Ankara is Turkey’s curious capital, and while it pales in size (and visitor numbers) when compared to the sprawling metropolis that’s Istanbul, the city offers a refreshing insight into Turkey, both old and new.
You’ll often hear Ankara described as being a “Big Village,” and while the skyscrapers, parliament buildings, and excellent museums (the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations is a must-visit) would say otherwise, you can feel the rustic roots of the city when you wander through the Old Town. The “city” has a history stretching back centuries, but it was only made the capital in 1923, when Atatürk (the legendary founder of the modern Turkish Republic) declared it so.
Ankara has come a long way since then, and while you can learn more about the history at the castle and Anitkabir (which is home to Atatürk’s mausoleum), you’ll also love the luxury hotels, fancy metro system, and the easy four-hour high-speed train journey from Istanbul! If you’re planning a trip to Turkey, then keep reading as I explain where to stay in Ankara.
- Short on time and don’t want to read the whole article? Here are our top 3 picks!
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Where to Stay in Ankara
Ankara long ago outgrew its humble “village” boundaries, and now the city expands relentlessly across the Anatolian plains. You’ll find Ankara is well connected by metro however, so it’s super easy to get around, no matter where you’re staying.
Many of the best luxury hotels in Ankara will be found off Atatürk Boulevard and in the upscale Cankaya district, which lies to the south of the central area around the train station. Here you’ll be within walking distance of important sights like the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, which is why 5-star hotels – including international brands – abound here.
There’s a fantastic array of new luxury developments close to the Söğütözü Metro station too, while the Old Town offers more rustic accommodation in the historic part of the capital. Here are the best places to stay in Ankara!
The 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Ankara, Turkey
1. Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Center
Nowhere demonstrates the ongoing refinement of the Turkish capital as much as the Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Center. One of the best hotels in Ankara, this 5-star property is a landmark on the skyline, with 306 luxury rooms rising high above the capital.
Enjoy sweeping views of Ankara from panoramic windows, with plush pillowtop beds and marble bathrooms adding a sense of elegance fit for a president. A hub for business and politics alike, the Lobby Bar is always packed with visiting dignitaries, while the Clubhouse Jazz Bar offers live music and evening entertainment.
Dine on upscale Turkish grills at Brasserie One Restaurant, while in summer, the Garden Terrace Restaurant serves up meze and barbecue in the sun. Admittedly, the Sheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Center is a good 20-minute drive from the city center, but with an indoor pool, spa, gym, tennis courts, and even golf simulation, you might not even need to leave!
2. Lugal
One of the coolest luxury hotels in Ankara is Lugal, an upscale property located within the prestigious Cankaya district in the south of the city. A “Luxury Collection Hotel,” Lugal has just 90 bespoke rooms, and each guest is treated like royalty thanks to the personal butler service.
That’s right, you’ve got 24/7 access to a butler, who’ll be happy to arrange everything from in-room fine dining to transfers and city tours. They can also secure you a reservation at Aruni Restaurant & Bar, where a wood-fired oven and dry-aged meats combine for an eclectic culinary experience.
Rooms at Lugal are the height of luxury, with marble bathrooms, art-nouveau interiors, and crisp linens. The hotel’s glass-domed Health Club is phenomenal, while the Turkish hammam and spa might be modern but still draw on centuries of bathing traditions.
3. Grand Mercure Ankara
Offering a relatively green escape on the western edge of the city, the Grand Mercure is one of the top choices when it comes to 5-star Ankara hotels. You’ll be staying by 30th August Victory Park, but with a conveniently close metro stop nearby, you’ll have easy access to the city center, too.
Rooms at this luxury hotel are furnished in a uniquely modern style, with elements of design and decor drawing on Turkish art but firmly rooted in the contemporary. Enjoy plush bedding and crisp linens, city views from tall, floor-to-ceiling windows, and grand walk-in showers.
The Grand Mercure’s spa is a masterpiece, featuring a traditional Turkish hammam and a modern fitness room. Kalecik Bar & Bistro serves a full Turkish breakfast any time of the day, alongside Turkish grills, kebabs, and pizzas.
4. Latanya Hotel Ankara
The Latanya Hotel Ankara offers modern comforts just off Ataturk Boulevard. With 291 luxury rooms within walking distance of the Turkish National Assembly, you’ll find that Latanya Hotel is always a hit with politicians and business folk visiting the capital.
Rooms feature king-size beds and city views, with each of the hotel’s seven floors having a different design concept. The hotel’s two restaurants serve Turkish and international dishes, the Palm Pub pours pints from around the world, and the Lenus Spa & Wellness center offers Far Eastern Rituals, luxury spa products, and a gorgeous indoor swimming pool.
5. Hotel Ickale
Perfectly positioned on Gazi Mustafa Kemal Bulvari, Hotel Ickale offers a central location, views of palatial Antikbar (where Ataturk is commemorated), and old-fashioned, 5-star luxury. You’ll be greeted by marble floors and grand chandeliers, with an interior design taken straight out of the Ottoman handbook.
Luxury rooms feature marble bathrooms and bronzed mirrors, while wooden headboards and furnishings complement the old-school look. Enjoy Turkish classics in the hotel’s restaurant and a traditional Turkish hammam experience in the spa.
6. New Park Hotel
When it comes to unique 5-star hotels in Ankara, New Park Hotel overlooks Kurtulus Park and offers a modern take on Turkish hospitality. You’ll love how sustainable materials, like wooden floors, feature throughout New Park Hotel, while luxury rooms take a functionalist approach to design, offering high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic chairs, and spacious work desks.
Head upstairs to Papyon Roof for sweeping views of Ankara, handcrafted cocktails, and gourmet dining in the Executive Lounge. OFF Cafe serves coffee and cocktails in cozy surroundings, while Park Restaurant on the ground floor cooks up sizzling steaks and Turkish kebabs. Work off those excess calories in the New Life Spa Wellness Center, or treat yourself to a traditional hammam or a Balinese massage.
7. Wyndham Ankara
The Wyndham is one of the coolest hotels in the city, with a quiet location on the outskirts of the city adjacent to 30th August Victory Park. Luxury rooms feature colorful turquoise decor, while tall floor-to-ceiling windows offer glorious views of the capital.
A 5-star property, you’ll love how the Wyndham oozes with chic throughout. No. 4 serves international cuisine and cool cocktails in a plush dining room draped with modern art, while Cozy Restaurant serves buffet breakfasts in a fun setting that opens out to an al fresco garden terrace.
Salix Spa is not only home to a traditional Turkish hammam but offers saunas, steam rooms, an indoor pool, and massage services for guests looking to unwind.
8. JW Marriott Hotel Ankara
Without a doubt, one of the best Ankara luxury hotels is the JW Marriott. An unbeatable 5-star hotel, book a room at JW Marriott and you can pamper yourself silly during your stay in Ankara.
Start by enjoying the view from your luxury hotel room’s panoramic windows before sinking back into your crisp, 300-thread-count Turkish cotton sheets. Bathrooms are all marbled, while rooms feature iPod docking stations and plush lounge chairs for added comfort.
JW Steakhouse serves perfectly seared steaks and world-famous cheesecake, while Fires & Flavors Restaurant turns up the heat with wood-fired Turkish pizzas and an impressive selection of meze. Sky Vue Cocktail Bar & Terrace steals the show, though, with blistering views from the 22nd floor.
Indulge in great food and cocktails, then work it all off in the fitness center or unwind around the outdoor pool or in Karma Spa.
9. Movenpick Hotel Ankara
A classic 5-star choice in Ankara, the Movenpick is perfectly positioned in Söğütözü, right in the heart of the city’s western business district.
While business travelers will certainly appreciate the meeting rooms, work desks, and highspeed Wi-Fi, leisure travelers will equally find themselves at home in the Movenpick’s luxury rooms, which feature plush beds and a fully stocked minibar.
Plus Restaurant serves Turkish specialties with a French twist, and once a day, it’s Chocolate Hour at the Movenpick, when guests can indulge in sweet treats. Unwind in the Movenpick’s spa, where you’ll love the sauna, steam room, and hammam after a day of sightseeing or business meetings in Ankara.
10. Holiday Inn Ankara
The Holiday Inn is one of my all-time favorite places to stay in Ankara. One of the best 5-star hotels in Ankara, you’ll be staying in Cukurambar, a short stroll from the National Assembly but far enough out from the city center to escape the capital’s bustle.
Rooms at the Holiday Inn are plush and modern, with colorful decor and floor-to-ceiling windows adding a breath of fresh air to proceedings. Take your pick from the pillow menu, or upgrade to a suite for a fabulous whirlpool bath. The hotel’s gym overlooks a heated indoor swimming pool, and Engiz Restaurant serves Turkish cuisine 24 hours a day.
