Orient Express Hotel

Named after the infamous train that once shuttled passengers along a route from Paris to Istanbul, the Orient Express Hotel maintains an approximation of 19th-century Colonial-style decor. A carved, wood-paneled reception desk makes a formal impression beyond that of a typical three-pearl hotel, and the lobby is staged like a parlor, with striped wallpaper, wainscoting, and brass fixtures. The furniture isn't true to the period and it's a touch dated and worn, but no one's complaining at this price point, and the atmosphere is entirely pleasant. Through the back, a cocktail and tea lounge is decorated like an oversized, elegant train car, with faux windows and luggage racks. The hotel draws leisure travelers, particularly couples here to sightsee. 

The hotel is located in the neighborhood of Sirkeci, south of the Golden Horn, surrounded by restaurants and cafes on cobblestone streets. It's a short walk to Galata Bridge, and the tram line runs right in front of the hotel. Sultanahmet, home to most of the Istanbul's main attractions including Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, are all about a 10-minute walk. The famous, bustling Grand Bazaar is under a 20-minute walk away, or nine minutes by public transportation. Sirkeci train terminal is four minutes away on foot, and connects to Ataturk International Airport in about an hour (with an interchange), or its 45 minutes by taxi.  

The hotel's guest rooms have a casually classic look, with patterned pale green carpeting, off-white walls trimmed with a bit of decorative moulding, wood furniture, and brass wall lamps. Standard rooms have twin or double beds, and small vanity tables with stools. Some units have small windows, while others have French doors that open to flower beds and wrought iron railings. There are also some Triple and Quadruple rooms, along with two Family Suites that have separate living rooms with chaise lounges, tables, and chairs. All units are well-equipped, with AC, small wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, electric kettles with instant tea/coffee, robes, slippers, and free Wi-Fi. Some of the standard bathrooms are small, with tiny walk-in showers, and other rooms have bathrooms with shower/tub combos (suites have two bathrooms, one of each type). All contain hairdryers, magnifying mirrors, and toiletries. Units facing the tramway in front of the hotel can get more traffic noise than those in the back. 

Orient Express Hotel has a solid lineup of features for a comfortable stay. Imbat Restaurant is a popular eatery on the rooftop, with a great outdoor terrace boasting a view of the Bosphorus. The menu features refined Aegean cuisine and Anatolian wines. There's a generous free hot breakfast buffet served in a separate dining room, which includes standard American fare plus a few Turkish items. Off the lobby, Vagon Bar (vagon means "car" in Turkish) is outfitted like a dining car from the hotel's namesake train, where guests can find cocktails, afternoon tea, and snacks. There's also a public computer, printer, and fax at the far end of the room. A central staircase with aged ornate copper railings leads downstairs to the small indoor pool in a tile and red-brick basement. Wi-Fi is free throughout.