Istanbul offers a wide range of accommodation options and, with prices usually cheaper than in Europe or Asia, it is a fantastic opportunity to splurge on a 4 or 5-star hotel. These trendy, upscale hotels will also tend to be more gay-friendly, especially the large international chains. While there are a few cool hostels for those on a budget and who enjoy a more social and relaxed stay, many budget accommodations in the city have less-than-ideal cleanliness and upkeep standards, so always pay attention to guest reviews. The area around Taksim square is the most popular for gay travelers, as you’ll be close to all the gay nightlife action.
Are hotels in Istanbul gay-friendly?
Most Istanbul hotels are gay-friendly and will present no issues for gay travellers. This is especially true for more upscale international chains and designer boutique hotels. It’s worth noting that hotels in Istanbul are legally obligated to police who enters and exits their rooms, which means overnight guests are not usually allowed. Four and five-star hotels will usually turn a blind eye to this, but it’s sometimes good to give them a heads-up.
♥ Two swimming pools (outdoor and indoor)
♥ Seafront near shopping mall and cinema
♥ Luxury with Michelin-starred chef Akira Back
♥ 30 minutes taxi to Taksim Square (Istanbul gayborhood)
Ready to elevate your Istanbul experience? The JW Marriott Istanbul Marmara Sea is your gateway to luxury, relaxation, and endless city adventures. Whether seeking to create lasting memories, enjoy a peaceful escape, or immerse in creative adventures, the JW Marriott Istanbul Marmara Sea is a perfect choice.
With its stunning sea views and chic, modern design, this 5-star hotel is a true urban oasis. You can indulge in world-class dining options, including the Michelin-recommended Akira Back Restaurant serving modern Japanese cuisine. Unwind in spacious rooms and suites, or indulge in the ultimate luxury of a private residence. Book an Executive Suite with a balcony to experience the ultimate in luxury and relaxation.
Want to explore the city? Hagia Sophia Mosque and the Grand Bazaar (one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world) are nearby. Taksim Square, where gay saunas (hamam) and Tekyön Club, is about a 30-minute taxi.
♥ Indoor swimming pool and sauna
♥ Unique look and contemporary art near the river
♥ 10 minutes walk to Galata Tower, Instagram perfect hub
♥ 15 minutes walk to gay sauna and dance club
“Exactly like nothing else” is the buzz about town! Tucked right in the heart of Istanbul, Burdock Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection is where cool comfort meets urban escape. Chill out in style with air-conditioned rooms, pump it up at the fitness center, or kick back by the indoor pool and sauna. And when you’re ready to explore, hit up nearby hotspots like the Spice Bazaar, Taksim Square, and Tekyön Club, a well-known gay dance club, is only a 15-minute walk away as well as Tahiri Galatasaray Hamam, Turkish bath or Hamam.
Hungry? Dive into delicious dishes at its on-site restaurant, grab a drink at the bar, or tap into the free WiFi in the lounge. Feel like pampering? The hot tub and hammam are ready for you, and the city views? Simply unbeatable.
♥ Five-star comfort in the city’s most luxurious development
♥ Balconies in every room
♥ Rooftop pool with city views
♥ Fantastic service
This upscale five-star hotel is located within the Zorlu Center, Istanbul’s most exclusive luxury shopping mall. Every room at Raffles comes with its own balcony, and all are beautifully decorated in a luxe contemporary style with Turkish traditional elements – go for a Bosphorus view room for the ultimate luxury Istanbul experience. All the facilities are top-notch, from the various elegant dining spaces to the rooftop pool and bar. The service is everything you would expect from one of the best hotels in town, with staff regularly going above and beyond for their guests. The location is perfect for luxury shopping, with some of the city’s most high-end shops on your doorstep, but it is a bit removed from the main tourist parts of the city – it’s a 20-minute taxi ride to Taksim Square, or a half-hour Metro trip.
♥ Fabulous Bosphorus views
♥ Stunning balcony suites available
♥ World-class Asian spa with Turskish hammam
♥ Award-winning Cantonese cuisine
The Shangri-La Bosphorus is a luxurious hotel located on the European side of the city, set in a 1930s building overlooking the iconic Bosphorus Strait. In usual Shangri-La style, the hotel features elegant rooms and suites with stunning views, modern amenities, and opulent Ottoman design elements – it’s worth splurging on one of the Bosphorus rooms for the best waterfront views, especially the Barbaros and Shangri-La suites, which come with sweeping terraces. The property also boasts a beautiful spa and hammam, fitness center, indoor pool, and several dining options, including the Shang Palace restaurant, which serves authentic Cantonese cuisine.
The hotel is a 15-minute drive from Taksim Square and the surrounding gay nightlife. The stunning Dolmabahçe Palace, former seat of the Ottoman Empire and a lesser-known Istanbul gem, is under a 10-minute walk away.
♥ Amazing location for sightseeing in Old Istanbul
♥ Friendly and low-key social vibe
♥ Rooftop terrace with incredible views
♥ Clean and comfortable rooms, with dorm and private options
Cheers Hostel is located a stone’s throw away from Topkapi Palace and its beautiful, serene gardens, and is also a short walk from all the attractions in Sultanahmed, such as the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque. It offers both private and dormitory rooms, all of which are clean and comfortable with basic amenities. The common areas are spacious and well-designed, with a cozy lounge, bar, and a rooftop terrace with amazing views of the Old City – don’t miss out on starting the day with breakfast on the terrace. The staff are friendly and helpful, and the crowd is a cool mix of backpackers, couples, and nomads professionals. There’s a rooftop BBQ every Friday and regular Pub Crawl nights – these are good value since nightlife options are few and far between in Sultanahmed, and the Pub Crawl includes a party bus into the more lively nightlife areas.
♥ Stylish modern design with playful elements
♥ Balcony and terrace rooms available
♥ Fantastic breakfast
♥ Walking distance from Taksim gayborhood
This chic boutique hotel is located a 10-minute walk from Taksim Square and the surrounding gay nightlife, making it a popular gay hotel in Istanbul. Most rooms come with a balcony or terrace and all feature contemporary decor in warm colors with playful artwork. The Economy Single Room – the only without a balcony or terrace – is a great option for solo travelers looking for more comfort and sophistication than a hostel bed. The Turkish-style breakfast is delicious, and the staff are exceptionally friendly and accommodating – overall, a perfect blend of casual and cool.
♥ Soothing neutral design with a luxe feel
♥ Romantic penthouse ideal for couples’ getaway
♥ Cool rooftop bar with city views
♥ Hip location near Serdar-ı Ekrem boutique shopping street
The Bank Hotel Istanbul, part of Mariott’s series of design hotels, offers a range of stylish rooms in a convenient location inthe historic Karakoy district. It’s housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century bank building and features stylish neutral interior design, perfect for relaxing after a day of Bazaar sensory overload. The Penthouse is an especially luxurious option, with white marble details, a balcony, and a romantic standalone bathtub surrounded by windows overlooking the city. The rooftop terrace bar offers stunning views of the Bosphorus and is a great place to kick off the night with a cocktail, and the fitness and wellness facilities are elegant and well-appointed. It’s location near the iconic Galata Tower places it near some of the best boutique shopping in town, with the Taksim gayborhood just one Metro stop away.
♥ Short walk to Istanbul’s best gay bars and clubs
♥ Sleek industrial design with natural light and accent brick walls
♥ Range of room sizes for all budgets
♥ Beautiful and romantic Roof Suite ideal for couples
This boutique hotel located in Istanbul’s trendy Karakoy neighborhood features sleek industrial interior design – think exposed brick walls, metal furnishings, and concrete accents. There is a wide range of rooms to suit all budgets – the Budget Double, for instance, offers space, style, and comfort for a very affordable price. The Roof Suite, with its slanted lower ceiling and curtained French balcony doors, is especially unique and romantic.
The location on bustling Istiklal Street is excellent, placing you right in the heart of Istanbul’s busy shopping district. Beloved gay café Chianti is just around the block, with plenty of other gay bars and clubs within a 10-minute radius. This makes Hotel The Public one of the best gay-friendly hotels in Istanbul for gay bar-hopping.
♥ Spacious Duplex Suites for larger groups available
♥ Bosphorus-facing terrace rooms available
♥ Contemporary luxury feel
♥ Walking distance from most Istanbul gay nightlife
This modern and stylish hotel located is in the heart of Istanbul’s bustling Taksim district. The Elysium Taksim features contemporary design, with a bright and airy feel and luxury Ottoman details throughout. All the rooms are spacious and comfortable, with the larger Duplex Suites and the stunning Penthouse being superb options for groups of 5-6. These come with living spaces, balconies, and a kitchenette, so you can really make yourself at home.
There is a fitness center, a spa, and several dining options. The location is ideal for both gay nightlife and exploring the wider city: while most of the city’s gay bars and clubs are within a 15-minute walk, easy access to Taksim Metro station means the rest of Istanbul is always at your fingertips.
♥ Fantastic location for Sultanhamet sightseeing
♥ Beautiful rooms with decadent, palatial style
♥ Lovely garden bar and dining
♥ Gorgeous and unique indoor pool and spa
Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton is a stunning hotel located in the heart of the city’s historic Sultanahmet district. The property is housed across several beautifully restored 19th-century mansions and features spacious rooms and suites with modern amenities and a palatial Ottoman style. The hotel also boasts two restaurants, a garden bar, a modern gym, and a gorgeous pool and spa area inspired by the nearby Roman Cisterns – think grand brick arches and relaxing mood lighting. The location is perfect for sightseeing: the Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque are a 5-minute walk away, and while the wonders of the Grand Bazaar can be reached in 15 minutes on foot.