Istanbul Guide

182

  Sleeping BAZAAR DISTRICT SARI KONAK HOTEL BOUTIQUE HOTEL €€ Map p240 ( % 0212-638 6258; www.istanbulhotel sarikonak.com; Mimar Mehmet Ağa Caddesi 26, Cankurtaran; r €104-134, tr/f/ste €154/234/234; pnaiW ; j Sultanahmet) Guests here enjoy relaxing on the roof terrace with its Sea of Marmara and Blue Mosque views, but also take advantage of the comfortable lounge and courtyard downstairs. With Ot toman touches and prints of old İstanbul, bedrooms are similarly impressive. ARCADIA BLUE HOTEL HOTEL €€ Map p240 ( % 0212-516 9696; www.hotelarcadia blue.com; İmran Öktem Caddesi 1, Bindirbi rek; r economy/standard/sea view/deluxe from €63/108/129/171; pnaW ; j Sultanahmet) This modern hotel has memorable views of Aya Sofya, the Blue Mosque, the Bospho rus and the Sea of Marmara from its roof terrace bar-restaurant, and a ground-floor cafe where complimentary afternoon tea is served. There’s also a hamam and a gym. Rooms are extremely comfortable; all are a good size but the sea-view options are worth their higher price tag. FOUR SEASONS ISTANBUL AT SULTANAHMET HOTEL €€€ Map p240 ( % 0212-402 3000; www.fourseasons. com/istanbul; Tevkifhane Sokak 1, Cankurtaran; r from €400; pnaiW ; j Sultanahmet) This luxurious hotel has an excellent position near Aya Sofya and the Blue Mosque, with views of both and of the Bosphorus from its rooftop bar-restaurant. Facilities include a spa and an excellent restaurant in the leafy inner courtyard, while even the entry-level superior rooms are serene havens with original Turkish artworks and handwoven kilims (pileless woven rugs). 4 Bazaar District BURCKIN SUITES HOTEL HOTEL € Map p242 ( % 0212-638 5521; www.burckinhotel. com; Klodfarer Caddesi 18, Binbirdirek; s €59-64, d €64-69, f €109-119; pnaW ; j Sultanahmet) Readers have criticised the small size of Burckin’s rooms and their bathrooms, but the decor is attractive and there are plenty of amenities. The main draw is the rooftop-ter race restaurant-bar, which has a wonderful view of Aya Sofya and the Sea of Marmara. SARUHAN HOTEL HOTEL € Map p242 ( % 0212-458 7608; www.saruhanhotel. com; Cinci Meydanı Sokak 34, Kadırga; s/d/f

€70/75/105; naiW ; j Çemberlitaş) Hith erto bereft of hotels, the quiet residential pocket of Kadırga is inching its way into the limelight, courtesy of impressive family-run operations like this one. The Saruhan offers 17 comfortable and well-equipped rooms and a lovely terrace with a sea view. It’s 20 min utes’ walk to the sights in Sultanahmet and a shorter (but steep) walk to the Grand Bazaar. 4 Western Districts AKIN HOUSE APARTMENT € Map p252 ( % 0212-533 3023; www.akin-house. com; Vodina Caddesi 40, Balat; s/d €25/35, with kitchenette €35/45; pnW ; g 99, 99A, 99Y from Eminönü, 55T from Taksim) To properly appreci ate the area’s neighbourhood feel, stay at one of these self-catering apartments, spread across neighbouring houses near the Fener bus stop. Exposed brick, antique and mod ern furnishings, the odd painted wooden ceiling and views of Phanar Greek Orthodox College or the Golden Horn add bags of char acter. The Turkish-Australian managers are very helpful. Suites generally have a fridge and kettle; some have a kitchenette. 4 Beyoğlu o LOUIS APPARTEMENTS HOTEL € Map p248 ( % 0212-293 4052; www.louis.com. tr/galata; İlk Beladiye Caddesi 10, Şişhane; d/ste €90/200; naiWc ; m Şişhane, L Tünel) The top-floor suite at this meticulously main tained and keenly priced hotel near the Galata Tower is the knockout option among the 12 suites and rooms on offer. All have a large bed, TV/DVD player, ironing set-up and kitchenette equipped with appliances, including an espresso machine. Decor is un derstated but pleasing; staff are helpful. An optional breakfast costs €9 per person. RAPUNZEL HOSTEL HOSTEL € Map p248 ( % 0212-292 5034; www.rapunzel istanbul.com; Bereketzade Camii Sokak 3, Galata; dm €14-24, s €35, tw €40-70; aiW ; m Şişhane, L Tünel) This intimate hostel near Galata Tower is blessed with informed, friendly and enthusiastic staff, making it a great choice for budget travellers. Dorms and rooms are small but have air-con, clean private bath rooms, reading lights and power points; mixed and female dorms also have lockers. There’s a cosy TV room and a roof terrace with view of the Historical Peninsula.