Bursa is a popular tourist destination known for its famous Iskender Kebab and its many Ottoman sites. The city's location, across the Sea of Marmara from Istanbul, and at the base of Uludağ Mountain, make it a must-see destination. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, Bursa offers a wide range of options to cater to every traveler's needs.
While many people take a ferry and only visit Bursa for a day, there's much to see in the city if you are a history or nature enthusiast. It's worth considering an overnight stay. And for visiting Bursa for a longer stay, there are a range of hotels that cater to different preferences and budgets.
Best Hotel Location in Bursa
To sum it up, if you plan to stay in Bursa just one or two nights to see the city, you probably want to stay in the center. If you’re coming for a longer stay to “take the water,” Çekirge is the place. The center of Bursa has several smaller hotels, but most hotels are either in the nearby hot springs spa of Çekirge, or between Bursa and Çekirge.
Çekirge
Located in the heart of Bursa, Çekirge is one of the most famous districts known for its thermal springs and historical landmarks. The district is home to a number of luxurious spa hotels that offer rejuvenating experiences to their guests. These hotels not only provide premium accommodation, but also boast excellent spa facilities, including thermal baths, massage therapies, and wellness treatments. With their serene surroundings and top-notch amenities, Cekirge hotels are perfect for those seeking a blissful and relaxing escape. Many of the most popular hotels, as well as the best luxury hotels, are located here.
Bursa City Center
The hotels in Central Bursa typically provide easy access to the city's main attractions and historical sites located in the old town, such as Ulu Cami (Great Mosque), Koza Han, Uzun Çarşı (Covered Bazaar), and many of the city museums. Staying in the heart of the city allows visitors to immerse themselves in Bursa's lively atmosphere. It's a great location, particularly if you are relying on public transportation as you won't need to go far to visit many of the top sights.
Nilüfer
Nilufer, on the other hand, is a more modern and residential district situated on the outskirts of Bursa. Though it may not have the same historical charm, this area offers a wide range of mid-range and budget-friendly hotels suitable for all types of travelers. From cozy guesthouses to well-known hotel chains, this district provides affordable options without compromising on comfort and convenience. With its proximity to shopping centers, restaurants, and local attractions, Nilufer is an ideal choice for travelers seeking affordability and accessibility.
Uludağ
Situated in the scenic mountain range inside of Uludağ National Park, this area is a popular ski resort destination with a plethora of hotels catering to ski enthusiasts. These hotels offer ski-in/ski-out facilities, ski equipment rentals, and knowledgeable staff who can connect visitors with various winter sports activities. Additionally, Uludag hotels also attract nature lovers during the summer months, as the mountains offer breathtaking hiking trails and stunning panoramic views, though not all resorts operate year-round.
Best Bursa Hotels by District
Çekirge
Çekirge hotels tend to be more expensive because of their thermal spa facilities, but if you're searching for a spa hotel, look no further.
Dowager empress of Bursa/Çekirge spa hotels is the Hotel Çelik Palas Thermal Spa, Çekirge Caddesi No: 79, between Bursa and Çekirge. Though among Bursa’s oldest hotels, it has been renovated and modernized, yet retains its status as the upscale place to take the waters. (King Idris of Libya was doing just that on September 1, 1969 when he was overthrown by Colonel Moammar Khadafi.)
Other nearby hotels include Divan Bursa, Royal Termal Hotel, and Movenpick Bursa Hotel and Thermal Spa. Most of the luxury hotels are also priced higher but come with a number of amenities such as on-site thermal spas, pool, gym, hammam, room service, wellness center, and much more.
Bursa City Center
The center of Bursa is where you will find all the major tourist sights. However, many of the buildings in this district are more dated, and within the old town, it can be very congested. Depending on your chosen mode of transportation, you may prefer to stay slightly outside of the main city centre.
I stayed at the Holiday Inn Bursa for 3 nights and was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the hotel. The rooms are soundproofed, though not terribly spacious. The hotel was incredibly clean, there was free parking, and it was located very close to the main attractions of Bursa. Though it lacks many of the frills of a thermal spa or luxury hotel, this 4-star hotel was very comfortable and convenient. I would recommend it as an average-price stay hotel in Bursa. It's also very close to a shopping mall and many transport options to both central Bursa and downtown Bursa. The average nightly price was much lower than other high-end hotels. The free wi fi was fast enough for streaming videos and having video calls. The good location and excellent desk service were a bonus.
There are many cheap hotels located in the city center, many of which were constructed in earlier years but still offer the best access to the heart of the city.
Nilüfer
As Bursa continues to expand, there are many new hotels located in the district of Nilufer, just west of the city center. Here you will find many new restaurants, shopping malls, and among those, a few upscale hotels such as the Sheraton Bursa Hotel and the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
The Crowne Plaza is a 5-star hotel and one of the top rated Bursa hotels. It's best reached by car and there is free parking. The hotel is just across the street from a chain of restaurants, bars, and cafes and around the corner from the Sur Yapi shopping mall. It takes 15-20 minutes to drive to the heart of the city where the major tourist attractions are, such as the Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami). It's a very nice hotel with a large range of amenities. However, the soundproofing was very poor so you may reconsider if you are sensitive to noise.
Aloft Bursa Hotel (not to be mistaken with B Loft Hotel) is another new hotel located in this district.
It's also possible to find other hotels north of the city, such as the Hilton Bursa Convention Center & Hotel, the Hampton, Ibis Bursa, and more.
Uludağ
For travelers wanting a breath of fresh mountain air or to enjoy skiing at the nearby Uludag there are numerous resorts located within Uludag National Park. If you are searching for a cheap hotel, this area would not be your best bet. It's difficult to access by public transport and many of the large resorts can be quite expensive.
Notable hotels include the Swissotel Uludag and Bof Hotel.
Tips for Choosing a Hotel in Bursa
When choosing a hotel in Bursa, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Budget: Hotels in Bursa range in price from budget-friendly to luxurious.
- Location: Consider where you want to stay in Bursa. If you want to be close to the main tourist attractions, then you should choose a hotel in the city center. If you are looking for a more relaxing experience, then you may want to choose a hotel in Çekirge or Uludağ.
- Amenities: Think about what amenities are important to you. Some hotels offer thermal baths, massage therapies, wellness treatments, ski-in/ski-out facilities, and more.
- Reviews: Read reviews of hotels before you book. This can help you get a better idea of what to expect.
Book an Overnight Stay and Discover More of Bursa
The best hotel largely comes down to a matter of personal preference, budget, and travel itinerary. To find the best hotel deals, it's best to search for seasonal promotions and book early.
Bursa offers a diverse range of accommodation options to suit every traveler's needs. Whether you prefer a luxurious spa hotel, a central location in the city center, a budget-friendly stay, or a ski resort experience, there are hotels available in Bursa to cater to your preferences. Consider your budget, desired location, and travel plans when choosing the best hotel for your stay in this vibrant Turkish city.
—by Tom Brosnahan, updated by Kimberly Price
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