Capital of several empires, Istanbul is one of the oldest cities in the world. Located on the border between Europe and Asia, this bustling metropolis of more than 15 inhabitants offers a lot to explore, from the bustling Grand Bazaar to the iconic Hagia Sophia and the quiet banks of the Bosphorus.
Turkey is famous for its respect, which means that there are a lot of great hotels with fantastic service here. This is a great place to splash out. I especially like the fact that many hotels are located in historical buildings, so you always soak up the history of the city, no matter where you go.
But (as everywhere else), there are also many below-average options. To help you save time and money, here is my List of the best hotels In Istanbul:
1. Hotel Céline Ottoman Manor
This four-star hotel occupies an old Ottoman mansion in Sultanahmet, a short walk from the main attractions Of Istanbul. I like that the whole place retains its historical atmosphere and character. It is decorated in a after Tuscan style, with large wooden ceilings, golden paintings, parquet floors and antique furniture. There is even a fireplace in the living room.
The rooms have wooden wardrobes and desks, comfortable beds, a flat-screen satellite TV, an electric kettle, a safe and a minibar. You will also receive two free bottles of water per day in the room. The bathrooms have marble sinks, deep bathtubs and rain showers (a big plus in my book). Free toiletries, bathrobes, slippers and a hairdryer are provided.
Every morning you can enjoy an excellent free breakfast in the courtyard. I especially like the fact that there are Turkish and Western options, with a lot of variety, including pastries and fresh bread, fruits, eggs and sweet cakes.
2. Sultan Hamit Hotel
This three-star hotel is a great option for an affordable stay in the historic center of Sultanahmet. The staff is very friendly and courteous, and every morning there is a traditional buffet breakfast with fresh fruits, cold cuts, cheese, bread, pickled vegetables and dips. The rooms are decorated in a minimalist style and a little dated, but still very clean.
Although the rooms are rather small, they are equipped with a surprising number of amenities. All rooms have a mini-refrigerator, a desk, a wardrobe, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a safe and an electric kettle for tea and coffee. The bathrooms are small (with a slightly low shower pressure) but clean and equipped with free toiletries, slippers and a hairdryer. Overall, it’s a good no-frills choice for budget travelers looking to walk to major attractions.
3. AJWA Sultanahmet
I love the timeless decadence of this great five-star hotel. When entering the great hall, it gives the impression of entering a palace. The entire place is furnished with mother-of-pearl furniture, handmade silk carpets, original works of art, unique marble and hand-painted ceilings. There is also a luxury Spa with hammam, indoor pool, steam room, Sauna and massage service. There are also two restaurants (an Azerbaijani gourmet restaurant and a French pastry shop). One of the Restaurants is located on the roof, and I like the fact that you can take advantage of the great breakfast offer while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Bosphorus. (Just note that this is a dry hotel, so it does not serve alcohol.)
The rooms are all decorated in the same Ottoman style and even have custom-made tiles and underfloor heating. All spacious rooms have a free minibar, a wooden desk, a flat-screen TV, a Nespresso machine and a kettle with a large selection of tea (This is Turkey, after all). The beds are comfortable and you can also choose your pillow from a selection of pillows. The bathrooms are large and have marble sinks and bathtubs, several shower heads, Bidets and free toiletries. It almost looks like your personal traditional steam room.
This is the ultimate luxury in the heart of the old town. Although you are a short walk from all the historical attractions of the city, a free shuttle is available if necessary to take you to the main attractions.
