Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is a full interior refurbishment by Goddard Littlefair of a former prison converted to a Four Seasons hotel in 1996. The studio’s project page lists client Astay, Istanbul location, completion in 2023, and a scope covering 65 guest rooms and suites, public areas including a new spa and gym, and four food-and-beverage spaces with a newly landscaped courtyard. Four Seasons hotel facts identify Goddard Littlefair as architect and interior designer, record 48 guest rooms and 17 suites (65 total), and state that the hotel reopened in 2022 after a hotelwide renovation; historic fabric is best preserved in the southwest wing housing lobby, bar and reception. This listing uses 2022 as the operator reopen year while noting the studio’s published 2023 completion.

The adaptive-reuse narrative is central: constructed as a prison from 1918 to 1919, the landmark in Old Istanbul is framed as a secluded city oasis. Interiors are described as layered and residential, with much furniture and lighting designed bespoke and made with local artisans—mosaic-lined walls, inlaid carved timber cabinetry, stitched leathers and custom lighting tuned to sunlit days. A calm palette of light marbles and linens is set against warm wood, deep burgundy, soft blue-green tones and brass.

Dining programmes named by Goddard Littlefair include courtyard restaurant Avlu, rooftop bar Süreyya with views toward Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, Lingo Lingo bar and restaurant with adjacent private dining, and La Pistache pâtisserie. Four Seasons facts list Avlu, Lingo Lingo, The Rooftop and La Pistache. Wellness focuses on a marble-lined spa referencing Turkish hammam tradition: Four Seasons names the facility Kurna Spa, with Arabescato marble, traditional stone kurna, and bespoke joinery and lighting by Turkish artisans, again crediting Goddard Littlefair as interior designer.

This listing is Hospitality / Hotel, with verified heritage and adaptive-reuse themes drawn from both the designer and operator sources.