There are certain words that inspire feelings of comfort in us. Words like ‘family” and “fireplace”, or “dinner’s ready”. Words that immediately trigger a feeling of joy and warmth in you. The kind of words that speak of that special place, where you know the blankets aren’t too far away and the tea is at that perfect temperature.

There is a place on the European side of Istanbul that the locals have nicknamed the “old City”. A neighborhood called Sultanahmet, which is home to some of Turkey’s richest history. Filled with palaces and mosques and surrounded by parks and waterfalls, this is a place where the only thing as awe-inspiring as its views are the stories from its past. A land of wonderment and mystique.

Often, to see unique places like Sultanahmet one must either splash the cash on a beautiful hotel and risk losing out on the culture of the city, or sacrifice the comforts of a nice resort to find something in the heart of it all.

What if there was a place that could offer both? Well, there is.

Located in the middle of Sultanahmet and bounded by the Sea of Marmara is a century-old neoclassical home called Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet. A five-star hotel with all the luxury you could dream of, but a history that you wouldn’t believe. Originally a prison, this century-old hotel has come a long way since its inception and recently won a Luxury Lifestyle Awards for Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in Turkey 2022.

Refurbished in 1918, as a prime example of Turkish neoclassical architecture, this marvel of a property may have kept its bones, but serves a very different purpose today.

Nowadays this luxurious escape offers the breathtaking 115m2 St Sophia Suite, with king-sized beds and 3 private terraces, offering unmatched views of the World famous The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, or the even more spacious Marmara Suite, which is fit for a king and queen. Direct views of the Sea of Marmara and Princes’ Islands, these romantic suites are Furnished in a classic Turkish theme with an Oriental motif, and include everything from flat-screen TVs to your own private pantry and dining table.

Luxury like this is unique, but this is not all that the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet has to offer, in fact, just a quick trip down the stairs will lead you to the very heart of the hotel, the courtyard. A spectacular scene for the senses as you walk through the garden of rosemary, peppermint, and basil, which serve as a starter for what’s to come.

Just a brief walk away, in the cultural hub of the city is the Grand Bazaar and the spice market, providing a traditional Turkish shopping experience.

After a busy day at the markets, guests can enjoy the steam room or health club, before a traditional Hammam ritual and World Class foam massage.

Turkish hospitality is famous around the World and the locals are known not only for their cooking skills, but the high importance they place on friends and family, and that’s why a magical Turkish holiday would be incomplete without some socializing.

Learn the culture and laugh with the locals at the famous Four Seasons Sultanahmet Sunday Brunch. Indulge in a lavish buffet with Turkish & International favorites, accompanied by a live performance, and all just a waltz away from your private suite.

The view to end the day at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet can only be described as majestic, as you sit in comfort in the neo-Ottoman inspired rooftop lounge, with a beverage of choice in hand, and marvel at the 16th-century The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque and the 17th-century Blue Mosque.

These are moments that can’t be replicated. Moments that leave us without words to describe the overwhelming feeling of joy and comfort we feel, as we know that the blankets aren’t too far away and the tea is at that perfect temperature.

Visit the website https://www.fourseasons.com/istanbul/ for more details.