Istanbul, Turkey
The 115-room Pera Palace Hotel, built in 1895 is centrally situated in Istanbul. With spa, swimming pool, gym and hammam, it also has an intimate bar, elegant patisserie and associations with Agatha Christie, Ernest Hemingway and Kemal Ataturk.
Our review
The Pera Palace hotel is an elegant refuge in an exciting part of the city – Beyoğlu – a short walk from the Galata Bridge, crossing the Bosphorus, and on to the mosques and old town – and near to Taksim Square for shopping and markets. A boat near the bridge will also take you over to the Asian side of Istanbul. Istanbul is expanding at a fast rate, with a population of over 15 million and is now a yearlong destination for travellers, attracted by its history, culture, food and climate.
Pera Palace has oodles of history. It’s where Orient-Express train travellers used to overnight and there is a sedan chair in the lobby that was used to bring guests here from the station. Agatha Christie stayed and wrote part of the famous mystery novel here; the room now bears her name and holds her typewriter and some of her novels. The first lift in Europe, dating from the late 19th century is still here. Although not in regular use, it can work and is pressed into service on special occasions. The spy Mata Hari is said to have drunk in the bar.
There aren’t great views from the hotel and it doesn’t have a garden or outdoor pool with sunbathing options. Rooms are also relatively small, being a historic hotel. But it does have a special charm that is evident the moment you step in to the marble lobby. We were offered a refreshing warm towel and a drink on check-in and whisked to our room. We had a Pierre Loti two-room suite – named after the famous French writer who stayed here regularly – with wooden floors and stylish rug (Turkish, naturally) The lounge area was double aspect with soft blue silk curtains covering the full-length windows. Scenes of old Istanbul graced the walls, there were fresh flowers, a Murano glass chandelier, a large writing desk and a flat screen television. I was pleased to see that complimentary Wi-Fi is standard and there were iPhone and iPod docking stations. The white marble bathroom had Molton Brown toiletries.
The small Orient bar was romantic in the evening with dimmed lighting from three chandeliers, rich maroon velvet banquettes – ideal for two, and ornate, French-style furniture. We enjoyed an aperitif here one night and an evening meal on another.
The elegant patisserie had marble floors and café style tables, serving coffee and delicious looking cakes. Afternoon tea proper is served in the larger Tea Lounge, a towering double height room a few steps up from the lobby, with beautiful polished parquet floor, cupola glass ceiling, Murano chandelier and antiques.
There is a pretty outdoor terrace for al fresco dining and cocktail sipping with potted troughs of red geraniums to enjoy by day and flickering candles by night.
The modern indoor pool is a bit of a surprise for a hotel of this age. There is also a small spa with three treatment rooms and a gym.
I loved the hotel. It’s an ideal spot for exploring the city, being near to most things.
Rooms
Pera Palace Hotel offers around 115 rooms and suites, many inspired by Art Nouveau and Belle Époque design. Rooms combine period details with modern comforts, while select suites are dedicated to notable former guests. High ceilings, classic furnishings and city views contribute to the hotel’s historic character.
Food and Drink
Agatha Restaurant presents refined Turkish and international cuisine in an elegant setting. The menu highlights seasonal ingredients and classic techniques, reflecting the hotel’s long gastronomic tradition.
The Pera Palace Patisserie is known for its traditional pastries and afternoon tea service, while the Orient Bar offers cocktails and spirits in an intimate, historic atmosphere associated with the hotel’s literary past.
Wellness
The hotel features SPA by Luxury, offering treatment rooms, Turkish hammam, sauna and steam room. A fitness area and indoor swimming pool are also available, providing a calm retreat within the historic setting.
Facilities
- Indoor swimming pool and spa facilities
- Traditional restaurant and historic bars
- Fitness centre
- Meeting and event spaces
- Library and heritage areas
- Concierge and guest services
- Free Wi‑Fi
Location
Pera Palace Hotel is located in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, close to Istiklal Avenue, Galata Tower and the historic districts along the Golden Horn. The Old City, including Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, is easily reached across the water.
Getting there
Address: Meşrutiyet Caddesi No: 52, 34430 Tepebaşı Beyoğlu, Istanbul, Turkey
Arriving by train: Yeşilyurt (17.2 km – 10.7 miles), 22 minutes drive to the hotel
Arriving by air: Ataturk Airport (22.2 km – 13.8 miles), 28 minutes drive to the hotel
More information
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* Note: The hotel review was last updated in early 2026. Please let us know if you spot any factual errors.