned its past.

Stunning architecture and timeless beauty still await those who come looking for Istanbul's greatest treasures. The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Cami) is a massive structure surrounded by mini-domes and minarets. And the interior is no less impressive: 260 stained-glass windows, 20,000 blue Iznik tiles crowned with an airy hand-painted ceiling. After reflecting in the awe of the mosque, you can visit the Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman Sultans for four hundred years. You'll not only experience the opulence and power of the Sultans, but you'll even glimpse into their private lives as you visit the Harem.

Enough of the past? Then let's leave the old city and experience the best of the 21st century. Shopping centers, business and commercial districts, nightclubs, restaurants and more are all at your disposal. And then there is a rich arts culture - opera, music, cinema - which pays homage to the Ottoman and Byzantine ways while taking cues from Europe. Most Istanbul hotels offer this same amazing blend of old and new: all of the amenities of world class hotels, while still retaining the charm and mystique of an earlier era. And that should be expected. As a gateway between the continents and cultures of Asia and Europe, Istanbul offers the best of all worlds to those who come to experience it.