Binbirdirek Mah. Sehit Mehmet Pasa Yokusu Sok. No:30 Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey | (888) 635-3814
Cozy family-run hotel with traditional decor
Near Sultanahmet Square, walking distance to major attractions
Great views of the Sea of Marmara
Casual guest rooms with AC, flat-sceen TVs, and mini-fridges
Some units have whirlpool tubs and most boast sea views
Four large modern apartments with full kitchens
Breakfast room with a lovely rooftop terrace
Free breakfast buffet
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Some guest rooms have views of neighboring buildings
No full on-site restaurant or bar
Ada Hotel Istanbul is in a prime location near Sultanahmet Square, within walking distance to dining and major attractions. It's an older property with traditional decor that has a slightly dated look, but it's still charming, and has a lovely rooftop terrace with views of the Sokollu Mosque and Sea of Marmara. Some of the 15 guest rooms are in better condition than those at other hotels nearby in the same range. All units are equipped with AC, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Many boast exquisite sea views, and there are four modern apartments with full kitchens in an annex next door. There's no full-service restaurant or bar, but a free buffet breakfast is included. Travelers seeking upscale accommodations can check out the four-pearl Dersaadet Hotel Istanbul.
Scene
Small boutique hotel with a great rooftop terrace for couples and some families
The family-run Ada Hotel Istanbul is situated in an area crowded with other hotels, near historical attractions and monuments dating from the Ottoman period all the way back to the era of the Eastern Roman Empire. The hotel makes the most of its surroundings, with a rooftop terrace that overlooks a unique section of the city, and offers sweeping views of the Sea of Marmara. Most guests won't mind the artificial turf, with two-tops all facing the wrought iron railing under a shade cover. Patio doors connect to a breakfast room crammed with Victorian chairs and gauzy polka-dot tablecloths. The only other common space is the small lobby downstairs, which combines more Victorian-style decor with Turkish flair. The hotel caters to families with its annex apartments, but most guests tend to be couples.
Location
In central Istanbul, near Sultanahmet Square
The hotel sits on a narrow, quiet street across from a wall surrounding a historic brick tower and its accompanying ruins, right next to the Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque. It's a seven-minute walk to Sultanahmet Square, with the Hippodrome of Constantinople, a stadium and landmark of old Istanbul. On the way is the historic Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, and there are plenty of cafes and restaurants in the surrounding area. Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and the Hagia Sophia Museum can both be reached within 12 minutes on foot. Topkapi Palace, from the Ottoman Empire, is a 17-minute walk. Istanbul Atatürk Airport is a 25-minute drive or about 50 minutes by public transportation.
Rooms
Casual with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges, and modern apartments with full kitchens
Most of the guest rooms have views of the Sea of Marmara and the Sokullu Mosque, but units in the back face an interior courtyard and the walls of neighboring buildings. Rich window dressings, ornate floor rugs, and gilded mirrors elevate what is otherwise fairly plain decor. The standard rooms are on the small side, with double beds and small desks, and they're equipped with AC, wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi, and some add wet bars. Bathrooms are more basic and less attractive, although most have jetted tubs with handheld showerheads. Upgraded units have small walk-in showers and in-room whirlpool tubs. There are also four one-bedroom apartments in an annex, with full kitchens, sofa beds, and thoroughly modern decor.
Features
Breakfast room, rooftop terrace, and free breakfast buffet, plus free Wi-Fi throughout
Features at this hotel are slim, with the main attraction being the rooftop terrance and adjoining breakfast room, where a free and plentiful buffet is served every morning that includes hot options and Turkish coffee. The terrace has a few tables that offer fantastic views of the Sea of Marmara. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout.