Henna Hotel Istanbul

Henna sits in the old Cankurtaran quarter, a few minutes from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and Topkapı Palace. Nearby, Akbıyık Street is lined with rooftop cafés, meyhanes, and traditional restaurants, and the Arasta Bazaar behind the Blue Mosque is a good place for carpets and ceramics. The seafront promenade below is lovely for an evening stroll.

Rich colours, patterned textiles, wood and traditional decorative details give the interiors a strong sense of place. The style is warm and welcoming rather than formal, perfectly in tune with its historic surroundings.

Rooms are smart and comfortable, pairing parquet floors and contemporary bathrooms with subtle decorative touches. The Superior rooms offer noticeably more space than the entry categories and are worth booking for a longer stay.

Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace, with 360-degree views across the Bosphorus, the Sea of Marmara and the Historic Peninsula, as Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque rise above the surrounding rooftops.