Istanbul Guide

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o HOTEL IBRAHIM PASHA BOUTIQUE HOTEL €€ Map p240 ( % 0212-518 0394; www.ibrahimpasha. com; Terzihane Sokak 7, Sultanahmet; r standard/ deluxe €125/175; naiW ; j Sultanahmet) Cultural tomes are piled in reception and throughout the 24 rooms of this exemplary design hotel, which also has a comfortable lounge with open fire, and a terrace bar with knockout views of the nearby Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. Rooms are gor geous but some are small, with more space in the deluxe options and those in the new section. o HOTEL EMPRESS ZOE BOUTIQUE HOTEL €€ Map p240 ( % 0212-518 2504; www.emzoe.com; Akbıyık Caddesi 10, Cankurtaran; s €60-90, d €140-160, tr €150, ste €180-300; naW ; j Sul tanahmet) Named after the feisty Byzantine empress, this is one of İstanbul’s most im pressive boutique hotels. The four build ings house 26 diverse rooms. The garden suites overlook a 15th-century hamam and the gorgeous flower-filled courtyard where breakfast is served in warm weather. You can enjoy an evening drink there, or while admiring the sea view from the terrace. o SIRKECI MANSION HOTEL €€ Map p238 ( % 0212-528 4344; www.sirkecimansion. com; Taya Hatun Sokak 5, Sirkeci; s €110-247, d €149-247, tr €199, f €209-224; naiWs ; j Gülhane) Travellers love this terrific-value hotel overlooking Gülhane Park, with its impeccably clean, well-sized and amenity laden rooms, some with balconies. It has a restaurant where a lavish breakfast is served, an indoor pool and hamam. Top marks go to the attention to detail, helpful staff and the complimentary entertainment program, which includes walking tours and afternoon teas. o HOTEL AMIRA BOUTIQUE HOTEL €€ Map p240 ( % 0212-516 1640; www.hotelamira. com; Mustafapaşa Sokak 43, Küçük Ayasofya; r €129-159; naiW ) A consistent performer, Amira has 32 attractive rooms with Otto man flourishes. It’s a relaxing haven after a long day of sightseeing, complete with tea and coffee, slippers, a safe and bottled water aplenty. Adding further appeal are the attentive service, a spa, a roof terrace overlooking the Little Aya Sofya and the Sea of Marmara, and complimentary after noon tea in served in the sunken lounge.

The only difference between standard and deluxe rooms is size, with poky bathrooms in the former. HOTEL ALILASS DESIGN HOTEL €€ Map p240 ( % 0212-516 8860; www.hotelalilass. com; Bayram Fırını Sokak 9, Cankurtaran; s €60-90, d €70-100; naW ; j Sultanahmet) This well priced hotel has 22 small but stylish rooms, with low-hanging lights, black-and-white photos of old İstanbul, and bathrooms featur ing Ottoman tiles and glass walls. Facilities include a cafe, roof terrace and conservatory- like breakfast room in the back garden. OSMAN HAN HOTEL HOTEL €€ Mapp240( % 0212-4587702; www.osmanhanhotel. com; Çetinkaya Sokak 1, Cankurtaran; s/d stand ard €160/170, deluxe €180/190; naW ; j Sul tanahmet) Amenity levels at this friendly little hotel are high: rooms have comfort able beds, minibars, tea and coffee facilities, and satellite TV, while the breakfast room and terrace have sea views. The difference between standard and deluxe rooms is space, with cramped bathrooms in the for mer. The ground-floor rooms (single/double €130/140) are right next to reception. Week end rates are €10 higher per room. OTTOMAN HOTEL IMPERIAL HOTEL €€ Map p238 ( % 0212-513 6151; www.ottomanhotel imperial.com; Caferiye Sokak 6; r from €100; naiW ; j Sultanahmet) This four-star ho tel is in a wonderfully quiet location out side Topkapı Palace walls. Its large and comfortable rooms have plenty of ameni ties, including minibars and coffee ma chines, and are decorated with Ottoman style objets d’art; opt for one facing the neighbouring Aya Sofya or in the rear an nexe. No roof terrace, but on-site Matbah (p84) restaurant is excellent. DERSAADET HOTEL HOTEL €€ Map p240 ( % 0212-458 0760; www.hotelder saadet.com; Kapıağası Sokak 5, Küçük Ayasofya; s from €70, d €84-152, ste €180-200; naiW ; j Sultanahmet) ‘Dersaadet’ means ‘Place of Happiness’ in Turkish – and guests are in evitably happy at this well-run place with Ottoman-style decor and Sea of Marmara views throughout. A restored mansion, its 17 comfortable rooms include a sumptuous penthouse suite. Amenities include a lift and a terrace with panoramic views.

 

Sleeping  SULTANAHMET & AROUND