Choosing the right hotel in Türkiye is a highlight of the trip, as the country offers accommodation styles found nowhere else. The first step is location. In Istanbul, you must choose between the historic Sultanahmet (quiet at night, close to sights) or the vibrant Beyoğlu/Taksim (noisy, full of nightlife and cafes). Sultanahmet is better for families; Taksim is better for night owls.
A unique feature of Türkiye is the Cave Hotel. Located primarily in Cappadocia, these are rooms carved into thousands-of-years-old soft volcanic rock. Staying in a cave room—often with luxury amenities and a terrace to watch hot air balloons—is a bucket-list experience. On the Turquoise Coast (Antalya, Bodrum), you will find massive All-Inclusive Resorts which are world-famous for their scale and luxury, perfect for pure relaxation.
Budget travelers will find value in "Pansiyons" (Guest Houses). These are family-run, smaller hotels often found in coastal towns like Kaş or Çıralı. They offer a warm, personal touch and usually a legendary Turkish breakfast. When booking in summer, air conditioning is non-negotiable. Türkiye gets very hot. Also, check if the hotel has a generator, as power cuts can occasionally happen in smaller towns (though rare in major hotels).
Before booking a hotel in Türkiye, verify the noise levels. Turkish cities are loud. Call to prayer (Ezan) happens 5 times a day, starting at dawn. If your room is right next to a mosque minaret, you will wake up early. In nightlife districts like Karaköy or Kadıköy, music plays until 2 AM. Ask for a "quiet room" or bring earplugs.
Accessibility is another factor. Istanbul and many coastal towns are incredibly hilly. A hotel might look close on the map but require walking up a very steep incline. Check if the hotel has an elevator (asansör); many historic boutique hotels in Galata or Sultanahmet do not.
Read reviews regarding Breakfast. A "Turkish Breakfast" is a feast of olives, cheeses, eggs, jams, and breads. If a hotel only offers a "Continental plate," look elsewhere. Breakfast is a serious cultural deal in Türkiye. Finally, check for Airport Transfer. Istanbul airport is far from the city; many hotels offer shuttle services which are safer and easier than navigating taxis upon arrival.
Finding authentic or locally owned hotels in Türkiye leads to the famous Turkish hospitality (misafirperverlik). Look for "Butik Otel" (Boutique Hotel) listings rather than international chains. In places like Alaçatı or Safranbolu, stay in restored Ottoman Mansions (Konak). These stone and wood houses offer a trip back in time.
To find these gems, look at the Small Hotels of Türkiye website or similar associations. In rural areas, look for "Dağ Evi" (Mountain House) or "Bungalow" listings, especially in the Black Sea region (Rize, Trabzon). These are often family-run.
Authentic hotels often have a cat in the lobby (Turks love cats) and offer tea upon arrival. Don't be afraid to message the hotel on WhatsApp (very common in Türkiye) to ask questions. The speed and warmth of the reply will tell you everything about the service level.