Istanbul’s Fabulous New Shangri-La Hotel

Shangri-La Istanbul

I have a confession to make: the first time I left Istanbul, I cried. Call me sappy, but this is a city - mythical and magical - that gets under your skin unlike anywhere else on earth. From the excellent restaurants and nightlife to the historic sites and contemporary art scene, Istanbul has it all. Not to mention the setting on the Bosphorus, where I could contentedly sit at a waterfront café and watch the boats glide by all day. Istanbul is cosmopolitan, and it’s always been that way. The only thing not to like? The notorious traffic. (You learn to plan your day around potential traffic jams.)

Shangri-La Istanbul Suite

On my most recent trip, I stayed at the new Shangri-La, perched directly on the Bosphorus, which is one of the finest hotels I’ve seen around the world. Stay tuned for all the details in a future issue of Luxury Travel Advisor, but a word to the wise: If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul soon, this is the place to stay. A glorious design, sublime spa and F&B outlets, gracious service, and a central location… What more could you ask for? Rooms are elegant, not over-the-top opulent, and provide all the luxurious comforts along with coveted water views. There are countless neighborhoods to explore in the city, but you could happily pass an afternoon with a room service meal set up in front of your window…

Shangri-La Istanbul