Best hotel for views in Istanbul
The Peninsula Istanbul, Galataport

Apparently it took almost a decade to bring this project to fruition and you can see why. It is comprised of a quartet of buildings – three of which are protected landmarks – in the Galataport region. From your juliette balcony you can take in the the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, and the old city, including Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Süleymaniye Mosque. If the budget doesn’t stretch to a room here, book in at the Gallada under the guidance of two Michelin starred chef Fatih Turak. PS the indoor pool with river views is pretty spesh too.

Best glam hotel in Istanbul
Soho House Istanbul, Beyoğlu

You know what you’re going to get at SH: models, influencers, creatives of all stripes and the odd actual celebrity. The people watching is out of this world. As is the this building which started life as a 19th century Italianate palazzo before becoming the US Consulate. Which of course makes it ideal for keeping secrets. The honeyed amber marble staircase alone is worth a squiz, it’s frescoes a go-go, sumptuous velvets and of the city’s best rooftop restaurants in the Greek-inspired Apheleia Terrace.