When I travel to Istanbul for a few days to see friends and family, I’m picky about where I stay. I like 5-star hotels with clean, quiet, modern rooms – but I don’t want to feel cut off from the city’s heartbeat. The Four Seasons and Hyatt are wonderful, but too far from my favorite haunts, like Ziba Bar on Tomtom Akansu Sk 10. I used to stay at Bosphorus Istanbul for the stunning rooftop views from a balcony, but the noise eventually drove me away.
That’s how I ended up at Soho House Istanbul – and it felt like stepping into a different movie. Literally. Calm and slow oasis in a crowded and noisy city.
What is Soho House Istanbul?
Opened in 2015, Soho House Istanbul is part of the exclusive Soho House members’ club network, founded by Nick Jones and now owned by Soho House & Co. Housed in the historic American Consulate in Beyoğlu in a building just next to the iconic Pera Palace Hotel (home to Turkey’s first-ever elevator and a favorite of Agatha Christie).
The place mixes 19th-century grandeur with a modern, bohemian members’ club vibe: frescoes, marble staircases, courtyards, club rooms, bars, a screening room, gym, and Cowshed spa—old-world bones with contemporary design.
The hotel I stayed at is also Soho House Istanbul, so you can book directly on their website or via Hotels.com. This one is nice, no membership is needed to enjoy the good rooms, gym, and spa. Oh yes, nice white egg morning omelet in the garden.
The Concept & Style
It is like David Lynch-and-Art Deco (very cinematographic hotel): deep velvet chairs, hidden corners, and lush greenery outside.
The outdoor terrace feels like a secret garden where you can sip prosecco (bottles start at €80) or splurge on oysters (€20 each – a bit outrageous, but worth it for the setting). Inside, there’s a cinema with cozy red armchairs and table lamps, and a restaurant serving a mix of European comfort food.
My Stay – The Reality Behind the Pictures
I booked a room at this small boutique hotel in Istanbul on the second floor – spacious, modern, and blessedly quiet, with eight pillows piled on the bed and a balcony overlooking a silent garden where local cats lounged in the sun.
The room was stocked with everything: a minibar, ice bucket, soft drinks, spirits, snacks, even… condoms and lube in the bathroom (a Soho touch, I suppose). There was coffee, tea, and free cookies, too.
It was nearly perfect – though the walls are a bit thin, and I could hear muffled conversations from the room behind me.
The Extras – And They’re Good
The gym on the minus 3 level is one of the best I’ve seen in a hotel – spacious, stylish, and equipped with my favorite crossfit machine. But the real highlight? The hammam. A gorgeous steam bath with mint-scented heat and a Finnish sauna lined with art deco tiles, wood, and live plants. It’s free for guests – and felt like a true escape.
There is also a nice barber shop and a spa area (on minus 4 floor) where you can book a hammam treatment (45 minutes with a female master). I thought the price of about €120 (approx $150) is a bit too much, when they say we also add 13% service fee on top.
By the way, if you book via hotels.com as a new guest you can get a 20% discount on spa treatments and room upgrades (if available). I didn’t use those perks.
Soho House Istanbul: A Cinematic Green Oasis in the Heart of the Bustling City
Soho House Istanbul is more than just a nice cozy boutique hotel – it’s an experience. You’ll find DJ sets, drag queen nights, and member events, but also quiet mornings with breakfast served until noon (the white egg omelette with spinach and cheese and fresh berries are worth waking up for).
This place balances style and comfort better than most. It’s close to the city’s vibe, yet tucked away enough to feel like a retreat. Not everything is perfect (thin walls, pricey oysters), but it delivers on that groovy, cinematic energy it promises online.
Membership & Prices
In Istanbul, the numbers are refreshingly transparent for Soho House Istanbul membership —€175 a month or €2,100 a year for 27+, or €1,000 a year if you’re under 27. Add preferred bedroom rates, gyms and spas, screenings, and a calendar of events, and you’ve got a membership that feels less like a velvet rope and more like a passport to a creative community—whichever city you land in next.
⭐ My Rating: 9/10. A new Istanbul favorite.
