WHY GO: Just steps from some of the most amazing sights in Istanbul, this oasis of modern elegance provides the perfect home away from home in boutique luxury for travelers who want to explore the historic city.

WHAT TO DO: Guided tours, fine dining, museums, church tours, mosque tours, museums, art, palaces, sightseeing and more!

BOOKING:  themillenniumsuites.com. All rooms come with air conditioning and heaters, as well as quiet doors and 40-inch LCD TVs with satellite.

WHY GO: In the heart of the historic peninsula of Istanbul lies this marvel of luxury, a boutique hotel that feels as timeless as the ancient buildings that surround it.

WHAT TO DO: Fine dining, museums, shopping, sightseeing, ancient houses of worship, guided tours, and more.

BOOKING:  istanbulwhitehouse.com. 22 unique rooms give this hotel its distinct flair.

WHY GO: Featuring a lounge terrace overlooking the stunning Sea of Marmara, the Hotel Amira perfectly combines distinct Baroque design with subtle high-tech amenities for ultimate relaxation.

WHAT TO DO: Fine dining, shopping, hot tub, sauna, fitness room, spa, tours, sightseeing and more.

BOOKING: hotelamira.com . 32 rooms featuring local touches such as Ottoman-style ceiling paintings.

WHY GO: Enjoy panoramic views of the gorgeous city of Istanbul from your room or the unique rooftop garden. The unassuming hotel exterior begets its fine interior where no comfort is overlooked.

WHAT TO DO: Rooftop garden, fine dining, sightseeing, shopping, guided tours and more!

BOOKING:  wittistanbul.com. Overlook the gorgeous city below from one of 18 spacious modern rooms.

WHY GO: Named for Byzantium's grand port, you'll feel right at home as an international traveler at the Neorion Hotel, where a stay is more than a good night's sleep, it's a relaxing foray into Turkish culture.

WHAT TO DO: Spa, swimming, massage therapy, Turkish baths, sightseeing, museums, mosque tours, fine dining, outdoor terrace.

BOOKING:  neorionhotel.com. Choose from standard double rooms all the way up to posh squites, all with a unique Turkish flair.

WHY GO: You'll find yourself in complete relaxation from the moment you get to your room with a private spa bath to your evenings on the rooftop terrace and your gastronomic journeys at the Nicole Restaurant.

WHAT TO DO: sightseeing, cultural tours, museums, fine dining, spa services and more

BOOKING:  tomtomsuites.com. Choose from five different styles of spacious luxury suites

WHY GO: Service beyond compare awaits at the Raffles Istanbul, where complimentary additions to your stay are the norm, and the staff goes the extra mile to make your stay unlike any hotel experience you've had.

WHAT TO DO: Massages, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, sauna, fitness center, Turkish baths, museums, sightseeing, fine dining and more!

BOOKING:  raffles.com. Every room at the Raffles Istanbul comes with a private balcony overlooking the city.

WHY GO: Built in traditional Ottoman Mansion style, the focus is on immersing guests in the ambience that makes Istanbul so unique, making you feel like an Ottoman emperor.

WHAT TO DO: Turkish baths, sauna, swimming, sightseeing, fine dining, massage

BOOKING: sirkecimansion.com. Choose from a number of suite options, including city or park views.

WHY GO: Feel like a sultan and surround yourself with timeless elegance and the utmost luxury. Whether you prefer to relax away from the hustle and bustle, or take in the iconic scenes of Istanbult, Hotel Sultania has something for everyone.

WHAT TO DO: Swimming, fine dining, sauna, fitness center, Turkish baths, sightseeing, museums, monuments, guided tours and more!

BOOKING:  hotelsultania.com/

 Each room comes with luxurious amenities, and deluxe accomodations with terraces and or personal Turkish baths are available.

WHY GO: Just minutes from many major Istanbul sights, as well as full spa services, you'll be able to spend a day taking in the city's splendor and the evening relaxing and unwinding.

WHAT TO DO: Swimming, massages, spa services, saunas, Turkish baths, fine dining, sightseeing and more.

BOOKING:  levnihotel.com. Take your pick of their fine suite options in the heart of Istanbul.