Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At The Bosphorus

“Modern Elegance Meets Timeless Comfort”

What struck me most was the perfect balance between modern amenities and classic charm. Every corner told a story, from the carefully curated artwork to the sophisticated furnishings. The staff moved with quiet efficiency, always present but never intrusive. The room's comfort exceeded expectations… more

What struck me most was the perfect balance between modern amenities and classic charm. Every corner told a story, from the carefully curated artwork to the sophisticated furnishings. The staff moved with quiet efficiency, always present but never intrusive. The room's comfort exceeded expectations, and the attention to cleanliness was remarkable. The rooftop views were breathtaking, e

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“A blissful stay - the stuff dreams are made of!”

All the staff were so warm, welcoming, personable and attentive. The location on the Bosphorus is perfect for wellbeing. You feel immersed in history while experiencing hotel and hospitality modernity. All the historical sites and landmarks are easily accessible as well as a cruise across the Bospo… more

All the staff were so warm, welcoming, personable and attentive. The location on the Bosphorus is perfect for wellbeing. You feel immersed in history while experiencing hotel and hospitality modernity. All the historical sites and landmarks are easily accessible as well as a cruise across the Bosporus to Asia with pickup from the hotel’s own pier.

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“Modern Elegance Meets Timeless Service”

A masterclass in hospitality! The seamless check-in set the tone for a perfect stay. The property strikes an ideal balance between modern amenities and timeless elegance. The fitness facilities are state-of-the-art, and the spa services are divine. Every meal was a culinary journey, and the staff's… more

A masterclass in hospitality! The seamless check-in set the tone for a perfect stay. The property strikes an ideal balance between modern amenities and timeless elegance. The fitness facilities are state-of-the-art, and the spa services are divine. Every meal was a culinary journey, and the staff's professionalism was consistent throughout.

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“Not as good as our previous seven stays yet more expensive.”

To be clear, the property is beautiful. It's always been my "go-to" place in Istanbul, and the Bosphorus view from the expansive terrace is unique. It's a Four Seasons, so it isn't cheap, and it's not for bargain hunters. This visit, however, disappointed us. A few thoughts: One, the wine mark-u… more

To be clear, the property is beautiful. It's always been my "go-to" place in Istanbul, and the Bosphorus view from the expansive terrace is unique. It's a Four Seasons, so it isn't cheap, and it's not for bargain hunters. This visit, however, disappointed us. A few thoughts: One, the wine mark-ups are insane and a little offensive. (Note to management: Please don't write back about taxes in Turkey or inflation or the Turkish Lira; that's not the issue.) A bottle of standard Moet costs €60 (max) in an Istanbul wine store. In the Ritz Carlton in Dubai, where we also just stayed) a bottle of Moet is €185 (3x retail), which is about what it costs in a 5* restaurant in Dubai. At the Intercontinental Maldives, where we flew in from, it's €180. At the Four Seasons in Istanbul, it's an unapologetic €325, over 5x retail. That's not a fair way to treat your customers, and frankly, it's probably counterproductive as it certainly stopped us from ordering a second bottle. I checked the mark-ups of a few other local and imported wines, and it was the same story. 5-6x retail. Anyhow, if you are planning on drinking anything with a cork, it's better to avoid the Four Seasons until they align with the market. Two, they have put a fragrance everywhere from the igloos (the small outdoor huts you can eat in during the winter) to the corridors to the bathrooms. It's cloying and unpleasant. Please dial this down. Three, the food staff service levels have slipped. I am guessing that some of the new properties, like The Peninsula (which, sorry, we are going to check out next time), poached good staff, but they are generally off their game. The concierge was great, as always. Four, the rooms are getting a little tired, especially the showers, which could use some decalcification and checking to see if the taps function well. This is just some constructive criticism, but at the prices charged, we will check out a 5* competitor on our next trip.

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