Where to Stay in Istanbul

The hotels in Istanbul, Turkey come in a wide variety of styles and prices, and it isn’t difficult, when choosing where to stay, to book a hotel in the historic districts of Sultanahmet and Sirkeci. In choosing these ‘where to stay’ options, we gave priority to centrally located hotels with free WiFi. Our ‘where to stay’ recommendations are organized by star ranking, beginning with 5-star hotels and ending with a budget hotel.

5-Star Hotels in Istanbul

Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Located inside a century-old neoclassical Turkish prison, this hotel has one of the best locations in Istanbul. Each of the 65 rooms and suites features traditional Turkish décor and comes with down pillows (or hypoallergic pillows on request), terry bathrobes, and marble bathrooms.

In-room amenities include an espresso machine and a refrigerated, private bar. The hotel offers free internet, a small spa with fitness facility, and a rooftop terrace. Off-site amenities include use of the pool and the facilities at the Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus.

Tomtom Suites
Located in the Galanta district, this design hotel, housed in a historic building, has 20 large and modern suites with custom-made furniture, high ceilings, and wood floors.

All rooms contain between 377 and 915 square feet, with each providing free WiFi, desks, a complimentary Nesprsso machine, Carrara-marble bathrooms with Jacuzzis, and woven towels and bathrobes.

Amenities include a library, The Bistro restaurant, and the fine-dining La Mouett restaurant. During breakfast, complimentary iPads are offered. Service is attentive and warm.

4-Star Hotels in Istanbul

Hotel Sultania
At the very top of the 4-star hotel ranking, this hotel, located between the Sirkeci and Sultanahmet districts, names each of its rooms after the wives of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire, and each of the 42 rooms features an oil painting of its namesake. Rooms are decorated in traditional Turkish fashion and come with complimentary WiFi, individually controlled air conditioning, a minibar, coffee and tea-making facilities, a pillow menu, and complimentary breakfast.

Some rooms have fireplaces. Amenities include a gym, hamam (Turkish sauna), indoor swimming pool, complimentary parking, the Sultan’s Café & Bistro, and the rooftop Olive Restaurant & Bar, which features the Ottoman and international cuisine of chef Byron Ayanoglu.

Ottoman Hotel Park
Featuring postmodern Ottoman décor, this hotel is close to all the sights in Istanbul’s historic district.

Rooms have individually controlled air conditioning, WiFi, desks, coffee-making facilities, and minibars. Services and amenities include a lobby bar, a patisserie, library, free parking service, and the Tabbah restaurant, which is located on the top floor and offers excellent views of the Sea of Marmara. An expansive breakfast buffet is also served on the top floor. We recommend asking for a room with a sea view.

Maywood Hotel
Located in the Sirkeci district, the hotel, which was opened in 2009, features timeless décor, and offers good rates. Each of the 57 rooms has individually controlled air conditioning, free WiFi, a minibar, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a hair dryer.

The staff is dedicated to providing guests with a comfortable stay. Note that the hotel does not have a spa or gym.

3-Star Hotels in Istanbul

Best Point Hotel
This boutique hotel maintains an authentic atmosphere without sacrificing modern comforts, such as free, in-room WiFi, and rooms come at a good value. Located in the Sultanahmet district, the hotel offers one suite, eight deluxe rooms, nine standard rooms, and two economic rooms, each with air conditioning, hair dryers, minibars, and 24-hour room service.

Amenities include a rooftop bar and optional, Ottoman-style breakfast buffet. The staff is very friendly.

Minel Hotel
Featuring modern decor with a white and blue theme, this boutique hotel is in the Sultanahmet district, and offers 10, well-priced rooms. All rooms come with complimentary tea and coffee, free WiFi, a minibar, a hair dryer, and air conditioning.

The rooms are exceptionally well maintained, if a little small. Note that there isn’t an elevator. Don’t miss the breakfast, which is prepared in-house and features traditional Ottoman fare.

Adora Hotel
This hotel, located in the Sirkeci district, offers highly functional rooms and decent prices.

The staff excels at making guests feel welcome. The hotel’s 15 rooms feature complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, minibars, and hair dryers. Breakfast is included in the price. Note that some of the rooms are on the small side.

Budget Hostel in Istanbul

Metropolis Hostel
A great location, exuberant staff, and a mixture of party-minded and laid-back clientele make this hostel stand out. Most of the historic district’s major sights are within walking distance. Rooms are singles, doubles, and triples, and the dorms feature four to six beds. The hostel rents bikes, offers laundry service, and provides a BBQ area for guests. A mini-supermarket is available as well as free parking and a rooftop bar. Breakfast and hostel-wide WiFi are provided free of charge. Note that the hostel does not have a kitchen for guests.

Written by Mattie Bamman for EuropeUpClose.com