Istanbul spreads across two continents, on either side of the Bosphorus, between the old town of Sultanahmet, the hills of Beyoğlu and the Asian shore. You walk a lot here, from one hill to the next, and it's nice to come back and unwind in the warm. The palace hotels lining the strait almost all hide a spa with an indoor pool, and a few neighbourhood hotels have created a pool beneath their stone vaults. I've selected 39 places, all rated at least 8/10; the top-rated is Raffles Istanbul (9.8/10).
Each city has its own selection, with a page for each type of accommodation.
Places are ranked from highest to lowest rated. The yellow bubble shows the advertised water temperature, when it's known.
39 places shown
The pool. Indoor pool in the spa and an outdoor pool with a city view. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The outdoor pool is the most photogenic, but it's the indoor pool that's in use year-round.
The pool. Indoor pool and children's pool, in addition to the hotel's large outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The large outdoor pool is seasonal: the indoor pool takes over for the rest of the year.
The pool. Indoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask about the pool hours when you arrive; they vary between chain hotels.
The pool. Indoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A mid-range option near Taksim, with a sheltered pool.
The pool. Modern indoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Ask whether spa access is included in your rate.
The pool. Indoor pool in the spa, plus a large outdoor pool and a waterside pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The outdoor pools depend on the season: to be sure of a swim, rely on the indoor pool.
The pool. Indoor pool and seasonal outdoor pool; one of the two closes from 16 October to 15 June. Open from 10 am to 6 pm.
One guest talks of a “superb pool” and also mentions the spa; the water temperature isn't brought up.
Guide's tip. The pool is only open from 10 am to 6 pm: plan your swim during the day.
The pool. Large indoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A business address, often more gently priced than the Bosphorus palace hotels.
The pool. Indoor pool in the spa of this historic palace hotel. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The pool is small for a hotel of this size: it's more a place to relax than a pool for swimming.
The pool. Modern indoor pool with a stone wall, next to the gym and spa. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A covered pool is rare in the old town: book early.
The pool. Indoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Within walking distance of the Grand Bazaar: handy for a swim between visits.
The pool. Indoor and outdoor pools. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Moda is lively in the evening; the indoor pool is a great option after a day on your feet.
The pool. 25 m indoor pool and an outdoor pool open in season, by the water. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The 25 m pool lets you swim proper lengths, which is rare in the city's hotels.
The pool. Heated outdoor infinity pool facing the Bosphorus, and a heated indoor pool in the Sanitas spa. Children's pool on the lower terrace.
The Forbes Travel Guide inspector finds the heated infinity pool pleasant in any season, even in the snow. Business Class also describes both pools as heated.
Guide's tip. The infinity pool is open from 8 am to 8 pm: reserve your lounger early, as the Bosphorus view draws a crowd.
The pool. Heated indoor pool, with a relaxation area. Children must be accompanied.
The Hotel Guru describes a heated indoor pool. On Kayak, the review summary mentions the pool and spa, with mostly positive feedback.
Guide's tip. Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult in the pool.
The pool. Indoor pool and children's pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Handy for families: the children's pool means you don't have to share the adults' pool.
The pool. Large indoor pool bathed in natural light, with access to the garden and a hot tub. 20 m outdoor lap pool open in season, and a children's pool.
One guest talks of two “terrific” pools; another regrets the noise of children around the pool. Neither mentions the temperature.
Guide's tip. The outdoor pool only opens in season: check its dates if it's the reason you're coming.
The pool. Indoor pool in the spa and a rooftop outdoor pool, open in season. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The rooftop pool is seasonal; out of season, swimming is in the spa.
The pool. Indoor pool, outdoor pool open in season and a children's pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The spa is huge: save some time for the indoor pool after a day of sightseeing.
The pool. Indoor pool in the hotel spa. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The Quasar is connected to a shopping centre: handy for combining shopping with a swim.
The pool. Indoor pool in the spa. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Levent metro station is close by: head into the centre, then come back for an evening swim.
The pool. Modern indoor pool beneath a blue-lit ceiling. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A stone's throw from Gezi Park: ideal for a swim before dinner in Beyoğlu.
The pool. Large circular indoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Compare the ratings before you book: they vary between platforms (8.2/10 on Kayak).
The pool. Indoor pool with a waterfall. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The district is a fair way from Sultanahmet: plan on taking the tram.
The pool. Indoor pool set in a former Roman cistern. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The cistern setting is worth seeing: ask for a tour of the spa even if you're not swimming.
The pool. Indoor pool in the spa, surrounded by mosaic columns, and a children's pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Alcohol-free hotel: check this if it matters to you.
The pool. Small indoor pool in the basement spa, with a whirlpool bath; both are heated to about 30 °C. Marble hammam and children's pool.
The hot tub. Heated whirlpool bath in the spa.
Oyster, which visited the hotel, talks of a small spa pool and a whirlpool bath heated to around 30 °C; The Hotel Guru also says it's heated.
Guide's tip. The pool is small: ideal for relaxing, less so for swimming lengths.
The pool. Indoor pool in the eforea spa and an outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A very busy conference hotel: aim for off-peak hours to enjoy the pool.
The pool. Indoor and outdoor pools, the latter surrounded by greenery. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. To swim in any season, book knowing that only the indoor pool is guaranteed.
The pool. Indoor pool with a sauna, and a rooftop outdoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
The Kayak review summary flags a few comments about the pool's cleanliness; no reviews mention the temperature.
Guide's tip. Have a look at the pool as soon as you arrive and report any problems to reception.
The pool. Indoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Well placed for a business trip: the pool lets you unwind after meetings.
The pool. Indoor pool. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The upper-floor rooms overlook the Bosphorus; the pool, for its part, is indoors.
The pool. Indoor pool with a whirlpool bath. Heating isn't specified.
The hot tub. Whirlpool bath by the pool.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A simple address for a warm swim without paying palace-hotel prices.
The pool. Indoor pool area with loungers. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A recent hotel with few ratings so far: check the latest reviews.
The pool. An indoor pool and an outdoor pool, both heated; Kayak also mentions an infinity pool with a view.
The Hotel Guru describes both pools as heated; I haven't found any guest reviews about the temperature.
Guide's tip. The hotel is far from the centre: allow for taxis or boats for sightseeing.
The pool. Heated indoor pool and two outdoor pools, facing the marina.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Asian shore: allow for the ferry from Kadıköy to reach the old town.
The pool. Indoor pool behind a glass wall, in the spa. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The spa is the hotel's highlight: book a treatment at the same time as your room.
The pool. Indoor pool decorated with mosaics. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. The rating is right on the threshold: read recent reviews before you book.
The pool. Indoor pool in the spa, with a hammam. Heating isn't specified.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. Nişantaşı is the shopping district: the pool makes for a break between boutiques.
These places don't have a confirmed heated pool, but they do have a hot tub: the water is hot all year round. A good way to relax in the warm.
The hot tub. No pool reported; a circular jacuzzi in the spa.
I haven't yet found guest reviews that mention the water temperature.
Guide's tip. A good choice for the old town if a hot tub is enough for you.
These places were suggested to us directly by their owners. The heated pool is declared by them; they don't yet have enough guest reviews to join the selection.
In my selection, the top-rated is Raffles Istanbul (Hotel), with 9.8/10 (335 reviews · Expedia). Next come Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus (8.8/10) and Istanbul Marriott Hotel Şişli (8.8/10).
Yes at Çırağan Palace Kempinski: the pool is advertised as heated all year round. Raffles Istanbul, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus and Istanbul Marriott Hotel Şişli have an indoor pool, sheltered from the wind. Either way, ask for the heating dates before you book.
Advertised temperatures: 30 °C at Hotel Sultania. For the other places the temperature isn't published: ask the property.
Yes: Dosso Dossi Hotels & Spa Downtown and Hotel Sultania also have a hot tub in addition to the heated pool. No confirmed heated pool, but a hot tub: Neorion Hotel.
The word "heated" on a booking page isn't enough. Every place must have a rating of at least 8/10 (or 4/5) and carries one of these four levels.
Guests mention the heated water in their reviews, with the season when they say so.
A journalist or guide who stayed there describes the heated pool.
The hotel or the platform says so, but I haven't yet found a review that confirms it.
Heating isn't specified, but the water is sheltered from the wind and cold air. Ask for the temperature before you book.
I left these out because guests report water colder than advertised, or because no heating or indoor pool is mentioned.
| Place | What the sources say | Rating | Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel | An Ottoman-style outdoor pool; nothing indicates that it is heated. | 8,4/10 | Heating not confirmed (outdoor pool) |
| Seven Hills Palace & Spa | Seasonal outdoor pool on a terrace, no mention of heating. | 9,4/10 | Heating not confirmed (outdoor pool) |
| Park Hyatt Istanbul - Maçka Palas | Outdoor pool surrounded by bamboo, no mention of heating or of an indoor pool. | null | Heating not confirmed (outdoor pool) |
| Legacy Ottoman Hotel | Spa and pool, but the rating remains below the threshold. | 7,8/10 | Rating too low |
| Ramada by Wyndham Istanbul Pera | Pool in the spa, rating below the threshold. | 7,8/10 | Rating too low |
| Dedeman Istanbul | Rating below the threshold on Expedia. | 7,6/10 | Rating too low |
| Sürmeli Istanbul Hotel | One traveller enjoys the pool, but the rating is low. | 6,6/10 | Rating too low |
Sources: The Turkey Traveler, Expedia, Kayak, Expedia, The Hotel Guru.
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