This annual global best hotel is a must-stay when traveling to Istanbul, Turkey!
Spanning the continents of Europe and Asia, Istanbul boasts a long history of civilization and expansive natural scenery~ The Bosphorus Strait, nestled between lands, has always been one of the favorite waterways for both domestic and international tourists! The surging blue waters are home to three bridges connecting Europe and Asia, as well as countless romantic legends of intertwined civilizations~ This has attracted many luxury hotel brands to settle on the edge of the city, facing the spectacular strait scenery and the historical charm of both shores~ The second hotel we stayed at during our trip to Turkey in Istanbul was the Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet, which was converted from a former prison.
The 2023 list of the world's 100 most beloved hotels features hotels from 30 countries/regions across five continents, each with its own unique characteristics. Readers rated them based on criteria such as room facilities, location, service, food, and value, ultimately declaring the Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet Istanbul as the well-deserved NO.1! Located in the Sultanahmet district, the Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet is just a few steps from the square, and from the hotel windows, one can see the iconic Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, with the Topkapi Palace also within easy reach~
Although it is the old city area~ many people praise it as 'the most beautiful place in the old city', with a cluster of historical landmarks, classical architecture, and various cultural palaces. The domed churches, pointed towers, and the nearby strait's natural scenery add a touch of romance~ This Four Seasons Hotel is located here, in the heart of the city, quiet amidst the hustle and bustle, with very low-key gates and walls, but a hidden gem inside.
The three-story ochre building and the guard tower form a closed courtyard, a form that is extremely rare in Turkey, but not surprising once you know its origin. This place was the first prison built after the establishment of the Ottoman Empire~ It was later used as a military prison until it was abandoned at the end of the 20th century.
After being acquired by the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts and undergoing several years of renovation, in 1999, it finally re-emerged. The former prison was transformed into a luxury hotel, and its unique 'origin' and experience make it stand out. Many of the 'prison features' have been preserved inside~ The watchtowers used to monitor prisoners still stand, only now they have been converted into elevators, and it is said that in certain parts of the watchtower, one can still see the list of prisoners' names and confessions etched into the walls. Thus, staying here, one can still have a unique experience of 'living in a prison'.
The neoclassical building, which has been rebuilt and has a history of a hundred years, looks like a luxurious Turkish version of an alternative 'courtyard'~ The overall style has become slightly sunnier and warmer, and the square ochre building has already blended into the surrounding buildings, unobtrusive~ Open the door, walk into the hotel, and you'll find it very exquisite and beautiful inside. The courtyard, which was once the prison's exercise yard, is now full of life, with colorful colors adorning the entire garden.
The neatly trimmed greenery is lush, climbing vines have already made their way up the pipes to the third floor, and the soft lawn underfoot and the winding stone paths crisscross into a beautiful secret garden~ Following the steps into the guest room area, what were once tightly secured cells no longer bear any traces of the past, and the clean glass windows reflect the beautiful blue sky and white clouds. Inside the rooms, the colorful Turkish carpets are obviously very expensive~ The fine patterns carry the colors of historical and local cultural heritage.