Sultanahmet Palace Hotel - Special Class

“I've done the exhausting research - stay here!”

I’m a very careful traveler—sometimes to an exhausting level—which means I research everything thoroughly. Save yourself the time—just stay here if you care about safety, cleanliness, a perfect breakfast, including strong coffee to kick off your day, and an unbeatable location. Especially for you… more

I’m a very careful traveler—sometimes to an exhausting level—which means I research everything thoroughly. Save yourself the time—just stay here if you care about safety, cleanliness, a perfect breakfast, including strong coffee to kick off your day, and an unbeatable location. Especially for your 1st visit to Istanbul. I’m a solo female traveler and felt completely safe. Guests ranged from solo travelers to elderly/young couples, from around the world. My flight was delayed, and I arrived at 1 a.m., and was greeted by two smiling staff members. The rooms feel secure, and the chain lock on the door was a rare feature among the hotels I researched. The staff are professional, kind, and respectful. Unlike some places I’ve visited, they don’t linger waiting for tips—but they definitely deserve them. They will also carry your luggage to and from your room. Room & Bathroom The room was spacious for two and could comfortably fit three. The bed was comfortable, and the hotel was spotless—smelled and looked clean at all times. The bathroom is small (typical for an old-city European hotel) but clean, with plenty of hot water, slippers, plush towels, and complimentary bottled water. The minibar has drinks for purchase. Heating & Cooling Heating and cooling require the key card in the slot, which is common in many hotels. I forgot this once due to jet lag, but the front desk fixed it instantly. Breakfast Breakfast had great variety and was perfect for long days of walking. I stayed in January; it opens at 7:30 a.m., just in time for a beautiful sunrise. Tip: sit by the window facing the water for a cute photo. Location & Accessibility The hotel is steps from cafés, restaurants, boutique shops, the Grand Bazaar (more overpriced than nearby shops), and major mosques. Although it’s directly across from the Blue Mosque, the call to prayer did not disturb my sleep. There’s no visible elevator, but only three floors with wide steps—my mother with a cane would be fine. I had a garden-view room but barely looked out the window while exploring. If you enjoy views, book a garden or mosque-view room, but realistically, the sights are just steps away. Overall, I’m thrilled I chose this hotel and would absolutely stay here again. I can only imagine how beautiful it is in the summer!

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“Location, location, location”

Nice hotel right in the middle of the old area and all of it’s amazing attractions. Hotel is interesting in its own right. Room was of a good size, clean, good amenities, and looked out over the bay. Bathroom was clean but of what can only be described as quirky (not sure how else I can describe it… more

Nice hotel right in the middle of the old area and all of it’s amazing attractions. Hotel is interesting in its own right. Room was of a good size, clean, good amenities, and looked out over the bay. Bathroom was clean but of what can only be described as quirky (not sure how else I can describe it). Staff were helpful and breakfast was good.

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“Great location”

We stayed for three nights and found this very traditional Turkish hotel to be in an ideal location for exploring Istanbul. The garden at the front is very appealing as you enter the hotel, the reception staff were always helpful, polite and professional. Our room was on the ground floor and had … more

We stayed for three nights and found this very traditional Turkish hotel to be in an ideal location for exploring Istanbul. The garden at the front is very appealing as you enter the hotel, the reception staff were always helpful, polite and professional. Our room was on the ground floor and had a western style bathroom (adequate but a little jaded with a shower over the bath, cracked tiles, but clean and tidy). The breakfast room is a short walk from the ground floor outside to the back of the hotel and has the most amazing view! The staff at breakfast were very helpful, there was a decent selection of food and drinks - I had a beautiful omelette cooked freshly each morning. The hotel is perfectly placed for nearby cafes, restaurants, shops and the front view of the hotel looks to the Blue Mosque. There is an easy cut through walk, through the bazaar, up some steps to the back of the Mosque, so visiting was very easy. We also caught the blue tram back from the ferry area to get back to our hotel. Once we left the tram it was an easy, flat walk to get back to the hotel - 10 minutes if you walked slowly. Sleep quality was good, our bed was king size but it seems that a duvet in Turkey only just covers the bed (it doesn't fall over the side!)

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“Eh. I wanted to love it but was disappointed.”

Our ground floor room had a bad odor (musty, moth balls + sewage.) Our bathroom towels were grey and dingy (looked like they use to be white!) , and were scratchy and threadbare. No washcloths provided. Electricity flickered on and off every couple minutes. Bathroom door and shower door were so lou… more

Our ground floor room had a bad odor (musty, moth balls + sewage.) Our bathroom towels were grey and dingy (looked like they use to be white!) , and were scratchy and threadbare. No washcloths provided. Electricity flickered on and off every couple minutes. Bathroom door and shower door were so loud it woke me when my husband went into the bathroom. It is an interesting decor and authentic to its locale but it looked tired and outdated. Could definitely use a freshening up. Location, however? Stellar! Service - excellent. View from back restaurant patio - beautiful. They even packed 6 submarine sandwiches for our group as we had a very early flight out of Istanbul.

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