Istanbul Hotels
The hotels have also been grouped into four different pricing categories:
$$$$ (over US$300)
$$$ (US$150-300)
$$ (US$70-150)
$ (under US$70)
The price listed is for a standard double room, in high season. Rates given include tax (18%) and breakfast, unless indicated otherwise. As a general rule, luxury hotels do not include either in their rates. Moderate and cheaper hotels include both in theirs. These are the published prices, although there are often good deals especially off season (generally between October and March).
Luxury
This restored residence of Ottoman Sultans is the only luxury hotel on the European shores of the Bosphorus. With some of the most extravagant rooms in the city, the hotel has 282 rooms and 20 suites, with another 11 in the Palace, including the opulent US$20,000-a-night Grand Sultan Suite. With a swimming pool in its huge terrace, four restaurants including fine Turkish dining in Tuğra (see Restaurants), boutiques, a spa and health club and rooms with high-speed Internet access, it is also good for business travellers. For romantics, there is a jazz bar on the Bosphorus shore with fine views of the Istanbul skyline.
Çirağan Caddesi 32, Beşiktaş
Tel: (0212) 326 4646.
Website: www.kempinski-istanbul.com
Price: $$$$
Built from the century-old neoclassical Sultanahmet prison (setting of the infamous film Midnight Express and still containing original pillars with prisoners' graffiti), this hotel is luxury with understated elegance. Its 65 spacious rooms (each unique in shape and size), health club, conference facilities and rooftop terrace all frame an attractive open courtyard, which also contains the top-class Seasons restaurant (see Restaurants). The location, a stone's throw away from the Blue Mosque and Haghia Sofia, is very peaceful.
Tevkifhane Sokak 1, Cankurtaran, Sultanahmet
Tel: (0212) 638 8200.
Website: www.fourseasons.com/istanbul
Price: $$$$
Moderate
A stylish period hotel in the heart of Sultanahmet situated just five minutes' walk from Haghia Sofia. The hotel is comprised of several traditional Turkish townhouses centred upon a 15th-century hammam and an archaeological garden where breakfast is served. Rooms are furnished in traditional style with Turkish textiles and folk art. The rooftop terrace offers superb views over the Sea of Mamara, nearby mosques and ancient walls.
Adliye Sokak 19, Akbiyik Caddesi, Sultanahmet
Tel: (0212) 518 2504.
Website: www.emzoe.com
Price: $$-$$$
In Sultanahmet's historical quarter, close to the Four Seasons Hotel, this small, friendly family-run hotel and pension represents excellent value. All rooms are clean and simple, those in the hotel have a TV and phone, half have air conditioning and some have a Jacuzzi (at extra cost). Rooms are cheaper in the pension (no air conditioning, TV or phone). Two apartments accommodate up to four people each, with well-equipped kitchen and living room. Both hotel and pension share a roof breakfast terrace that offers excellent views over Sultanahmet.
Utangaç Sokak 20, Cankurtaran, Sultanahmet
Tel: (0212) 517 2282 or 458 5870.
Website: www.sidehotel.com
Price: $
Other Recommendations
Located on a quiet cobbled street, sandwiched between Haghia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, this small, brightly painted row of nine restored Ottoman houses offers a real taste of history. Each one of the atmospheric guest houses, each with five to 10 rooms, plus two-bedroom apartments, are furnished simply in 19th-century Ottoman style, with period décor and furnishings. The front rooms are recommended, with views of Ayasofya (Haghia Sofia). Buffet breakfast included.
Soğukçeşme Sokak, Sultanahmet
Tel: (0212) 513 3660.
Website: www.ayasofyapensions.com
Price: $$-$$$
Perfect for guests staying a few days or more, with cheaper rates for those staying for a month. These lovely, well-equipped apartments near Galata Tower, in a huge mansion belonging to the prominent Kamondo family since Ottoman times, offer fantastic value. Apartments come in two sizes (seven small and 15 large), and are well equipped with dining area, fridge, oven, TV and Internet access.
Bankalar Caddesi, Felek Sokak, 2, Galata
Tel: (0212) 292 4841.
Website: www.galataresidence.com
Price: $$
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