Amy Adejokun
Section editor
The Hotel Citadel is a very beautiful 19th century residence that is finely decorated and well maintained. Well located near to Istanbul's main historical sites, it is one of the most beautiful reconstructions of Ottoman house.
Best Western Citadel - © EASYVOYAGE
Best Western Citadel - © EASYVOYAGE
The hotel Citadel is located in the popular and historical area of Sultanahmet, in a small street parallel to the boulevard running along the sea of Marmara. The Blue Mosque, the Saint-Sophie Mosque and the Topkapi palace are very close - only a 10 minute walk away. Allow 20-25 minutes to get to the airport (11 miles).
The 31 rooms of the hotel are set over three floors (with no elevator). Decorated in orange tones, they are simple but comfortable. They all have a bathroom with bathtub, toilet and hair-dryer. They have satellite television, adjustable air conditioning and a small mini bar. Room service is available 24 hours a day.
The Citadel is a charming hotel which was built in 1992 in the style of 19th century Ottoman houses. It can be recognised by its wooden walls painted in white and pastel pink. The small lobby, bright, clean and tastefully decorated, leads to a terrace which overlooks the boulevard that runs parallel to the coastline of the sea of Marmara. The Sera bar will welcome you under its glass windows, which house green plants and a small fountain. It also offers a nice view over the sea of Marmara.
The Citadel has two restaurant rooms for its residents. Like the rest of the hotel, they are finely decorated in a style which combines Ottoman influence and French taste. It serves mainly Turkish and international cuisine. The breakfasts are served as a buffet, whereas lunch and dinner are served a la carte. It offers a choice of 6 starters, 9 dishes (grills and specialities) and 5 desserts, unless you decide to choose the fish menu (40 US$). In summer, you can eat on the terrace. For some occasions, a second restaurant opens. Here the ambiance is more rustic and there is wood throughout the place (beams, chairs...). Finally, in high season, there is a third restaurant room offering folklore dinner-show that recalls the 19th century.
Located along the walls of the old Byzance, the hotel is built on the same spot where Great Admiral Hayrettin Pasha built the areas for his crew in the 16th century.
(paying)
(in reception)
beauty salon, Turkish bath
beach volley, mountain bike
This establishment puts all of its effort into its image, but it was not entirely successful when it comes down detail. The Grand Emin is located in the district of Laleli, not far from the Ayma hotel, which belongs to the same (Turkish) owner, and is not a bad little hotel, thanks to its rates and location.
The hotel's two main drawbacks are the lack of atmosphere and the rather basic level of service. It could really do with a thorough renovation.
A cheap hotel that has just been renovated, a few minutes by tram from the main historical sites in the old town.
A small hotel with a pleasant welcome, the Nazar offers a very decent level of comfort for its three stars. It is located in a popular shopping area of Istanbul.
This establishment really is too outdated to be able to appreciate its positive aspects, such as its restaurant terrace and its location in the very heart of the shopping district of Laleli.
It is a small and rather unimpressive hotel offering a pretty average level of service.
If you particularly want to stay in this area, we'd recommend you try the Grand Emin instead, which happens to be run by the same people.
A comfortable hotel located in the old town, just some minutes away by tram from the main tourist sites, with pool and a panoramic view over the sea of Marmara. A good hotel for the area.
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As its name indicates, the Sumahan on the Water is a little world on the water. Inside, it displays a balance of lines and shapes that create a modern style and is never cold. This is a bit of a surprise given the exterior aspect of the building, which management wanted to keep as nondescript as possible.
This effort to go unnoticed speaks of the attention afforded to the guests, in terms of welcome, service, and cuisine. The Sumahan blends luxury and attention to detail together with know-how, efficiency, good taste, and quality.
It also commands one of the finest views of the Bosphorus there is. It really is in a league of its own.
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The Four Seasons is indisputably the most charming place in Istanbul. Nothing is left to chance in this old restored prison: neither decor, nor service. An excellent place to enjoy top-class service in the heart of one of the most beautiful historical sites in the old town.
This luxury hotel is of a very good standing. This hotel is made for those seeking excellent comfort as well as numerous and impeccable services. Its only downside is the distant location.
An elegant, quality international hotel for business people and holidaymakers. Great food too.
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