Review: Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus Istanbul

Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul promises an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most alluring cities.

Istanbul is a frenetic city filled with colour, fragrance and energy. And Mandarin Oriental’s luxury urban resort may just be the perfect antidote. Designed with a modern Ottoman aesthetic and offering sweeping views of the water and Istanbul’s skyline, it’s the perfect place to base yourself to explore this captivating city in Türkiye.

Here’s everything you need to know before booking a stay at the ultra-chic Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul.

Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus backstory

Opened in 2021, the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul to use the hotel’s official name, is the second MO property in Türkiye after the Mandarin Oriental Bodrum.

The development took several abandoned properties on the banks of the Bosphorus in the upmarket suburb Kuruçeşme and reimagined the site as a luxury precinct now favoured by visiting royals, dignitaries and celebrities.

We use the word precinct deliberately as the entire property has a plethora of restaurants (3), bars and lounges (3), pools (3), spas including hammams and shopping for a relatively modest 77 rooms and 23 suites.

an aerial view of the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus — Istanbul’s urban resort is the epitome of coastal luxury.

The hotel’s design cleverly hides the full size of the property by going subterranean—three floors underground and four unobtrusive floors above ground.

A series of sunken gardens bring green and natural light into the guestrooms and public spaces (ballrooms, meeting rooms and the spa) below the street and water level.

The facade echoes the historic Yali mansions built along the Bosphorus by wealthy locals in the middle to end of the Ottoman empire.

Hospitality design legends Tihany Design have brought their muted ultra-luxury aesthetic to the interiors to create one of the finest hotels in the city.

a look inside the Royal Bosphorus Suite bathroom, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus Istanbul — The Royal Bosphorus Suite’s spacious bathroom is swathed in marble and equipped with two oversized vanities and a freestanding bath.

First Impressions

The low-profile exterior and subdued marble facade are a soothing response to the overstimulation of Istanbul.

the Royal Bosphorus Suite Dining Room — Enjoy dinner in your private dining area within the Royal Bosphorus Suite.

Turning into the sweeping porte cochère there is instant calm. The grand double-height lobby opens to the belvedere marble floors and French chandelier. The impact is a sense of elegance and space.

the entrance to the Royal Bosphorus Suite, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus Istanbul — The ultra-chic interior exudes opulence.

There are always guests moving through the entrance foyer and lobby from rooms to bars, to spa, pool and lounges however it never feels crowded or busy.

the living room at the Presidential Suite of Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus — The stylish suites feature handsome tones and elegant pendant lights.

The rooms and suites

Typical of the Mandarin Oriental brand, all room types, from entry to suite are oversized.

a balcony facing the sea at Mandarin Bosporus Room — Private balconies offer unobstructed views of the picturesque waterfront.

The rooms are true to the elegance of the brand with muted chocolate and velvet palette and high-end finishes.

the Royal Bosphorus Suite living room — The Royal Bosphorus Suite offers spacious dining and a large lounge area.

Soft furnishings have signature patterns that echo the famous kilims and carpets synonymous with Istanbul.

a look inside the living room of the Mandarin Bosphorus Suite — The luxurious suite features large glass doors and windows that create an indoor-outdoor flow.

The further you move up the room type the higher the room, with the best room types taking advantage of the grand sweeping views of the Bosphorus, the 15th July Martyrs Bridge (formerly the Bosphorus Bridge) and the Asian side of the city. Clever design means the majority (about 80%) of the rooms do have Bosphorus views.

sea view from the Presidential Suite Terrace, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus — Take in the beauty of the Bosphorus from your Presidential Suite Terrace.

Mandarin Oriental Rooms

The entry-level rooms are those below the street level in the previously mentioned sunken green oasis. These rooms come with a balcony and are home to a lounge, table and chairs that open into this sun-well space.

Entry-level rooms are spacious enough to accommodate the queen-sized bed, lounge, desk, and balcony all with a walk-in robe, and bathrooms with double sinks.

Oriental Bosphorus Suite

Larger than two New York City apartments, the reviewers’ two-bedroom Oriental Bosphorus Suite is atop the centre wing of the hotel with three private terraces. The main terrace reveals spectacular 180-degree views of the Bosphorus, bridge and Asia and will be cherished for life.

the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus exterior at night — The Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus features sweeping views of the water.

The two bedrooms are separated by a wide open hallway with a kitchenette and a hidden guest lavatory, A lounge, dining room table and work desk create a communal space between the two sleeping quarters.

the bedroom at Mandarin Bosphorus Suite, Istanbul — Bed down at the Bosphorus Suite.

Each bedroom has an ensuite, with the master bedroom bathtub and walk-in robe and private access to the third terrace.

the dressing room at the Royal Bosphorus Suite, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus — The suite is fitted with luxurious features like a walk-in closet.

The facilities

Mandarin Oriental Restaurants and Bars

There are two not to be missed moments in the restaurants and bars of the Mandarin Oriental, Bosphorus, Istanbul. Firstly, lounging next to the Bosphorus in the late afternoon sipping cocktails, bubbles or wine at The Bar as the call to prayer echoes from both Europe and Asia in stereo is the great Istanbul moment. The hotel is a local celeb hangout so be ready for some great people watching in all the restaurants.

The Bar at night, Mandarin Oriental, Bosphorus, Istanbul — Cap off the night sipping cocktails, bubbles or wine at The Bar.

The second is most unexpected if not disorientating. Make sure to try at least the Supreme Dim Sum at Hakkasan; a high-end Cantonese eatery that speaks to the Mandarin Oriental’s Hong Kong heritage. The Supreme Dim Sum includes two astonishing dumplings – the Lobster and celery har gau and scallop and chicken shu mai with caviar.

While one may not expect or want to eat Cantonese in Istanbul, Hakkasan proved to be a meal of supreme craft and worth the detour from the anticipated hummus, shish, kebab and pide feast.

a close-up of Cantonese food at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus — Indulge in succulent Cantonese plates. (Image: Quentin Long)

Olea is an Italian restaurant with a ‘best of Italy’ menu. Think carpaccio di manzo (beef) or polpo (octopus), fritto di calamari and zucchine fiori (fried zucchini flowers).

al fresco dining at Olea Restaurant, the Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus — Take a seat on the sun-filtered deck while dining on an Italian-inspired menu.

Novikov is the elevated buffet with dishes from across Türkiye, Asia and Europe. The Sunday Brunch is modelled on the famous (or infamous depending on who you ask) Dubai brunches.

the dining at Novikov Restaurant, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus — Wine and dine at the Novikov Restaurant overlooking the sea.

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The Spa and Gym

This is a serious spa. With more than 3500 square metres of space, there is ample area for 11 treatment rooms, two beauty rooms and a VIP room plus a heated indoor pool, three hammams, a sauna and a steam room.

a woman relaxing in the Turkish Hammam, Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus — Indulge in pure bliss and relaxation at the Turkish Hammam.

The gym is probably the size of two regular city gyms. A dedicated spin room and a dedicated pilates and yoga room accompany an enormous weights, bike and treadmill area.

the spa treatment room at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus — Treat yourself to a relaxing massage.

The Gardens

Special mention must be made of the manicured and extensive gardens. From the circular fountain surrounded by greenery to the sunken oasis and the extensive gardens around the two outdoor pools, this orderly greenery is soothing.

the spa garden at Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus — Be surrounded by soothing greenery.

The location

In the upmarket Kuruçeşme suburb, it is close to the popular Bebek and Etiler neighbourhoods and magnificent views of the two main bridges across the Bosphorus.

The hotel has a private jetty and offers boat transfers into many of the major sightseeing, historical and shopping areas of the city.

Details

Address: Kuruçeşme, Muallim Naci Cd. No: 62, 34345 Beşiktaş/İstanbul, Türkiye

Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK.

Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

Why is it so hot in Europe?

Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

How travel is impacted

A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius — A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris — People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.

Your guide to the opulent Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus, Istanbul