Fodor's Expert Review Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

What a rehabilitation success story: a former prison just steps from Topkapı Palace and Aya Sofya was transformed into one of Istanbul's premier accommodations—a place where there have been additional renovations more recently and where the luxuriously outfitted rooms and suites overlook the Sea of Marmara, the Old City, or a manicured interior courtyard. The rooftop terrace, A'ya Lounge, offers spectacular views of the Aya Sofya and other monuments and is the perfect place to have a drink and watch the sun set. The glass-enclosed Seasons Restaurant in the central courtyard is one of the area's few fine dining venues. The spa and gym area is small, but guests are free to use the much more extensive facilities at the hotel's sister property on the Bosphorus.