It's an historic relic of a time when Turkiye thought Europe was the ideal, before Ataturk. A must visit for Agatha Christie fans, this is where she wrote the Orient Express. Without a lottery jackpot, I couldn't afford a room for a night, but high tea is a fair price for the time travel opportunity. 3 to 6, unlimited tea and tea food, with a little imagination I was able to become an Agatha Christie character. There are signs posted warning against phone or camera use but our waiter took a PIC of us. Just ve subtle. To get here from the tram is a steep uphill walk. Nice view from the deck outside of the tea room which is directly back from the lobby door. Check out the vintage elevator. Very close to the Pera Museum. Lots of interesting shopping on the walk down to the Galata Tower which is often not open. Lots of cats to make friends with on the way too. read more

See all

If reincarnation is real, I must've been a 1920s socialite, because every time I walk into the Pera Palace I feel like I'm home. My husband discovered their afternoon tea back in 2022, and we loved it so much that we went twice in the same week. No shame. When a place is good, you go back for seconds--and apparently, thirds. Fast-forward to our 2025 trip: we marched right back into the Tea Lounge like we owned the place (we absolutely do not). The pastries were freshly made, the sandwiches were perfect, and the desserts were so good that I briefly considered proposing to the pastry chef. Everything tasted like it had just come out of a magical Victorian oven. The hotel itself is a whole experience. It's old in the best possible way--historic, elegant, and full of "I wonder what has happened in this hallway" vibes. I kept staring at the ceilings, the carpets, the little details... basically everything. My husband had to remind me not to wander off and move in. One day I fully intend to stay here as an actual hotel guest instead of the enthusiastic tea-time groupie I currently am. But until then, I will happily keep showing up for that afternoon tea like it's a limited-time Broadway show. If you're in Istanbul, go. Treat yourself. Become a Pera Palace tea person. It's a lifestyle I highly recommend. read more

What a beautiful hotel with a Michelin star rating. Food was definitely high quality that's why tone star. The service and attitude of staff in restaurant was ridiculous. While eating they were trying to take away our plates. For the price paid expected a bit better service and attitude. Unless you speak Turkish do not come here as they will not respect you in any way. Very disappointed. read more

See all

What a beautiful and historic Palace. It is a Palace. But the staff amazing! Stay here!

"Deadly Negligence at Pera Palace Hotel: My Life-Threatening Anaphylaxis Experience" On July 7, 2025, my sister and I dined at Agatha Restaurant in the Pera Palace Hotel. Before ordering, I repeatedly informed the staff that I have a severe egg allergy (anaphylaxis). The waiter checked multiple times with the chef and assured us that two specific desserts were egg-free. We ordered both desserts. A few hours later, my anaphylaxis symptoms began. I immediately contacted the restaurant and learned that the chef admitted he had made a mistake and the desserts contained eggs. I was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Initially, they did not allow my sister to accompany me, which caused extreme fear because I didn't speak the language and my life was in danger. At the hospital, emergency medications were administered and I was hospitalized for several hours. If I hadn't taken the initial anaphylaxis medication and gotten to the hospital quickly -- or if I had gone on the cruise after lunch -- I would most certainly not be alive today. After discharge, hotel management acknowledged their mistake and offered us a free stay for the remaining two days, which was a positive gesture but completely insufficient to compensate for my experience and its consequences. After multiple correspondences, management referred us to the hotel's legal department, but they provided no response whatsoever. This bitter experience made me question: how can a human life be considered so worthless? Where are all the claims of "customer care"? Is it just marketing to attract guests? Considering my allergy and the high price of food in luxury hotels and restaurants, I expected high standards and trust between the kitchen and service staff. Unfortunately, this situation could have cost me my life. The consequences only began after returning home: heavy corticosteroids and strong anti-allergy medications, nightly nightmares, and a constant fear of eating outside. Even now, I am afraid to dine out, and this experience, which was supposed to be a joyful and relaxing activity, became a source of fear. This trip was especially important to me and my sister; after years of difficulties, we finally managed to travel together and have a happy shared experience. Unfortunately, this incident ruined all our plans and memories. It also affected my family life; conflicts arose between my husband and my sister, and my husband no longer allows me to travel alone. We contacted management multiple times and even sent a formal Final Notice, but received no response. For a reputable hotel and restaurant, such negligence and disregard for guest safety is completely unacceptable. read more

Magnificent The historic Pera Palace Hotel is our new home away from home. From the elegant decor to the fine soaps and linens, from the fabulous breakfast buffet to the scrumptious teatime with live piano music - every detail was perfect. But the best part, the part that will keep us coming back time and time again, is the people. Usually one has to choose between adorable and competent. Somehow each team member at the Pera Palace embodies both virtues. This speaks to excellent leadership and management. The lovely lady who makes everything sparkle, cordial concierge and reception, charming doormen, darling bell hops, wonderful chefs, and attentive wait staff had us feeling all the love that has been poured into this place for over a century. They even baked me a delicious birthday cake! We feel honored to be the recipients of such expert care. Don't bother looking anywhere else. Treat yourself. And someday you will find yourself writing a rave review such as this. My only complaint is that after seeing the Netflix special, Midnight at the Pera Palace, I was expecting to find a host of phantasms and time travel portals. Instead, even though I roamed each floor during the day and late into the night, I did not encounter a single ghost, nor was I catapulted into any other dimensions. Maybe next time! read more

I love historic hotels and Netflix, which is how I found out about this hotel. My Turkish husband and I had watched "Midnight at Pera Palace" on Netflix which is set here...in the show the rooms serve as time portals and the people go back and forth in time to help save the original Turkish republic. Just for fun, I wanted to see it so we took my mother-in-law and father-in-law and figured we'd have a drink at the bar or something. Luckily we got there during tea service time and the set up looked so inviting, we decided to try it out. What a lovely time we had! All of the sandwiches and sweets were amazing; there wasn't anything we didn't enjoy. The setup was beautiful as well and there was a live pianist playing. The best part was the service....absolutely top notch from beginning to end. If you enjoy being treated well in a stunning, historic setting, this is the place for you. Unfortunately we're not staying here, so the review is just for the tea and the amazing staff. But based on that alone, five stars barely seems enough. read more

See all

Beautiful place, great high tea. We went here on ashore excursion from a cruise, and it was the highlight of our time in Istanbul.

The Pera Palace Hotel is a historic special category hotel & museum hotel located in the Pera district. It was built in 1892 to host passengers of the Orient Express. It holds the title of the oldest European hotel of Turkey. This was the first building in the Ottoman Empire to be powered by electricity, other than the imperial palaces. It was also the only address in the city to provide hot running water for its guests & has the 1st electric elevator in Constantinople & 2nd electric elevator in Europe. Agatha Christie died yesterday & her 1934 novel Murder on the Orient Express was allegedly written here. The hotel maintains Christie's room as a memorial to the author. read more

Lovely and intimate this place is not for your average public. History of this hotel is fascinating. Google and you will understand. If you are a book worm this is a perfect hotel for you. And for hotel hoppers like me this was an excellent location to do our "Love story" video shoot. When in Istanbul stop by for a quick tea or a glass of champagne just to pretend you have stayed here and take some awesome insta worthy pictures! Dress classy! read more

Horrible I book a double bed premium they gave me a hole in a wall. False advertising and didn't accommodate just said tomorrow. Worst place I have said in Istanbul .... Save your money and book somewhere else they will ruin your experience read more

From the moment you enter this historic hotel you are aware of how special it is. The staff sets the bar here. Attentive and pleasant. Our twin room was perfectly appointed. Most important, the beds were very comfortable and my daughter and I slept well each evening. We started our busy day each morning on the terrace for the well appointed breakfast buffet. There are many hotels in the area and huge national chain units near the coast that I would put up against the charm and warmth of this magnificent hotel. read more

See all

At the time I checked into this remarkable hotel in 2016, I had visited 67 countries, most all for business travel, enjoying the perks that came with that when possible. The Pera Palace experience I enjoyed during my 3 day stay as a guest at the Jumeirah-owned historic mid-size luxury hotel was exuberant, congenial, and immaculately organizes. read more

See all

Get room 312 (corner) -very spacious, tree windows and two balcony. And what a bath tube with a view! read more

Pera Palace Hotel - First ever elevated in turkey was installed in this hotel ! - Hotels Near Me - Istanbul, 34

See all

I love this place. It is full of history. It is well kept. I did not stay over because I learned about it while I was in Istanbul. I already had my hotel paid. But pay a visit was a mist do. The ambiance is so elegant and classic and classy. I had dinner at the terrace- which is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset. The food was good but not exceptional. I tasted the lamb. The selection of wines is good. The service is great. The place is a mist go. read more

An opulent hotel steeped in history, Pera Palace beautifully combines tradition with luxury and is centrally located in the Beyoglu district. Agatha Christie loved this hotel so much, there is a room (#411) dedicated to her. Allegedly, it was in this room she wrote the famous, "Murder on the Orient Express." The moment you walk in to Pera Palace, you feel as though you have been transported back to the grand days of the Orient Express. It is no wonder Pera Palace was so loved by passengers who traveled on the famous train and is Still loved by so many. There is a lovely patisserie adjacent to the hotel with delicious pastries on display. Come for the afternoon high tea that is served in the tea lounge or head over to the orient bar for some drinks in the evening. You will be surrounded by sumptuous antiques, artwork, and historical books. There is a stunning mother of pearl inlaid wood bookshelf in the large saloon that displayed very rare signed copies of well known literary works. Don't forget to check out the Ataturk Museum room #101. read more

See all

We absolutely loved the Pera Palace - hands down the best 5-star we've stayed in. The history, the ambience, the service.....all just perfect! Historically, this hotel cannot be beat. Built by the Orient Express as a luxury hotel for its passengers to stay in Istanbul, the vibe remains. It was the first and only building to be powered by electricity, other than the Ottoman Palaces. It was also the only address in the city to provide hot running water for its guests and was home to the first electric elevator in Istanbul. The basic rooms are spacious - particularly given European standards - and extremely well-appointed (Moulton Brown products, yay!). Nespresso coffee, lots of windows, beautiful bathrooms, a pillow menu fergodsake!. The staff is without doubt what puts this hotel up and over to 5 stars....they are friendly without being fakey, clearly are sincere in wanting to help you, and really go out of their way to make your stay the very best it can be. Example: They gave us a great recommendation for a special dinner on our last night....a place with a great view, fantastic food..etc. They sent a porter to WALK US TO THE RESTAURANT!!!! Seriously. And he was sweet and chatty the entire 10-minute walk. It's these little touches - going above and beyond - that make a five-star. Period. If you are at all historically inclined, a must-see is the Attaturk room. Rich with history from the founding father of Turkey, it's an incredibly special place. The bed he slept in as he wrote the Turkish constitution, his sitting room, letters written during this important time. It's a must-see, and you need to ask for someone to take you into the room (they are quite modest about it..). The bar is also rich with history - Hemmingway, Agatha Christie, Greta Garbo, Queen Elizabeth - this was the place to stay in Istanbul once-upon-a-time, and it is again. It's dark, velvety, comfy, sumptuous. Order something old-school. Finally, the reference in my title to "Istanbul Passage" is a great book by Joseph Kanon that takes place post-WWII in Turkey. Many of the scenes are in the Pera Palace. Very cool. Windstar clients: Stay here. You'll be glad you did. Stayed June 2012, traveled with family read more

Great service, amazing location and an outstanding hotel with quite a legacy! Rooms are decorated with class in mind, and the bathrooms are lined with marble. This hotel has been around for over 125 years and still has unquie furniture to reflect the charm of a by gone era. This hotel was the first hotel in Istanbul to have an elevator and when you arrive they will take you up in it along with showing you the various memorabilia they have which makes this hotel unique! read more

I know. I know. I only gave the Orient Bar 2 stars. However, afternoon tea at fancy hotels is one of my favorite urban vacation experiences. The setting just off the lobby is spectacular. Their format is different than others I've done in that it's a buffet and the savory fare is served. Fortunately the fare is a major step up from the bar food. I got my money's worth so to speak and I was pleased with everything. The problem is the service is horrible and not at all acceptable for 5 star standards. Had to request place setting and beverage service a few times. Shouldn't have to do this especially when the venue is empty. Not terribly impressed with Istanbul but really disappointed with this hotel and glad that I decided not to splurge and stay here. Service is a key part of the 5 star rating and they repeatedly fall short. read more

I have not seen a small hotel like this. It is super luxurious with that old elegance from the beginning of the century. Service is impeccable and the staff is hyper courteous. This is the hotel where Agatha Christie wrote many of her novels. Visited by Ernest Hemingway. The furniture is really antique. Artifacts and memorabilia of the hotel glorious dates are around the property in conspicuous places. Highly recommended it. read more

See all

The location of the hotel was great and the view of our hotel room was fantastic. I did think it was a little funny how they were playing Christmas music in the lobby (mind you, I went in July). Silly that breakfast wasn't included with our stay. And I wasn't about to pay 38 euros to eat breakfast there. I ordered room service one night and was pretty disappointed with the quality of the food. Especially because it was 30 TL. Went to the bar one night and overpayed for a glass of disgusting wine and water that I had never ordered. The three stars are for the location and the view. That's pretty much it. read more

This is my third favorite hotel in all the world, topped only by a concrete-floored-40-watt-bulb room overlooking the bay at Kas, Turkey, and the extraordinary hotel at the top of the medieval village Cagne Sur Mer in Provence, very near Monaco. We spent a couple of nights at the Pera Palas, and it was our introduction to Istanbul, perhaps the greatest city in the world. The City is the gateway to Asia Minor with all its remarkable history, and of course it possesses remarkable locations such as the very very ancient spice market and Hagia Sophia, a church built in the 5th century on top of a more ancient temple of Diana. But the room we were assigned at the Palas had a marble bathtub that was 10 feet long. It was three feet deep. Marble. My suggestion is that you avoid the western copy-cat hotels in Istanbul and have a real-life experience of Ottoman Turkey at the Pera Palas. read more

Classic turn of the century elegance. Service, rooms, dining, and patio all superb. It's history and place in Istanbul cannot be surpassed. read more

Pera Palace Hotel - Ballroom - Hotels Near Me - Istanbul, 34

This may have been the nicest hotel I have ever stayed at anywhere in the world. The staff was outstanding. I still dream of this place and can't wait to go back. read more

I loved the location of this hotel! I was there only for 5 days and it was amazing to be living in the center of everything! Istiklal street is a 2 min walk. More about the hotel .. it has a really nice old world charm to it... we went to the cafe which was nice too! They have a hamam which I didn't use as I went to the aya sofya hamam :).. the real deal! Rooms were gorgeous and so was the service. read more

Stayed here on New Year's Day and had the best time exploring the hotel and taking in its' charm. Had afternoon tea at the breathtaking Kubbeli Salon (happy I booked a month before as all seats were taken!), explored the hotel, saw the gorgeous 2nd ever elevator in the world ( 1st was installed at EiffelTower and the 2nd at Pera Palace!). Pool was gorgeous, nice spa area and even spent time lounging on the chaise longue in our room reading Agatha's biography! Yep - she made Room 411 famous and was the 2nd reason I picked Turkey for these hols!! Afternoon tea was delicious- the turkish tea is the best we've ever had ANYWHERE in turkey! The pastries were very good with some original twists. Had drinks at the dark Orient Bar(where Hemingway downed his drinks back in 1922) until 1am and basically never left the hotel! Bfast the next morning was at the newly opened Agatha restaurant and it was lavish to say the least! My highlight was the 5 types of compotes/spreads offered - braised fig compote, braised walnut compote, choc spread, sweet tahini, blackberry jam, peanut butter( the best i've ever had!) and butter (as good as the ones the France!) -all were simply divine! Pera Palace was also the place where the British handed over the KeyOfIstanbul to the (would be) 1st President of Turkey after WWI. Recommended. read more

One of the most enjoyable experience I had in Turkey's hotels. Very very professional staff, the hotel is amazing from the inside, the lobby takes you to the nineteenth century atmosphere. Love it for sure. I recommend it to every one. read more

My wife and I stayed for 5 days in May. The hotel is physically beauiful, retaining its late-19th century extreme luxury atmosphere. Our Golden Horn room was not large, but it was perfectly adequate, and very quiet. The shower was the most luxurious that I have seen in a hotel - with three independently controlled sprays. Breakfast buffet was elaborate. Service was polite, but the hotel staff seemed very rushed at times. They could probably use more help. The location of this hotel is perfect for a tourist. One block away from the amazingly busy Istiklal Street, which is a combination of Fifth AVenue and Times Square. Hordes of people walking up and down the 2 mile pedestrian thoroughfare lined with international as well as Turkish shops selling everything from high-end clothes to the Turkish versionof Gyro sandwiches. The narrow pedestrian side streets off of Istiklal ae a journey into the past - small shops selling everything from fresh fish to pickles. Scores of sidewalk restaurants. Definitely worth a long walk. The old part of the city, with all the tourist attractions, is a 20 minute taxi ride away (15 TL). I definitely recommend this hotel. read more