Four Seasons Hotels Istanbul Earn Double Five-Star Honour from Forbes Travel Guide

Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet and Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus, offering distinctive luxury experiences in the heart of Istanbul and along the shores of the Bosphorus, have once again been awarded the prestigious Five-Star rating in the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards.

Blending Istanbul’s rich heritage with contemporary elegance, Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet continues to offer an intimate and refined experience in the historic old town, while Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus stands out with its iconic waterfront setting, vibrant energy, acclaimed culinary offerings, and rejuvenating spa experiences overlooking the Bosphorus.

Thomas Krooswijk, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotels Istanbul, comments on the achievement: "We are immensely proud that both of our hotels have once again been honoured with the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating. Istanbul’s layered and captivating spirit inspires us every day. Our goal is not only to offer flawless stays, but to create meaningful, personal experiences that allow our guests to connect with the timeless story of the city. This recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication of our teams, whose commitment goes beyond our iconic locations. As I take on this role, we remain determined to elevate our vision of excellence even further, moving beyond traditional definitions of luxury. This prestigious award both confirms our direction and motivates us for the future."

Through their distinctive architecture, personalized service, and unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction, both hotels continue to strengthen their position within the global luxury hospitality landscape. Recognized by Forbes Travel Guide’s anonymous inspectors, this achievement further reinforces Istanbul’s reputation as a leading global destination for luxury travel.

“Forbes Travel Guide’s Star Award winners exemplify excellence in hospitality,” says Amanda Frasier, President of Standards & Ratings for Forbes Travel Guide. “This year’s list reflects the changing landscape of luxury, with properties setting the standard for authentic experiences while offering unparalleled amenities, enhanced well-being, and delivering unforgettable moments. We are thrilled to recognize their dedication to creating truly world-class travel options for today’s discerning guests.”

About Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet

Located in the heart of Istanbul’s historic peninsula, Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet offers an intimate and welcoming urban retreat. The neoclassical building, originally constructed in 1918–1919 as Istanbul’s first modern prison, has been meticulously restored and now stands as one of the city’s most distinctive luxury hospitality addresses.

In 2025, the hotel became the only property in Türkiye to receive the prestigious three Michelin keys, the highest distinction awarded for hospitality excellence. Ideally positioned near iconic landmarks such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, the hotel blends history with contemporary comfort through personalized Four Seasons service and refined design.

The hotel’s Michelin-recommended restaurant, AVLU, presents Anatolian cuisine through a modern lens, highlighting locally sourced and sustainable ingredients.

Instagram: @fssultanahmet | @avlusultanahmet

About Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus

Set along the scenic shores of the Bosphorus that connect Europe and Asia, Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus is a beautifully restored 19th-century Ottoman palace that combines Istanbul’s rich architectural heritage with warm Turkish hospitality and contemporary luxury comforts.

The hotel has been awarded one Michelin key, recognizing its exceptional hospitality experience. With its traditional hammams, expansive outdoor pool overlooking the Bosphorus, and panoramic views of Istanbul’s historic skyline, the hotel offers a truly immersive city experience complemented by exceptional dining experiences.

Its award-winning, Michelin-recommended restaurant AQUA presents creative interpretations of Mediterranean seafood cuisine in a spectacular waterfront setting.

Instagram: @fsbosphorus | @aquabosphorus

About Forbes Travel Guide

Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, cruise ships, and their restaurants. Anonymous professional inspectors evaluate properties against hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, helping discerning travellers select the world’s best experiences. The only way to receive a Five-Star, Four-Star, or Recommended rating is by earning it through the independent inspection process.