Raffles redefined luxury hospitality in Istanbul with its 2014 opening at the Zorlu Centre, a landmark shopping and cultural hub that was like nothing the city had ever seen. Housed in a glass-walled tower block — softened by the balconies and terraces that adjoin every room — the hotel manages to be both sleekly understated and gleefully ostentatious, with show-stopping artworks that elevate the muted decor to create spaces that feel almost theatrical. It’s a hotel that embodies the ‘new’ Istanbul — slick, fast-moving and quietly expensive — and is popular with both business travellers and those looking to experience a different version of the city. Every space, from the generously-sized bedrooms to the spectacular lobby adorned with giant feathered chandeliers, exudes a sense of light and space. Staying here is a chance to embrace Istanbul’s vibrant present, rather than its storied past.
Overall score 9/10
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Rooms and suites
Score 9/10
Raffles’ location and its high-rise rooms mean spectacular views come as standard, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows opening onto a private balcony or terrace. Understated luxe sums up Raffles’ design ethic, with nods to its Turkish location — inlaid carved panels in the ceiling, angular ottomans and pops of vibrant teal or aubergine — to break up the muted colour palette. Butler service is available regardless of room category, and bespoke minibar selections can be stocked pre-arrival. The spacious bathrooms all boast heated floors, deep-soak bath tubs and more spectacular views. Raffles Club rooms offer an all-day food and drink menu, a daily shave or blow-dry and a car service for travel within the neighbourhood.
Food and Drink
Score 9/10
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Everything from classic Turkish meze to Asian stir-fries, sushi, and sashimi is on offer across the hotel’s two restaurants, Rocca and Isokyo. Rocca is the go-to for lunch — its leafy terrace shines in the summer — featuring a straightforward, bistro-style menu that includes everything from dry-aged steaks and superfood salads to child-friendly pizzas and pastas, with mains starting at around £14. Afternoon tea in the Lavinia Lounge introduces innovative finger sandwiches, such as squid ink with salmon and cream cheese or tomato with labneh, zaatar, and raspberry, alongside a vast selection of French pastries and tarts (£38pp), but leave room for dinner at Isokyo. Moodily-lit, with brushed-velvet banquettes and chairs in earthy terracotta and coffee hues, the menu ranges from sushi to Korean fried chicken and miso-glazed black cod.
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What else is there?
Score 9/10
The Raffles Istanbul spa is one of the city’s biggest and best, with three hammams, nine treatment rooms (including two couples’ suites), and indoor and outdoor pools offering glorious Bosphorus views. Children will be happily occupied at the daily kids’ club (10-8pm), with a babysitting service available in the evenings. Nightly live music performances in one of the bars provides a lively and entertaining atmosphere for guests. To discover more about the Raffles landmark art collection, a free 50-minute tour can be booked with the hotel’s in-house storyteller.
Where is it?
Score 7/10
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Raffles’ location on the border between the Besiktas and Levent districts, at least twenty minutes away from any of the city’s main sights, may be considered a drawback by some. However, the area is popular with the city’s wealthy elite, creating a very different vibe to the more touristic neighbourhoods, and there’s a good selection of restaurants within walking distance — although everything else requires a taxi or public transport. Fortunately the Zorlu Centre’s metro station has quick, regular connections across the city — a better bet than sitting in the city’s notoriously chaotic traffic.
Price Room-only doubles from £330
Restaurant mains from £21
Family-friendly Y
Accessible Y
Annabelle Thorpe was a guest of Raffles Istanbul
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