Cankurtaran Mah. Kutlugun Sok. No:8 Sultanahmet, Fatih, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey | (618) 248-8274
Excellent location in the heart of Istanbul’s tourist district
Lovely Ottoman building within walking distance of major sites
Tasteful rooms in tranquil colors, some with private balconies
In-room amenities include flat-screen satellite TVs and minibars
Marble bathrooms have rainfall showers and tempting toiletries
Connecting rooms and on-request cribs appeal to families
Free daily buffet breakfast and hotel-wide Wi-Fi
Common areas won’t win any decorating awards
No on-site restaurant, business center or fitness facility
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.
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Scene
An intimate, tourist-oriented option in the Old City
Thanks to its ornate balconies, arched windows and Old World overhangs, the classic Ottoman building that this boutique hotel occupies makes an elegant first impression, so the common areas inside prove somewhat disappointing in comparison. Gray, '70s style sofas and matching armchairs covered in shiny fuchsia fabric don't mesh well with the rest of the small lobby, a space with generic white tile floors and a burgundy accent wall; and in the breakfast room even the addition of some funky wallpaper and fashionable lucite chairs can’t quite alleviate the institutional feel. But the clientele here -- made up mostly of garden-variety tourists -- doesn’t seem to mind: after all, they come to this conveniently-located spot to see the sights, not see and be seen.
Location
In the heart of historic Sultanahmet, just a quick stroll from world-class sites
Set on a cobbled side street in the popular Sultanahmet district, the Biz Cevahir offers an ideal location for vacationers. Tourist-friendly services such as restaurants, shops and tour offices abound in the area. More importantly, many of the city’s top historic attractions -- from Topkapi Palace to the Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome -- are less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel. Shoppers can hit the Grand Bazaar in 16 minutes traveling on foot or shave five minutes off that time by using Istanbul’s efficient transit system. Ataturk International Airport can also be accessed by public transport, though a cab will get you there considerably quicker. - Four-minute walk to the Hagia Sophia
Rooms
Well-appointed rooms that mix modern lines with traditional textures
An elegant contemporary-meets-classic look coupled with a soothing taupe-and-teal color scheme make the guest rooms a vast improvement over the common areas below. In terms of size, they range from 198- to 245-square feet, connecting rooms are also available. The largest of the lot boast window-front seating areas and private balconies that overlook the rooftops of Sultanahmet and the Marmara Sea (sunbeds make the latter perfect for lounging). All rooms, however, reveal attention to detail in everything from the stylish bedside sconces to the bright white linens and beautifully embroidered throw pillows. All are also similarly equipped, featuring air-conditioning, laptop safes, minibars, tea/coffee-making equipment, LCD TVs tuned to satellite channels, iPod connections (via the in-room phone), and reliable free Wi-Fi. Their small but serviceable bathrooms are attractively done up in white Turkish marble with mosaic-tile accents in shades of bronze and metallic blue; glass-enclosed showers with rainfall heads add a luxe touch, as do the fluffy robes and PRIJA natural bath products.
Features
Standard services are delivered well, but there’s a dearth of shared facilities.
Because the Biz Cevahir is a small boutique hotel, it lacks the common areas you might reasonably expect to find in a larger establishment. There is, for instance, no business center or workout room here; nor is there an on-site restaurant, though a free buffet of Western and Turkish dishes is served each morning in the comfortable but otherwise uninspiring main-level breakfast room. Vacationing families should note that children under age six can stay for free in their parents’ room. Free cribs or cots can be provided on request, and babysitting can be arranged for an added fee. Other on-site amenities include a 24-hour front desk manned by friendly, informative staffers; concierge, currency exchange and dry cleaning/laundry services; add-on airport transfers; plus free Wi-Fi- throughout.
