If considering a waterfront stay along the shores of the Bosphorus, here are some of the accommodations to think about when overnighting in Istanbul:

1) A'jia Hotel , Çubuklu Caddesi 27, Kanlica, Istanbul. Tel.: +90.216.413 93 00;

http://www.ajiahotel.com/

This 16-room refurbished yali , historical, waterfront villa , offers 16 rooms, each boasting spare, modern features that highlight the splendid 180-degree views.

2) Hôtel Les Ottomans , Muallim Naci Caddesi, 68 - 34345 Kuruçesme - Istanbul. Tel: +90 212 359 15 00 ;

http://www.lesottomans.com/

3) Sumahan On the Water , Kuleli Caddesi 51, Çengelköy 38684.Tel.: +90.216.422 80 00;

http://www.sumahan.com/

The grounds, once home to a distillery, have given birth to this 18-room, modern and spacious hotel dubbed as one of the best location to view the Straits' unique vistas by the daily The Guardian.

4) Ciragan Palace Kempinski , Çiragan Caddesi 32, Besiktas Istanbul 34349.Tel.: + 90.212.326 46 46;

http://www.kempinski-istanbul.com/

5) Bosphorus Palace , Yaliboyu Caddesi 64, Beylerbeyi , Istanbul 34676.Tel.: +90.216.422 00 03;

http://www.bosphoruspalace.com/

Set in a historical yali, the hotel boasts 14 period rooms which either offer garden or Bosphorus views.

While these locations may not all be centrally located to the touristic draws, all offer boat service that'll zip guests around town faster than regular taxi service.

http://www.istanbulseataxis.com/