Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul

On the European side of the continent-straddling strait, Istanbul’s Shangri-La is in the Besiktas District, one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods and home to much more than the famous fish market. The waterfront hotel is close to the Dolmabahce Palace (all 285 rooms of Turkey’s biggest regal residence are a 15-minute walk away), with hammams at the spa and Cantonese food at Shang Palace to return for. If you want to get around in style, the hotel has Rolls-Royces to rent.