Ares Hotel Istanbul is a budget property with a walkable location in the middle of the charming pedestrian area of Sultanahmet, a short walk from many of the city's major tourist attractions. Twenty-one rooms are cramped, but welcoming with elegant decor and amenities including air-conditioning, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. However, the property isn't very well-maintained, and guests have complained about cleanliness issues and a musty smells in rooms. The on-site restaurant is a nice perk, and the rooftop terrace offers scenic views over Istanbul's rooftops. Another choice is nearby Esans Hotel, set in a charming 19th-century wooden house and former perfume workshop with an interesting perfume theme.
Ares Hotel Istanbul is a budget property with a walkable location in the middle of the charming pedestrian area of Sultanahmet, a short walk from many of the city's major tourist attractions. Twenty-one rooms are cramped, but welcoming with elegant decor and amenities including air-conditioning, mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. However, the property isn't very well-maintained, and guests have complained about cleanliness issues and a musty smells in rooms. The on-site restaurant is a nice perk, and the rooftop terrace offers scenic views over Istanbul's rooftops. Another choice is nearby Esans Hotel, set in a charming 19th-century wooden house and former perfume workshop with an interesting perfume theme.
The 134-room W Istanbul delivers on all the hallmarks of the W brand: Trendy decor, excellent dining, and happening nightlife. The standard Wonderful Rooms are large and hip, with an open bathroom concept, modern technology, excellent beds, and neon pink lighting accents. The only downsides? Some rooms get noise from the upstairs lounge on party nights, and the Besiktas location -- though charming and upscale -- is far from the tourist attractions in Sultanahmet.
The 134-room W Istanbul delivers on all the hallmarks of the W brand: Trendy decor, excellent dining, and happening nightlife. The standard Wonderful Rooms are large and hip, with an open bathroom concept, modern technology, excellent beds, and neon pink lighting accents. The only downsides? Some rooms get noise from the upstairs lounge on party nights, and the Besiktas location -- though charming and upscale -- is far from the tourist attractions in Sultanahmet.
This upper-middle-range boutique property has an almost unbeatable location in the Sultanahmet district because it puts guests within a 10-minute walk of must-sees like the Hagia Sophi, the Blue Mosque, the Hipprodrome, and Topkapi Palace. The building itself is an Ottoman-style beauty; moreover, the 22 rooms, which blend modern and traditional elements, come with minibars, LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi and, in the case of upper-floor doubles, private balconies with sea views. But on-site features are few, and the hotel’s lobby and breakfast room (the only common areas here) are disappointingly decorated. If you're looking for a brand-name alternative in the neighborhood that boasts more amenities -- including a small spa and pool -- and you aren’t adverse to street noise, try the Best Western Antea Palace instead.
This upper-middle-range boutique property has an almost unbeatable location in the Sultanahmet district because it puts guests within a 10-minute walk of must-sees like the Hagia Sophi, the Blue Mosque, the Hipprodrome, and Topkapi Palace. The building itself is an Ottoman-style beauty; moreover, the 22 rooms, which blend modern and traditional elements, come with minibars, LCD TVs, free Wi-Fi and, in the case of upper-floor doubles, private balconies with sea views. But on-site features are few, and the hotel’s lobby and breakfast room (the only common areas here) are disappointingly decorated. If you're looking for a brand-name alternative in the neighborhood that boasts more amenities -- including a small spa and pool -- and you aren’t adverse to street noise, try the Best Western Antea Palace instead.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is a luxury boutique hotel housed in the Old City's early 20th century former prison, just a seven-minute walk to Blue Mosque. Original architectural details are incorporated throughout and contemporary decor hits the mark in capturing traditional Turkish design. Sixty-five rooms epitomize refined luxury, donning rich fabrics, high-end furnishings, and decadent bathrooms with soaking tubs. They're replete with excellent amenities like Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, Bose CD players, and freebies -- including gourmet chocolates. The rooftop lounge has breathtaking views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and there's also a piano bar and tea room with a fireplace. However, if a pool and spa are a must, travelers may wish to consider the five pearl Shangri-La Bosphorous, Istanbul.
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet is a luxury boutique hotel housed in the Old City's early 20th century former prison, just a seven-minute walk to Blue Mosque. Original architectural details are incorporated throughout and contemporary decor hits the mark in capturing traditional Turkish design. Sixty-five rooms epitomize refined luxury, donning rich fabrics, high-end furnishings, and decadent bathrooms with soaking tubs. They're replete with excellent amenities like Nespresso machines, flat-screen TVs, Bose CD players, and freebies -- including gourmet chocolates. The rooftop lounge has breathtaking views of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and there's also a piano bar and tea room with a fireplace. However, if a pool and spa are a must, travelers may wish to consider the five pearl Shangri-La Bosphorous, Istanbul.
The Sultanahmet Palace Hotel is a solid three-pearl option for travelers who want to be in the historic quarter as close to the Blue Mosque as possible. Most of its 45 traditionally decorated rooms have hammam-style bathrooms and private balconies, but the fairly dated standard rooms that have neither might not be worth the stay here. There's no wellness facilities either, though guests with the aforementioned private hammams might not mind. The restaurant serves regional cuisine and has a great outdoor terrace to enjoy free breakfast. Rates tend to be a bit higher at the nearby Hotel Amira Istanbul, but it has both more facilities and more modern guest rooms.
The Sultanahmet Palace Hotel is a solid three-pearl option for travelers who want to be in the historic quarter as close to the Blue Mosque as possible. Most of its 45 traditionally decorated rooms have hammam-style bathrooms and private balconies, but the fairly dated standard rooms that have neither might not be worth the stay here. There's no wellness facilities either, though guests with the aforementioned private hammams might not mind. The restaurant serves regional cuisine and has a great outdoor terrace to enjoy free breakfast. Rates tend to be a bit higher at the nearby Hotel Amira Istanbul, but it has both more facilities and more modern guest rooms.
Berce Hotel is a charming budget property in a convenient location near the sea and a short walk to the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. The boutique hotel’s seven rooms are clean and homey, equipped with free Wi-Fi, minibars, and tea/coffee facilities. A free breakfast with a variety of tasty homemade dishes is served in a top-floor breakfast room with sea views, and there’s a lovely outdoor terrace for eating or enjoying a glass of wine. There are many similar properties in the area, such as the Hotel Sari Konak, and travelers should compare rates.
Berce Hotel is a charming budget property in a convenient location near the sea and a short walk to the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar. The boutique hotel’s seven rooms are clean and homey, equipped with free Wi-Fi, minibars, and tea/coffee facilities. A free breakfast with a variety of tasty homemade dishes is served in a top-floor breakfast room with sea views, and there’s a lovely outdoor terrace for eating or enjoying a glass of wine. There are many similar properties in the area, such as the Hotel Sari Konak, and travelers should compare rates.
The upscale Istanbul Marriott Hotel Sisli’s location In the center of the commercial district, eight meeting rooms, and sleek interiors attract mostly business travelers. While the hotel isn’t within walking distance to most of the city’s major attractions, its top class indoor pool, gym, spa (including a steam room and Turkish hammam), and Dish Restaurant are popular with tourists and even non-hotel guests. The 259 rooms are modern and clean, offering minibars, free bottled water, and stunning views from higher floors. However, fees apply for parking and faster Wi-Fi in most areas, and only guests staying in certain rooms have access to the top-floor Executive Lounge. As an alternative, the Yasmak Sultan Hotel has similar amenities closer to tourist sites, but smaller rooms.
The upscale Istanbul Marriott Hotel Sisli’s location In the center of the commercial district, eight meeting rooms, and sleek interiors attract mostly business travelers. While the hotel isn’t within walking distance to most of the city’s major attractions, its top class indoor pool, gym, spa (including a steam room and Turkish hammam), and Dish Restaurant are popular with tourists and even non-hotel guests. The 259 rooms are modern and clean, offering minibars, free bottled water, and stunning views from higher floors. However, fees apply for parking and faster Wi-Fi in most areas, and only guests staying in certain rooms have access to the top-floor Executive Lounge. As an alternative, the Yasmak Sultan Hotel has similar amenities closer to tourist sites, but smaller rooms.
This upscale 42-room hotel in the Sirkeci neighborhood of Sultanahmet is the nicest of the Yasmak Hotels mini-chain. Each of the rooms is named after a different sultan's wife and has tasteful Ottoman-inspired decor. Features are more extensive than at many Sultanahmet boutique hotels: They include an indoor pool, hammam, spa treatment rooms, rooftop restaurant with views of the Hagia Sophia, and fitness center. The numerous freebies -- an impressive breakfast buffet, (limited) DVD library, afternoon tea with pastries and finger sandwiches, airport transfers, and Wi-Fi -- add value, and all of the Old City's top attractions are within walking distance. But the elevator is tiny and the location on a pedestrian-only street means taxis can't come right to the front door.
This upscale 42-room hotel in the Sirkeci neighborhood of Sultanahmet is the nicest of the Yasmak Hotels mini-chain. Each of the rooms is named after a different sultan's wife and has tasteful Ottoman-inspired decor. Features are more extensive than at many Sultanahmet boutique hotels: They include an indoor pool, hammam, spa treatment rooms, rooftop restaurant with views of the Hagia Sophia, and fitness center. The numerous freebies -- an impressive breakfast buffet, (limited) DVD library, afternoon tea with pastries and finger sandwiches, airport transfers, and Wi-Fi -- add value, and all of the Old City's top attractions are within walking distance. But the elevator is tiny and the location on a pedestrian-only street means taxis can't come right to the front door.
The Shangri-La Bosphorus is a first-rate luxury hotel housed in a former waterfront warehouse on the European side of the Bosphorus river. Interiors are particularly lavish and rooms are some of the largest in the city -- Deluxe Rooms are especially large for an entry-level category. Dining options and leisure facilities are also top-notch and in-room tech such as TV mirrors impress. There are no grounds or gardens, however -- unlike the nearby Ciragan Palace Kempinski -- and the location is far from the main attractions of the old city.
The Shangri-La Bosphorus is a first-rate luxury hotel housed in a former waterfront warehouse on the European side of the Bosphorus river. Interiors are particularly lavish and rooms are some of the largest in the city -- Deluxe Rooms are especially large for an entry-level category. Dining options and leisure facilities are also top-notch and in-room tech such as TV mirrors impress. There are no grounds or gardens, however -- unlike the nearby Ciragan Palace Kempinski -- and the location is far from the main attractions of the old city.
Located within walking distance of the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia Museum, and Blue Mosque, the 63-room Hagia Sophia Hotel Istanbul Old City is an upper-middle-range hotel with distinctive interiors that fuse elements from Western and Middle Eastern design. Spacious guest rooms have minibars, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, though decor is a bit bland and some guests complain about cleanliness issues. The property has a restaurant, pub, and terrace with panoramic views, but there's no fitness center. Travelers looking for a more ornate, historic look may prefer the White House Hotel Istanbul, which has similar rates though it lacks an on-site restaurant.
Located within walking distance of the Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia Museum, and Blue Mosque, the 63-room Hagia Sophia Hotel Istanbul Old City is an upper-middle-range hotel with distinctive interiors that fuse elements from Western and Middle Eastern design. Spacious guest rooms have minibars, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, though decor is a bit bland and some guests complain about cleanliness issues. The property has a restaurant, pub, and terrace with panoramic views, but there's no fitness center. Travelers looking for a more ornate, historic look may prefer the White House Hotel Istanbul, which has similar rates though it lacks an on-site restaurant.