Mimar Mehmet Aga Cad No 26, Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey | (888) 499-9698
Very close to the Blue Mosque, and within walking distance of all the Sultanahmet historical sites
Pretty guest rooms have chandeliers and hardwood floors; most have soaking tubs
Next to Arasta Bazaar, a shopping and cultural hot spot
Free breakfast buffet
Rooftop terrace cafe/bar has sea views and orange trees
Quiet patio garden area with seating
Close to restaurants and bars, and the hotel hosts a happy hour
Free Wi-Fi
No full restaurant
No gym
Street-facing rooms pick up some noise
Sari Konak is a charming budget boutique hotel with just 23 rooms, located
in Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, within walking distance of many sights. Housed in an historic, converted Ottoman mansion -- Sari
Konak means "yellow mansion" in Turkish -- this family-run hotel is warm and welcoming, and all the rooms are spacious, comfortable, and tastefully decorated in a modern-meets-Ottoman style. A free Turkish buffet breakfast is served each morning in a leafy garden or on a shaded roof terrace with views of the
Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Just around the corner, there's a bustling bazaar; the Grand Bazaar itself is only five minutes away on foot. With free Wi-Fi throughout the building and free parking, this little hotel offers
more than most of the hotels with higher rates in the area.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
This historic Ottoman mansion has been restored with Turkish charm and a scenic rooftop terrace -- but little else.
Located in the historic Sultanahmet neighborhood, the Sari Konak's Ottoman-era yellow exterior is unassuming. Inside, it’s a different story; the
Okan family, who run the place, have decorated the
hotel using traditional fabrics, Ottoman antiques, and Turkish artwork. The
stairway is dotted with traditional urns, and on the roof
terrace, panoramic sea views are accompanied by small orange trees and clusters
of wicker chairs. The hotel is frequented by couples and families who want budget accommodations without
having to forgo the charm of a boutique hotel, or a prime location.
Location
Steps from the Blue Mosque, in a prettyhistoric neighborhood in Sultanahmet
The Hotel Sari Konak is located off a cobblestone street in Sultanahmet, Istanbul's oldest district, near the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The street is lined with shops, restaurants, and boutique hotels. Next door is the Arasta Bazaar, selling items like carpets, kilims, Turkish tiles, and clothes; it’s a great spot for drinking
traditional Turkish coffee as well. The Blue Mosque is only five minutes away on foot, as is the Hagia Sophia. The Mosaic Museum is a 10-minute walk away, and the Basilica Cistern is even closer. The first Ottoman palace, Topkapi Palace, is less than a mile away and and is probably best
viewed via a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Istiklal Street -- home to shops, restaurants, bookstores, galleries, libraries and nightclubs -- is
only minutes away on the tram. The hotel offers free street parking and can arrange airport transfers.
Rooms
Uniquely decorated with polished wooden floors and antique furnishings
The Deluxe rooms at the Sari Konak are spacious and elegantly
decorated, and the Superior rooms are almost as nice. Standard rooms, though
small, are similarly attractive. Each room is uniquely decorated; some have Turkish
rugs and authentic Turkish antique furniture such as carved wooden chairs and
side-tables, and most have floor-to-ceiling windows. The color palette is neutral, which makes the rooms feel bright and airy. Chandeliers and gilded mirrors can be found in some of the rooms, and most views are of the neighboring, pink-painted houses and surrounding greenery.
All the rooms have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, safes, and
good closet space. Bathrooms usually have deep soaking tubs, though Standard Rooms have showers only. Rooms facing the
street are noisier than the ones at the back.
Features
Free breakfast on a shaded roof terrace that doubles as a bar -- but no full restaurant
The feature that makes the Sari Konak stand out is its outdoor space. The rooftop patio is picturesque and pleasant. Here, guests eat the extensive free breakfast served daily, or enjoy the happy hour specials. The garden patio is an equally relaxing space. There’s a small computer station and free Wi-Fi throughout. Free parking
is provided.
