Flowers hanging over balcony rails adorn the facade of the Karakoy Port Hotel, while gold details and red velvety curtains in the windows hint at the opulent decor inside. The classically styled lobby features Victorian furniture and palatial details like a chandelier suspended from a ceiling rich with decorative crown molding, plush red drapes, and an Ottoman rug covering the tiled floor. The breakfast room has a more modern feel with sleeker tables and chairs. Wrap-around windows offer panoramic sea views. Weather permitting, guests can also dine on a huge rooftop terrace with tables and chairs surrounded by short brick walls, offering scenic views over rooftops and the water.

Karakoy Port Hotel is situated on the seafront and within walking distance of the port where cruise ships dock. It’s also across from the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art. The hotel is outside of the area that is more trafficked by tourists, but there are plenty of restaurants nearby and a tram stop within a five-minute walk. It’s a 15-minute walk to bustling Istiklal Avenue as well as Galata Tower and its historic area. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are a 15-minute cab ride away. The airport is within a 30-minute drive, and the hotel offers airport transfers. 

Rooms have delicate, feminine decor (which might not suit all tastes) in soft shades that includes pale lavender curtains, velvety tufted headboards, and chandeliers. Victorian furniture sets include white and gold armoires, nightstands, and vanity desks. All rooms have 32-inch LCD TVs with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, minibars, free bottled water, and coffee/tea facilities. Some rooms offer lovely sea views. Marble bathrooms with subtle gold details have walk-in rainfall showers (though these vary in size and can be quite small in some rooms) as well as makeup mirrors, a good range of toiletries, and loofah pads.

A free Turkish breakfast buffet with a variety of items is served in the lovely breakfast room that offers panoramic views over the sea, or guests can dine on the large rooftop terrace. 24-hour room service is also available, and the hotel can arrange for airport transfers. Wi-Fi is free throughout.