Hotels in Ankara
Ankara, Turkey's capital, blends ancient history with modern vibrancy. It offers a rich cultural experience with its museums, historical sites, and a dynamic urban atmosphere, making it a compelling destination for travelers.
Ankara, the capital of Turkey, pairs deep political history with a fast-moving university city. Anıtkabir, Atatürk's mausoleum, anchors the city's sense of purpose, while the old citadel of Ulus and its bazaars sit a short walk from the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, a UNESCO-recognized collection of Hittite and Phrygian artifacts. Ministries and foreign embassies cluster in Çankaya, giving the capital a formal, working rhythm that Istanbul doesn't share. A continental climate brings cold, occasionally snowy winters and hot, dry summers, which is why hotels here lean heavily on indoor pools, hammams and spa floors rather than seasonal terraces. The high-speed YHT train connects Ankara to Istanbul in roughly four hours, making the capital an easy add-on to a longer Turkey trip rather than a standalone destination.
Ankara in numbers
Indoor poolJW Marriott Hotel Ankara
Luxury rooms, multiple pools, and a spa in Ankara's business center
Hot tub / jacuzziWarwick Ankara
City centre comfort with a romantic restaurant and jacuzzi
Hot tub / jacuzziCrowne Plaza Ankara by IHG
Elegant 5-star stay with spa, wellness, and a jacuzzi
Hot tub / jacuzziLugal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Ankara
Luxury rooms and extensive spa facilities in the heart of Ankara
Indoor poolDivan Ankara
Luxury in Ankara with a half-size Olympic indoor pool and spa facilities
Indoor poolWyndham Ankara
Indoor pool and spa in Ankara's business and shopping hub
Indoor poolSheraton Ankara Hotel & Convention Center
City-center landmark with indoor pool, jacuzzi, and extensive sports facilities
Spa / thermal poolThe Green Park Ankara
A 5-star Ankara stay with spa facilities and city views
Indoor poolInterContinental Grand Ankara by IHG
Stylish rooms with an indoor pool and spa near the Parliament House
Indoor poolAnkara HiltonSA
Indoor pool and wellness centre in a lively Ankara neighbourhood
What to expect
- Anıtkabir, Atatürk's mausoleum and one of Turkey's most visited national monuments.
- Ankara Castle and the old quarter of Ulus, with its bazaars and the UNESCO-recognized Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.
- Çankaya and Kızılay, the political and commercial heart of the capital, home to ministries, embassies and Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi's shops.
- A roughly four-hour ride to Istanbul on the Yüksek Hızlı Tren (YHT) high-speed rail.
Local tips
- Base yourself in Çankaya or Kızılay for easy access to ministries, embassies and Tunalı Hilmi Caddesi, or in Ulus if the citadel and museums are your priority.
- Pack for a continental climate: winters get cold and occasionally snowy, so hotels with indoor pools and hammams are worth prioritizing outside the summer months.
- Visit Anıtkabir in the morning, when the ceremonial approach is quieter, before the old town of Ulus and its bazaars fill up later in the day.
- Consider arriving by the YHT high-speed train from Istanbul, roughly four hours, instead of flying, if your trip already includes both cities.
Where to stay
FAQ
Which neighborhood is best for staying in Ankara?
Çankaya suits travelers prioritizing ministries, embassies and upscale hotels, while Ulus offers historical charm near Ankara Castle and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Kızılay sits between the two, central and well connected.
What's the climate like in Ankara?
Continental: cold, occasionally snowy winters and hot, dry summers. This is why many Ankara hotels invest heavily in indoor pools, hammams and spa facilities rather than seasonal outdoor amenities.
How do you get to Ankara from Istanbul?
The Yüksek Hızlı Tren (YHT) high-speed rail connects the two cities in roughly four hours, a practical alternative to flying if your itinerary includes both.
What should first-time visitors prioritize in Ankara?
Anıtkabir, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and Ankara Castle above the old quarter of Ulus cover the city's historical core, while Çankaya and Kızılay offer a look at contemporary Turkish political and everyday life.