Tan Hotel - Special Class

The outdoor terrace is the star of this boutique hotel in the heart of Istanbul’s Old City. Breakfast, afternoon tea, and drinks can be enjoyed here, and guests gather throughout the day to take in sweeping views that include the Blue Mosque. The terrace is handsome, with simple glass-top cafe tables, Herman Miller-inspired wire chairs, and potted plants. The lobby is modern, and has a striking steel chandelier, marble floors, and wood lattice on walls. Ceilings are low, but large windows and tropical plants keep it bright and pleasant. This quiet hotel draws an international clientele of leisure travelers, especially couples and families.

Tan Hotel is located in the heart of Sultanahmet, within walking distance of most of Istanbul’s top attractions. It’s surrounded by restaurants, some of which are a one-minute walk away, plus shops, and other hotels. The Sultanahmet tram stop is also a two-minute walk, and Sultanahmet Square, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia are six minutes on foot. The Grand Bazaar is a 10-minute walk, and the Topkapi Palace Museum, and Sirkeci Station (the city’s main train station) are 12 minutes on foot. Istanbul Ataturk Airport is about a 45-minute drive, or just under an hour via public transportation.

Guest rooms at Tan Hotel are stylish and design-forward. They're accented with warm amber and gold hues, or cooler tones like charcoal gray and black. Furniture is streamline, and there are side chairs next to small chrome and glass tables, armoires, and floor-to-ceiling windows. All units are well-equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, minibars, coffeemakers, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Some units on higher floors boast pretty street views. Suites have separate bedroom and seating areas with sleeper sofas.Bathrooms vary in style and features -- some look dated but are still tidy, and have pedestal sinks and shower/tub combos, while others are sleek, with marble-topped vanities and walk-in showers. All contain bathrobes, hairdryers, and toiletries.Guest rooms are generally quiet, and come in Singles, Doubles, Triples, and Suites. 

This boutique hotel doesn't have a slew of amenities, but there are ample freebies, and its features make for a comfortable stay. The top attraction here is the rooftop restaurant and bar, which has a terrace with cafe tables and views of the Old City. It's where a free hot buffet breakfast that includes made-to-order omelets is served, and there's a free afternoon tea with snacks daily. There's no full-service restaurant, but the bar offers everything from cocktails to wine, and stays open late every night. There's also no on-site fitness room, but valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services, and other perks include free airport transfer for guests who book directly through the hotel’s website, and free Wi-Fi throughout.