Tersane Cad. No:111, Beyoglu, Karakoy, Istanbul, Turkey | (888) 708-2081
Within walking distance of Galata Tower
10-minute drive from Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque
Close to public transportation and near the Spice Bazaar
Panoramic views from the rooftop terrace, restaurant, and many rooms
Free welcome cocktail and Turkish delight
Free buffet breakfast
Free newspapers in the lobby
Free Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi can be slow at times
Bland, chain-style decor
Street-facing rooms can get noise
Twin beds pushed together to make a double
A mid-range hotel built in 2010, the Istanbul Golden City Hotel is located in the Beyoglu district, five minutes from Sultanahmet, and has panoramic views overlooking the water and the cityscape from most rooms. The decor is a bit bland and could do with some updating, and rooms are generic and
forgettable, but the rooftop terrace and restaurant have exceptional panoramic views of the city's historic sights, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue
Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Galata Tower. Hotel Sari Konak, a 10-minute drive south in Sultanahment, has equally impressive rooftop views and cheaper rates.
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
Slightly dated, bland decor, but panoramic city and water views
The Istanbul Golden City Hotel looks a bit bland from the outside and doesn’t make a
spectacular first impression; the interiors aren't much better, feeling dated and bland despite the hotel's construction in 2010. While the decor could use some modernizing, the atmosphere is friendly and
buzzing, and the views over the city from the rooftop restaurant and terrace are spectacular. The lobby has a
black and red theme, picked up in the leather sofas and rugs; and chintzy
crystal-beaded curtains provide both privacy and daylight. There’s a
little cafe-bar in the reception area that has alcoholic drinks and cakes on
offer, as well as good strong Turkish coffee. The lobby looks better at night,
when candles are on the tables and the lights are dimmed. Apart from the
beautiful rooftop terrace, attached to the restaurant with it's wall of windows, there’s not much in the way of public spaces -- but
guests pick this hotel mainly for its central location.
Location
Next to the Galata Bridge, within walking distance of both Sultanahmet and Galata Tower, and near public transportation
The Istanbul Golden City Hotel is located on a
busy road right next to the Galata Bridge, overlooking the water and the historic, touristy Sultanahmet neighborhood. Galata Tower and its historic area are within walking distance, as is Sultanahmet; otherwise, the Blue Mosque and the Hagia
Sophia are a 10-minute cab ride away. There are plenty of good public transport
links near the hotel, with Karakoy metro station just 10-minutes away by foot. The tram that stops a couple of blocks away travels to
Sultanahmet in about five minutes. Vibrant shopping street Istiklal Caddesi is
a brisk 20-minute stroll; the more touristy Grand Bazaar takes about 10 minutes to get to in a cab. The Spice Bazaar is a 20-minute walk. There are a number of bars and
restaurants nearby. The street immediately surrounding the hotel is not especially picturesque, with a number of hardware stores, and the area can be loud during the day.
Rooms
Generic, chain-inspired decor, but with panoramic water and rooftop views
Rooms at the Istanbul Golden City Hotel are surprisingly bland and dated in style for having been designed in 2010; they have wall-to-wall carpets, light-wood headboards,
and furniture made of a combination of light and dark woods. The beds are
comfortable, topped with a white comforter and white linens, and silver
curtains screen large windows that look out over the city; some rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the water and cityscape. In some rooms, double beds consist of two single beds pushed together. Each room has a desk, flat-screen TV, dresser or
closet, mini-fridge, and safe.
The rooms are quiet and block outside noise, a bonus since the street outside can be quite busy. Bathrooms are
compact, with white tiled walls, glass showers, signature toiletries, and modern appliances. Wi-Fi is
free and all rooms are air-conditioned.
Features
Rooftop terrace and restaurant, free breakfast, free welcome cocktail, and Turkish delight
The Istanbul Golden City Hotel is most popular for its location and views, and so its features cater to travelers who don't need many facilities. There are a few bonus features and perks, though, like the free welcome
cocktail and token Turkish delight upon arrival. Breakfast is included in all rates, served at the scenic Peninsula Restaurant on
the 10th floor with its floor-to-ceiling windows, outdoor terrace, bar, and lunch and dinner services, as well. There's also a smoking area on the terrace. The hotel also has a meeting room and large
conference spaces, but no fitness room or swimming pool. Free daily newspapers are available in the lobby. Airport transportation can be arranged for a fee.
