Istanbul Guide

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  AHMET EFENDI EVI PENSION € Map p240 ( % 0212-518 8465; www.ahmetefendievi. com; Keresteci Hakkı Sokak 23, Cankurtaran; s €45-65, d €50-80, f €70-95; pnaW ; j Sultan ahmet) Mr Ahmet’s House has an appealing home-away-from-home feel and is a great choice for families. In a predominantly residential area (a rarity in Sultanahmet), its nine rooms of various sizes have mod ern decor and fittings; one has a terrace with views of the Blue Mosque and Sea of Marmara. HOTEL NOMADE BOUTIQUE HOTEL € Map p240 ( % 0212-513 8173; www.hotelnomade. com; TicarethaneSokak15,Alemdar; s/d/tr €40/45/ 70; pnaW ; j Sultanahmet) Designer style and budget pricing don’t often go together, but Nomade bucks the trend. A few steps off busy Divan Yolu, it offers simple rooms that some guests find too small – request the largest possible. Everyone loves the roof-terrace bar though (bang in front of Aya Sofya). CHEERS LIGHTHOUSE HOSTEL € Map p240 ( % 0212-458 2324; www.cheerslight house.com; Çayıroğlu Sokak 18, Küçük Ayasofya; dm/s/d/tr €20/45/70/90; pnaW ; j Sultan ahmet) Part of a cheerfully named accom modation group, Cheers Lighthouse is in a quiet neighbourhood. Reached via steep stairs, rooms have sea views and options include a loft-style suite with terrace and sauna. Bar-restaurant Cheers Soul Kitch en (mezes ₺15, mains ₺35; h 11am-10pm; W ) is an appealing spot to watch the world go by, or to gaze at the Bosphorus from the rear terrace. ZEYNEP SULTAN HOTEL HOTEL € Map p238 ( % 0212-514 5001; www.zeynepsultan hotel.com; Zeynep Sultan Camii Sokak 25, Alemdar; s/d/tr €50/60/75; pnaW ; j Sultanahmet or Gülhane) There aren’t many hotels in the world that can boast a Byzantine chapel in the basement, but the Zeynep Sultan can. Its 22 renovated rooms have a modern, white look and include fridges, tea and cof fee facilities, and attractive marble finish in the bathrooms. Breakfast is served on the rear terrace with Aya Sofya views. BIG APPLE HOSTEL HOSTEL € Map p240 ( % 0212-517 7931; www.hostelbigapple. com; Bayram Fırını Sokak 12, Cankurtaran; dm Sleeping  SULTANAHMET & AROUND 

€15-45, r €30-75; naiW ; j Sultanahmet) It may lack a traveller vibe, but the compen sations at this comfortable hostel include six-bed air-conditioned dorms (including a female-only option) with comfortable beds and private bathroom, as well as hotel-style private rooms with satellite TV, fridge and bathroom. Added to this is a rooftop bar-breakfast room with sea views. AGORA GUESTHOUSE HOSTEL € Map p240 ( % 0212-458 5547; www.agoraguest house.com; Amiral Tafdil Sokak 6, Cankurtaran; dm €17-25, r €80-90; pnaW ; j Sultanahmet) The friendly Agora is worth considering for its comfortable bunk beds (with lockers big enough for backpacks underneath); clean, modern bathrooms; and roof terrace. The main drawbacks are an inadequate number of showers and toilets and a lack of natural light in the basement dorms. HOTEL PENINSULA HOTEL € Map p70 ( % 0212-458 6850; www.hotelpeninsula. com; Adliye Sokak 6, Cankurtaran; d €35-50, tr €60, f €65-100; naiW ; j Sultanahmet) Hall marks here are friendly staff, comfortable rooms and bargain prices. Start your day on the sea-facing roof terrace with its so ciable breakfast room and outdoor tables. Basement rooms are dark, but have re duced prices (double €35, family €65). The same crowd operates the Hanedan (Map p240; % 0212-516 4869; www.hanedanhotel.com; Adliye Sokak 3; s €45, d €50-55, tr €70, f €85-95; naiW ) opposite and the Hotel Grand Peninsula (Map p240; % 0212-458 7710; www. grandpeninsulahotel.com; Cetinkaya Sokak 3; d €50-65, s/tr/f €40/80/90; pnaW ) nearby, both also recommended. BAHAUS HOSTEL HOSTEL € Map p240 ( % 0212-638 6534; www.bahaus istanbul.com; Bayram Fırını Sokak 7, Cankurtaran; dm €15-21, r €50; pnaiW ; j Sultanahmet) Small, clean and secure, Bahaus stands in stark and welcome contrast to the insti tutional style hostels on nearby Akbıyık Caddesi. The four- to 14-bed dorms (includ ing a female-only en-suite option) have curtained bunks with good mattresses, reading lights and lockers; they can be hot in summer. Top marks go to the plentiful bathrooms, entertainment program and rooftop terrace bar.