Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet – From Prison to Palazzo with Rooftop’s Hagia Sophia Panorama

The Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet resides at the heart of Istanbul’s Old City, housed within a meticulously restored Ottoman-era prison. Today, it offers serene elegance paired with a mesmerizing rooftop view of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet: A Storied Transformation

The Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet originally stood as the Dersaadet Jail, built in 1918–1919 in the neoclassical Turkish First National Architecture style. It served as Istanbul’s first jail before its closure in 1969. Following a careful conversion under Regent Hotels, it reopened in 1996 as the Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet. The restoration preserved original marble and stonework—such as in the elevator lobbies and spa walls—imbuing the hotel with rich architectural character and history.

Rooftop Lounge: A Majestic View of Istanbul

The rooftop lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet, named Süreyya Teras Lounge, invites guests to savor artfully crafted cocktails or Turkish wines against a sweeping backdrop of Hagia Sophia, the Sea of Marmara, and the Blue Mosque. Vogue also notes the peaceful atmosphere this terrace provides, creating a sanctuary above the lively Old City.

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Kurna Spa: Hammam Heritage Reimagined

A highlight of the Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet is the recently opened Kurna Spa, which introduces a luxurious hammam experience inspired by traditional Turkish bathing culture. Design elements—including Arabescato and Pietra marble, artisan-crafted woodwork, lanterns, and a calming blend of ancestral ambiance—offer a modern, indulgent sanctuary.

Authentic Settings & Thoughtful Details

Guest rooms and suites blend neoclassical and Turkish designs with rich fabrics, handwoven kilim rugs, marble bathrooms, and modern comforts like espresso machines and flat-screen TVs. The courtyard’s glass pavilion, home to the Avlu Restaurant, retains the prison’s open-air spirit—now transformed into a serene garden setting surrounded by manicured greenery and Ottoman tent-inspired ceilings.

Iconic Location for Cultural Discovery

Just steps away from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace, the Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet offers unmatched ease for history lovers. Guests also enjoy complimentary access to the spa and pool at its sister property by the Bosphorus.

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