History and luxury overlooking the Golden Horn

Noteworthy for: The restaurant, Agatha, pays homage to the three stops of the original Orient Express, serving a delicious fusion of Turkish, French and Italian cuisine.

Talk of the town: Agatha Christie began writing 'Murder on the Orient Express' here.

Opened in 1892, it was the last stop on the Orient Express with guests as diverse as Greta Garbo, Ernest Hemingway and Agatha Christie. Now, after a multi-million dollar renovation, it’s been returned to its former glory.

The interior is opulent and romantic, decorated in a mix of styles from 19th century Istanbul – neo-Classical, Art Nouveau and oriental. At the hotel's heart is the magnificent Kubbeli Saloon, with marble walls, Murano-glass chandeliers and antique furniture.

The rooms are classic and understated, with luxuriant fabrics, finely woven Oushak carpets and vast beds decked out in crisp, white cotton. The under-floor heated Carrera marble in the bathrooms gives a Turkish bath effect. For the full hamam experience head to the new spa, where you’ll be soaped, scrubbed and massaged into a state of utter relaxation.