Located in the prestigious Zorlu Center in Besiktas, Raffles Istanbul opened in 2014 and quickly established itself as one of the city's top luxury hotels. The 181 rooms and suites feature Bosphorus views, and the hotel's Long Bar is one of Istanbul's premier cocktail destinations.
Raffles Istanbul opened in 2014 within the Zorlu Center, a landmark mixed-use development in the Besiktas district on Istanbul's European shore, Turkey. Positioned at one of the city's highest points above the Bosphorus, the hotel occupies the upper floors of the Zorlu Center tower and offers sweeping views of the strait, the Bosphorus bridges, and the Asian shore from nearly all its 181 rooms and suites. Room categories range from Deluxe Bosphorus View rooms to the expansive Raffles Suite, all featuring handcrafted furnishings, rich color palettes, and bathrooms with freestanding bathtubs. Signature Raffles amenities include butler service available to all room categories, providing personalized in-room services, restaurant bookings, and curated Istanbul itineraries. The Long Bar is one of Istanbul's most stylish cocktail venues, inspired by the legendary Long Bar at Raffles Singapore, serving an exceptional selection of Singapore Slings, champagne, and Turkish-inspired cocktails in an Art Deco-influenced interior. Bleu Dining Room offers all-day dining with Mediterranean and Levantine flavors. Rocca Bar and Kitchen delivers rooftop dining with grilled meats and mezze above the Bosphorus. The Carita Spa occupies two dedicated floors and includes an indoor pool, hammam, sauna, and six treatment rooms staffed by Paris-trained therapists using the exclusive Carita brand. A state-of-the-art fitness center is open 24 hours. The Zorlu Center itself connects the hotel to luxury retail including international fashion houses and the Zorlu Performing Arts Center, which hosts major international concerts and productions. Besiktas is well-served by metro and bus connections to Taksim and the Bosphorus. Dolmabahce Palace is reachable in under 20 minutes by taxi.
Amenities
- Spa
- Pool
- Multiple restaurants
- Bar
- Fitness center
- Butler service
- Concierge
- Valet
Location
Zorlu Center, Levazim Mah., 34340 Besiktas/Istanbul
Highlights
- Sweeping Bosphorus and Asian shore views from upper-floor rooms in Zorlu Center, Besiktas
- Signature Butler service for all room categories — personalized itineraries and reservations
- Long Bar: one of Istanbul's most acclaimed cocktail venues, Art Deco-inspired
- Carita Spa with Paris-trained therapists, indoor pool, and hammam on two dedicated floors
- Direct connection to Zorlu Center luxury retail and international performing arts venue
Tips for visiting
- The Long Bar is one of the best cocktail experiences in Istanbul — reserve a table for weekend evenings.
- Zorlu Center's connection to the M2 metro line makes central Istanbul very accessible from the hotel.
- Request a high-floor room on the Bosphorus side for the most panoramic water views.
- The butler service can arrange same-day restaurant bookings at Istanbul's busiest venues.
- Combine a hotel stay with tickets to the Zorlu Performing Arts Center, which hosts major international acts.
Accessibility
Raffles Istanbul is housed in a modern tower with full elevator access to all guest floors, restaurants, and spa facilities. The Zorlu Center complex is wheelchair accessible with level walkways and dedicated access routes throughout. Guests with specific mobility requirements should advise the hotel at the time of reservation to arrange appropriate room assignments and concierge support.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Raffles Istanbul conveniently located for sightseeing?
The hotel is in Besiktas, approximately 20–30 minutes by taxi from the Sultanahmet historical peninsula. The Zorlu Center connects to the M2 metro, making Taksim Square a 10-minute ride. A complimentary hotel shuttle also serves key city destinations.
What is the Carita Spa experience at Raffles Istanbul?
The Carita Spa spans two floors and features an indoor pool, hammam, sauna, and six treatment rooms. Treatments use the exclusive Carita Paris skincare line and are delivered by Paris-trained therapists. Both individual treatments and full-day spa packages are available.
Does Raffles Istanbul provide butler service for all guests?
Yes. Every room category at Raffles Istanbul includes access to the butler service. Butlers assist with unpacking and packing, in-room dining, restaurant reservations, sightseeing bookings, and personalized city itineraries.
How many dining options are available at the hotel?
The hotel has three main venues: Bleu Dining Room for all-day Mediterranean and Levantine cuisine, Rocca Bar and Kitchen for rooftop grilled dishes and mezze, and the Long Bar for cocktails and lighter bites.