Istanbul, home of 15 million people is a major touristic destination. Even if after the bomb blast, the number of tourists remained up to. Istanbul is a gay friendly destination even if it’s a muslim country. So the gay friendly hotel Istanbul as below:
Homosexuality is not illegal in Turkey. Guidebooks advise couples to be discreet in public.
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics.
Top attractions to visit in Istanbul
Best Day Trips in Istanbul
- Day Tour – Troy Tour from Istanbul
- Small Group Tour: Essential Istanbul
- Pamukkale Day Trip From Istanbul
- Cappadocia In One Day Small-Group Tour from Istanbul: Rose Valley, Ortahisar, Kaymakli Underground City and Pigeon Valley
- Ancient Ephesus Tour from/to Istanbul
See all Day Trips in Istanbul on GetYourGuide Turkey.
1. Zeynep Sultan Hotel at Sultanahmet 3* – Gay Friendly Hotel Istanbul
The Zeynep Sultan Hotel in located in the Fatih area o Istanbul, close to many pubs, bars and a lot of choices for restaurants. If you are into night life of Istanbul this is the hotel to stay int
Overlooking domes and minarets in Istanbul’s Sultanahmet area, Zeynep Sultan transports its guests back to Ottoman times. This hotel offers intimate accommodation with a panoramic rooftop terrace.
A 3-minute walk from 2 bus stops, this casual hotel in a concrete building on a cobblestone street is a 5-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia and 9 minutes on foot from the 17th-century Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
Warmly decorated rooms have free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, along with desks, and tea and coffee making facilities.
A free breakfast buffet is served in a casual restaurant that has a terrace and a laid-back bar. Additional amenities include a posh lobby lounge, and a covered porch with seating
This hotel is very close (2 minutes walk) to Hagia Sofia, Topkapi palace, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern. other places like Grand Bazaar also just 10 minutes by walk. Shops and restaurants are all around the place so you don’t need to search so much for food.
The bedrooms are comfortable and quiet – the hotel is on a quiet side street near Gulhane Park if you are a runner!
The breakfast is a lovely local breakfast with lots of choice: fruit, dried fruit, cheeses, bread, cereal, olives,.etc and it is served on a lovely terrace overlooking an old mosque.
The rooms are small but recently updated with white washed wood floors and modern baths. They are clean, light and airy. The rooftop eating area is roomy and the breakfasts are wonderful. There is a full selection of fruit, grilled and fresh veggies, cheeses, olives, simit and breads, yogurts, jams and honey. Tea, coffee, juice and water are generally available all day long. There is also a tea served in the afternoon.
The only drawback was the spotty wifi. It was always available on the terrace but not always in our room.
The shower with its pleasant decor was surprisingly large in comparison to the size of the room. The room with tea and coffee making facilities and TV was very clean and cleaned each day. Breakfast was adequate with meats, cheeses, bread, spreads, omelette, melon, salad and drinks, served to you due to covid, was enough to set us up for our day; breakfast could be taken on the pleasant outdoor terrace which could also be used as an outdoor seated area. The reception area with 3 piece suite was quite small and pleasant.
There were hand sanitisers around and all people wore face masks in the hotel. Staff were excellent, most trips and restaurant bookings were booked through them (one in particular) and recommendations did not disappoint. This hands on touch really made the 4 days enjoyable and we saw and did all that we wanted to do. The hotel is very well placed to visit nearby attractions, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque with the Grand Bazaar about 10/15 mins walk away. I really enjoyed my stay there. It was fit for all purposes. I travelled with a friend and normally travel solo. I would happily come back to this hotel as a solo traveller or with a friend again in future.
The location is absolutely fantastic, close to all the major tourist attractions like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapı Palace, Grand Bazaar etc. There are many restaurants/cafes within walking distance to choose from too. The hotel is very well looked after and clean.
Our room was cleaned daily to a good standard. We were even provided with slippers during our stay 🙂 breakfast was great and a good selection. The staff were all very friendly and helpful. There is a great travel agency a few doors down called the High Hill where you can book all your excursions etc, highly recommended
How much does a room costs at Zeynep Sultan Hotel at Sultanahmet Istanbul ?
Prices start 70$/night for the The Standard Double . The Triple Room ( Room size: 20 m²) is 89$/night and features air conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities and a minibar
Where to book online – Zeynep Sultan Hotel at Sultanahmet – Gay Friendly Hotels Istanbul – you can find the best hotels deals in Istanbul on Booking.com or Hotelscombined.com or Trip.com.
2 A’jia Hotel Istanbul 4* – Gay Friendly Hotel Istanbul
Set along the waterfront of the Bosphorus, the A’jia Hotel is situated in a traditional Ottoman mansion. Guests can enjoy breakfast on the waterside terrace and benefit from free Wi-Fi.
Hotel A’jia has uniquely decorated rooms with a modern twist. They are light, airy and offer comfortable facilities including a DVD player, satellite TV and luxurious bathroom amenities.
Set in an 1870s building on the shores of the Sea of Marmara, this elegant hotel is a 7-minute walk from a ferry terminal and 4 km from the 17th-century Küçüksu Palace.
The airy rooms provide complimentary Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as mini fridges and safes. Some rooms and balconies with sea views. Suites feature sitting areas; some have whirlpool tubs.
The place is a small(16 rooms) jewel situated in the Asian side of the city. It has a great location on the Bosphorus. Rooms are big, clean with lots of amenities and with great views of the European side of Istanbul. But the most amazing asset is the personal and extraordinary services. Starting with our great front desk manager, Levent Bey, who took care of all reservations including sea taxis, tours, local restaurants, best times to visit local historic places, etc. In the restaurant, Shain and Goersch- I hope those are close to the right spelling – provided super services and were always attentive to our requests. In few words, the place is a most if you go to Istanbul.
Absolutely lovely setting just by Bosphorus, on the Asian side across from Sabanci Foundation – make sure you are fine with the location as it is far from the Old City and the traffic can be a nightmare but the place is absolutely worth it (and they can arrange for a private boat to drop you on the European side). Very boutique style, with just few rooms, modern but would benefit from a slight refreshing especially as far as decoration is concerned. No brainer, go for Bosphorus view – absolutely worth any extra they would charge for it
An area boat shuttle is complimentary. There’s a polished Mediterranean restaurant with a seafront terrace. Massage services are also available.
The hotel is an historic Ottoman Yali right on the Bosphorus in Kanlıca. The location is just lovely. The rooms are very spacious with high ceilings and windows, the bed is pretty comfortable. The jacuzzi is a plus which functioned pretty good. We also enjoyed having our breakfast by the sea.
Beautiful individual quality rooms, and the stunning view to Bosphorus is indescribable, the service is absolutely 5 stars service.
The restaurant is fantastic, food delicious and service excellent, professional and friendly.
The room with a Bosphorus view is a must and this is our recommendation to book if you truly want to enjoy your stay at the hotel and see Istanbul differently!
How much does a room costs at A’jia Hotel Istanbul ?
Prices start 255$/night for the Park View Deluxe Double . The Terrace Room with Sea View ( Room size: 40 m²) is 380$/night is located on the top floor, this spacious room offers panoramic views of the Bosphorus and a large, outdoor terrace with sun loungers.
Breakfast is optional and costs 21$/person.
Where to book online – A’jia Hotel Istanbul – Gay Friendly Hotel Istanbul – you can find the best hotels deals in Istanbul on Booking.com and Trip.com.
3. Istanbul Hotel Alzer at Sultanahmet 4* – Gay Friendly Hotel Istanbul
Our next suggestion for a gay hotel in Istanbul is another 4* hotels with amazing reviews!
Located along with stunning views of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia from its rooftop terrace, this special category hotel offers personalised service and free wireless internet access in the heart of Sultanahmet.
The historic townhouse Alzer Hotel is over 100 years old and has been fully restored with great attention to detail. The clean and comfortable guest rooms offer modern amenities, including air conditioning.
In a bright building on a vibrant street, this refined hotel opposite the Blue Mosque is a 5-minute walk from Sultanahmet tram station and a 6-minute walk from the seafront Kennedy Caddesi thoroughfare.
Charming rooms with old-school decor and handmade carpets come with flat-screen TVs, Internet access, desks and minibars. Upgraded rooms add coffee makers and city views, and suites offer living areas, pull-out sofas and whirlpool tubs.
A free breakfast buffet is served in a sea-view restaurant, and there’s a garden cafe with a dining terrace.
The location of this hotel is the most impressive aspect! Located less than a 5 minute walk from the Blue Mosque and a 10 minute walk from Aya Sophia and Topkapi Palace.
The view from the room was breathtaking from the front of the building I assume other rooms would have great views of the water and other parts of the city. The breakfast is of a great quality with lots of options to choose from.
The best views of all are from the breakfast room which is on the roof which provides a near 360 degree view of the whole area. This is perhaps the hotels best feature.
The breakfast up the top of the hotel, is wonderful as only Turkish breakfasts can be, and has the most breathtaking views across to the Blue Mosque, the Bosphorus across to the Golden Horn.
The hotel is located in the wonderful historical center of the city right on Sultanahmet Square. Tables are comfortably placed in front of the hotel entrance, where you can sit, chat, dine and enjoy the views of the memorial objects of century history. The hotel reception is very harmonious, cozy, slightly darkened, which creates a fabulous atmosphere, and besides, on the eve of New Year’s holidays, everything was decorated and magical !!!
I am very grateful to the staff: attentive, friendly, on the first and last day we were presented with cute souvenirs. The restaurant waiters were very welcoming and the breakfast was excellent!!! The room was very comfortable, clean and everything was needed: clean white towels, shampoo, soap, slippers, clean linens, water for drinking every day, but most of all I was impressed by the view from the window: the beloved Blue Mosque Sultanahmet, in the distance the stunning Bosphorus, seagulls circling in the sky and waking up to the morning adhan. It’s very romantic and attractive. Many thanks to the hotel for an amazing stay in Istanbul. I will definitely come back.
We stayed here four nights in a Corner suite. Great location to explore the Sultanamet area. One of the few hotels located on the Hippodrome means you are a stone’s throw from the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace Which means you can get there as soon as they open and beat the crowds.
Breakfast was very nice and ample and the staff in the breakfast room are very nice. The views from the Breakfast room is priceless overlooking both the the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya
We like to walk so it wasn’t an effort to see all the sites down the hill such as the Spice markets, Grand Bazaar, & Suleymaniye Mosque by foot. If you prefer to catch the tram it’s only a 3-minute walk from the Hotel – Sultanamet Tram stop.
It was easy to get to this hotel from Ataturk Airport via Metro and tram. It took around 1 hour but if you arrive during peak periods its difficult with luggage on the tram. With the new airport opening end of October 2018 things will change. If you are coming to Sabiha Gokcen Airport the cheapest way to get to town is a Havas bus to Taksim Square and then catch a taxi
A must as soon as you land in Turkey is to buy an Istanbulkart which covers travel on the metro, Trams, Public Busses (not Havas) and some ferries. You buy the card at vending machine before you catch the metro. If you don’t speak Turkish, ask someone to help you as the vending machine instructions are only in Turkish.
How much does a room costs at Istanbul Hotel Alzer at Sultanahmet ?
Prices start 70$/night for the Economy Double Room . The Executive Suite ( Room size: 38 m²) is 170$/night and features a seating area, air conditioning and minibar. Breakfast is included in the room price.
Room facilities: Safety Deposit Box, Air conditioning, Iron, Desk, Ironing Facilities, Seating Area, Extra Long Beds (> 2 metres), Heating, Shower, Bath, Hairdryer, Bathrobe, Free toiletries, Toilet, Bathroom, Slippers, Bath or Shower, TV, Telephone, Satellite Channels, Minibar, Refrigerator
Where to book online – Istanbul Hotel Alzer at Sultanahmet – Gay Friendly Hotel Istanbul – you can find the best hotels deals in Istanbul on Booking.com and Hotelscombined.com or Trip.com
4. Hotel Empress Zoe Istanbul 3* – Gay Friendly Hotel Istanbul
Located in İstanbul, 300 m from Hagia Sophia, Hotel Empress Zoe boasts a sun terrace and views of the sea. Guests can enjoy the on-site bar.
Some rooms include a seating area to relax in after a busy day. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hairdryer. Hotel Empress Zoe features free WiFi throughout the property. A flat-screen TV is available.
Hotel Empress Zoe is an excellent choice for travelers visiting Istanbul, offering a romantic environment alongside many helpful amenities designed to enhance your stay.
Close to some of Istanbul’s most popular landmarks, such as Suleymaniye Mosque (1.2 mi) and Galata Tower (1.4 mi), Empress Zoe Hotel is a great destination for tourists.
The rooms offer air conditioning, and getting online is possible, as free wifi is available, allowing you to rest and refresh with ease.
Empress Zoe features a 24 hour front desk, a concierge, and a rooftop terrace. In addition, as a valued Hotel Empress Zoe guest, you can enjoy free breakfast that is available on-site. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to paid public parking available nearby.
When you’re feeling hungry, be sure to check out Beso Restaurant Bistro, Constantine’s Ark Gurme Restaurant, and Saltanat Barbecue House, which are some steakhouses that are popular with locals and out-of-towners alike.
If you’re looking for something to do, Topkapi Palace (0.4 mi), Blue Mosque (0.2 mi), and Hagia Sophia Museum / Church (Ayasofya) (0.2 mi) are a nice way to spend some time, and they are all within walking distance of Empress Zoe Hotel.
If you like gorgeous boutique hotel in local style it’s lovely. Set in good position near Bosphorus and mosques, close to many restaurants and the hotel staff actually care about you. They are very friendly with suggestions to nearby facilities. Breakfast is buffet style and seating is in their pretty garden setting near old hammam ruins.
There are plenty restaurants around, and most historical sites are less than 5 minutes walk.
The garden is very peaceful and relaxing – you will enjoy the delicious breakfast in the garden everyday. And the views from the rooftop terrace at sunset are absolutely stunning!
The bedroom is small but sufficient with one side of the bed against the wall. That said, the bed and pillows were comfortable. The room was air conditioned.The towels and bedsheets are clean and there’s always hot water in the taps.
The outdoor garden/courtyard area has a grotto feel to it and sits adjacent to a 12th century hamam, providing a great location to beat the late afternoon heat and enjoy a drink from the casual hotel bar. Equally impressive was the basic but delicious local breakfast that was on offer each morning, which was prepared and served by a small, friendly team who we viewed as friends throughout our brief stay. The rooftop decks also provide stunning views of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, as well as the ships transiting from the Black Sea through the Bosphorus.
The hotel is owned by an American lady (whom I’ve never met, not sure she is there much), but the hotel is beautifully run by a lovely staff.
The location can’t be beat, in the old part of town, Sultanahmet. Small winding streets and old Turkish architecture. RIGHT up against the Sultanahmet Square, the Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, The Topkapi Palace, the Cisterns and the Four Seasons Sultanahmet. And walking distance to the Grand Bazaar and my favorite Hammam, Cemberlitas.
The rooms are super nicely decorated, very Turkish style. I’ve stayed in three rooms, all very different from one another. This time my room was a double room, great since I travelled with my sister. But my room had its own HAMMAM, which was just fantastic!
The hotel has a tasty breakfast buffet. It was freezing when we were there, but the hotel was warm and cozy. There is a roof terrace with. Nice view over the rooftops of the city and the Bosphorus.
My room at the top of many stairs ? had frescos on the walls, a fireplace and a marble bathroom with handmade olive oil soap, a tribal rug on the polished timber floor. A private terrace where I could sit and watch the ships passing through the Marmara Sea to the Black Sea.
Just on stairs… with ancient buildings come stairs. There is a spiral staircase from the foyer to the first floor, marble stairs up two more floors to my room. Some room are less some more. So small suitcase.. take your time…. and step over the ginger cat who also likes the stairs.
Empress Zoe is a delightful up and down and around group of Turkish houses surrounding an archaeological ruin the Isa Pasha Hammam built 1483.
A secret garden accessed from the breakfast room, where you sit for breakfast, wander the garden or go exploring around the old Hammam. The dome is covered in wild flowers and ivy.
There is also a roof terrace for wonderful views of the sea and the domes and spires of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
I remember coming down to breakfast the first morning to classical music, a fat ginger cat sitting at the glass door, and a generous abundant array of beautiful food; fresh bread, fabulous coffee, fruit, cheeses, eggs, cereal, olives of course, ruby tomatoes and cucumbers you could smell as you walked in. Welcome to Turkey it was fabulous.
I did not use the wifi. I find it easier to buy a local sims card.
The other memorable thing was lying in bed listening to the Call to Prayer at sunrise, there is a little Mosque across the road, the call of the sea gulls and the distance horns of ships passing.
Right behind the hotel a short walk on the cobblestones, 10 minutes; the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia Hamam, the Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaar.
A short walk the other way to the promenade that runs all along the water’s edge, where if you stop you can see dolphins swimming in amongst the day tripper boats and container ships. Amazing!
Cobble stones, traditional woven tablecloths and pillows in restaurants, Turkish water pipes, conveyance shops, laundry, tourist shops all around and around.
Lovely helpful English speaking staff, thank you!!
A charming, deliciously wonderful traditional Turkish Hotel in the heart of the Old City of Istanbul.
Room facilities: Sea view, Landmark view, City view, Terrace, TV, Telephone, Satellite Channels, Flat-screen TV, Safety Deposit Box, Air conditioning, Desk, Ironing Facilities, Seating Area, Heating, Interconnected room(s) available, Hardwood/Parquet floors, Wardrobe/Closet, Clothes rack, Shower, Hairdryer, Free toiletries, Toilet, Bathroom, Toilet paper, Kitchenette, Refrigerator, Dining area, Electric kettle, Kitchenware, 3 Seat Dining Table, Outdoor furniture, Outdoor dining area, Wake-up service, Towels, Linen, Upper floors accessible by stairs only.
How much does a room costs at Empress Zoe Istanbul ?
Prices start 100$/night for the Standard Double Room . The Penthouse Suite ( Room size: 35 m²) is 230$/night and features a private terrace with the views of Blue Mosque and panoramic sea views, this suite has air conditioning, electric kettle and seating area.
Where to book online – Empress Zoe Istanbul – Gay Friendly Hotel Istanbul – you can find the best hotels deals in Istanbul on Booking.com and Trip.com or Hotelscombined.com
5. Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina Hotel 5* – Gay Friendly Hotel Istanbul
Our last suggestion is hotel located on the Asian shore of Istanbul. Many people choose to stay on the European side close to the main touristic attraction of Istanbul and shopping area. But staying on the Asian side will make you fell in a different world – cats, coffee shops and quietness 🙂
Located right next to Kalamis Marina and Kalamis Park on the Asian side of Istanbul, Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel is within walking distance from Fenerbahce Marina and Fenerbahce Sukru Saracoglu Stadium. This newly built hotel offers stylish rooms with sea, marina or city views.
The hotel has 2 outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool, and a 3500m² spa and fitness centre. After a workout at Shape Club, you can enjoy massage treatments from Far Eastern therapists at Blue Harmony Spa.
All rooms include a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, iPod player, complimentary WiFi and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities, as well as 2 bottles of water. 24-hour room service is also available.
The location is the Fenerbahce district on the Asian side of Istanbul, a district of very nice apartments overlooking the sea. Surrounded by restaurants and a short walk to everything you need. Entering the hotel from the semi-circular driveway, and after you pass through security, you are welcomed by the smartly dressed staff into a pleasing space that gives lets you know no corners are cut. If it’s raining, umbrellas are provided to guests.
The rooms are well appointed and clean, with all the amenities you’d expect, including a bar. The bath has rain shower and hand nozzle attachments; bath towels are of a better quality. The beds are large and comfortable, with good quality linen and comforters should you need. The air conditioning is minutely adjustable. The windows do open if you desire. The hallway carpet and design somehow dampen the noise level which is great.
The French Second Empire-like design hotel has a huge variety of amenities – rooftop, indoor and outdoor pools, a large gym, full spa, steam room, etc.. The downstairs pool is large enough to get good laps in. The rooftop pool is between the two rooftop bar/restaurants, both of which afford fabulous views of the sea.
Full bar and a varied menu that was popular in the early evening.
The morning buffet is large and complete, with a wide variety of western and Turkish foods, as well as eggs prepared to order. Staff are omnipresent, to whisk away a plate or cup.
The hotel has many positives and that makes it a great choice. It is located very close to the Marina and he views are amazing. It offers an opportunity to enjoy the eastern side of Istanbul which is graced by a great sea side, parks, shops, restaurants. Its rooftop bar restaurants are very cozy for food and drink, relaxing and just looking at the sea. It has a decent pool, though I would strongly suggest that the arrangement of deck chairs and umbrellas needs to be less packed and squeezed; it was really impossible to approach and sit and that service in the pool area needs to be upgraded.
Breakfast was exceptional, with a great variety of offers and very good service. Overall, service was very good from reception, to housekeeping and the restaurants. The room was rather spacious and we appreciated the abundance of plugs, the very comfortable bed and the quite modern bathroom. Definitely recommended.
The location is very central to great restaurants at the Marina and a short taxi ride to Bagdat Caddesi for shopping. Dinner and drank a Jibber Rooftop Restaurant a couple of times. Excellent views and staff. There is a breakfast buffet or an a la cart option on lobby terrace. The fitness center is world class. Two pools (we preferred the rooftop pool) to choose from. Rooms are good size and appointed nicely. Staff was very helpful and attentive
Room facilities: City view, Telephone, Satellite Channels, Flat-screen TV, iPod dock, Safety Deposit Box, Air conditioning, Iron, Desk, Ironing Facilities, Seating Area, Heating, Carpeted, Wardrobe/Closet, Hairdryer, Toilet, Bathroom, Bath or Shower, Minibar, Electric kettle, Wake-up service, Alarm clock.
How much does a room costs at Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina ?
Prices start 130$/night for the Deluxe Double with City View . The Executive King Room with Sea View ( Room size: 32 m²) is 210$/night
Tastefully decorated, this room includes a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and an electric kettle with complimentary tea and coffee set up. It also offers marina views.
Guests staying in this room will receive:
– Complimentary minibar
– Executive Lounge access
– 10% discount on airport transfer
– 20% discount from spa facilities
– Late check-out (upon availability)
– 1 suit or 2 pieces pressing per stay (except Sundays)
Where to book online – Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina – Gay Friendly Hotel Istanbul – you can find the best hotels deals in Istanbul on Booking.com and Agoda.com.
