Hotel Darussaade Istanbul

The Hotel Darussaade is situated in a beautifully restored traditional wooden home, with elegant, 19th-century decor throughout its atmospheric common spaces and guest rooms. When the tourists who stay here—mostly couples, friends traveling in groups, and some families—aren’t out sightseeing, they gather in the lobby parlor, filled with handsome antique furniture with gilded accents and fine Turkish rugs. There's also a charming lobby-level bistro, with a whitewashed coffered ceiling, chandelier, and cafe tables set on a patio adjoining the cobblestone street. For the best views, travelers head up to the conservatory-style terrace, with glass walls framing views of the leafy hotel grounds on one side, and the Sea of Marmara on the other. 

The hotel has an excellent location in the Sultanahmet historical district, an area with shops, cafes, restaurants, and other hotels. Public transportation is close at hand, as the Akbiyik bus stop is a five-minute walk, and Sultanahmet station is 10 minutes on foot for access to points beyond. The Arasta Bazaar is a five-minute walk, and the area with the Hippodrome, Sultanahmet Square, and 17th-century Blue Mosque is roughly eight minutes on foot. Hagia Sophia is also an eight-minute walk, as is the Carpet Museum and the Basilica Cistern (underground Roman water source). The 15th-century Topkapi Palace takes about 15 minutes to reach on foot, and it's 20 minutes to the Grand Bazaar. The Darussaade is a 25-minute drive from Istanbul Ataturk Airport, or about an hour by public transit. 

Guest rooms have the same feel as the hotel's common spaces, but decor in Standard rooms is more simple and refined. All have details like hardwood floors, decorative rugs, period wallpaper, gilt-framed mirrors, and dark-wood furniture. Some feature elements like brass beds, chandeliers, and curtains with decorative valances, and have views of the sea. Amenities are a plus, with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, safes, lightly stocked minibars, electric kettles for free instant coffee and tea, slippers, and free Wi-Fi. The tiled bathrooms aren't quite as attractive but they're still pleasant, with showers or shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and ample toiletries. 

Hotel Darussaade has limited property features, but dining is a highlight. There's a generous free hot breakfast that's well-liked by guests, with eggs, pancakes, homemade Turkish dishes, and an array of cold items. It’s served in the top-floor restaurant, which has an all-season rooftop terrace with views of the Sea of Marmara. The restaurant offers substantial Turkish and international cuisine throughout the day, and the terrace is nice spot for afternoon tea and sunset cocktails. There's also a lobby-level bistro with lighter fare, and the hotel offers 24-hour room service. There are no wellness facilities on-site, but other amenities include a 24-hour front desk, airport transfer (for a fee), and limited free valet parking. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building.