Amy Adejokun
Section editor
The Grand Yavuz is a very simple hotel, ideal for those on a tight budget wishing to stay in Istanbul close to the main historical sites.
Grand Yavuz - © EASYVOYAGE
Grand Yavuz - © EASYVOYAGE
The Grand Yavuz is located in the area of Gedikpasa, a 10 minute walk from the Grand Bazar, the esplanade of Sultanahmet and the fishing area of Kumkapi. The airport is 9 miles away. Allow about 25 minutes for transfers.
The rooms are simple and functional. They have air-conditioning and satellite television, a mini-bar and a telephone with direct line. The bathrooms (with toilet) feature a bath and hairdryer. The double glazing windows shut out most of the beeping horns and zooming street noises in this noisy area. Room service means you can eat in your room 24 hours a day (small snack menu).
Built in1992 and renovated in 1998, the Grand Yavuz hotel is a modern building. The 84 rooms are set over the first 6 floors (with lift). On the ground floor, the spacious lobby has no charm. Shame about the lack of decor (armchairs in brown fake leather) and the austere communal areas.
You can have a breakfast buffet in a restaurant on the first lower-ground level. The place is dark and unpleasant. But it is nicer to have lunch or dinner in the hotel when the panoramic restaurant is open on the 7th floor. A nice place thanks to the view of the Marmara sea and the cupola of the Blue Mosque. But even here, some effort could have been made to decorate it. The menu offers 5 starters, 3 omelettes, 2 spaghetti dishes, 13 grilled meats and 3 desserts.
Since the area is rather uninteresting, choose the 6th floor rooms with sea view. That will also get you away from the night time noises in the area.
sauna, keep fit, beauty salon, Turkish bath, massage, spa, hammam, wellness
gym, volleyball, fitness
The Maisons de Sainte-Sophie are definitely one of the best places to stay in Sultanahmet, a few steps away from the Topkapi Palace. This set of Ottoman residences, with its multicoloured wooden walls, is reminiscent of a charming village of doll houses. The interiors are refined and tastefully decorated. A great place if charm is more important to you than comfort.
The Obelisk Sumengen is a charming hotel that authentically recreates the Ottoman style of the 19th century. It is located a stone's throw from the main historical sites in Istanbul.
The Sultanahmet Palace is a charming hotel just behind the Blue Mosque. The elegant decor and large spaces create a haven of tranquillity on a human scale.
The Yusuf Pasa Konagi hotel is one of the nicest places in old Istanbul. Do not expect great comfort from this Ottoman residence - rather, try to appreciate the colourful atmosphere in the neighbouring streets. A family hotel for those on a tight budget.
The Golden Age is a very functional hotel for a calm and good value stay in one of the most expensive areas in Istanbul.
The Anemon Galata is a charming hotel on a human scale. The luxury and comfort are indisputable and the nice location is great for exploring the different areas of Istanbul. It will suit couples looking for charm.
The Nena occupies a historical building and is a small establishment offering a good level of service, set in nice surroundings and close to the main tourist sites.
It stands at the very heart of Sultanahmet, not far from the Blue mosque, and its restaurant terrace, where you can enjoy Turkish specialties and international cuisine, affords a wonderful view.
This is a pleasant and simple establishment.
The marvellous view over the Bosphorus, the welcoming ambience and the excellent restaurant combine to make this hotel a real winner. Indeed, it is when you are in the restaurant or piano bar that the establishment can really be enjoyed in all its splendour.
However, in order to truly attain the status the hotel might otherwise deserve, it could do with gym and spa facilities.
This is a sophisticated establishment, but it has the potential to be even better.
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.
This is a prestigious hotel offering the services of large European hotels combined with oriental charm. The setting is incredibly romantic, making the Ciragan Palace an ideal location for any honeymoon and all types of celebration. It is undoubtedly one of the best hotels in Istanbul.
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.
Like the phoenix, the Çiragan Palade has risen from the ashes to produce a high-ranking and very charming hotel. An exceptional location by the Bosphorus in order to stay in the same place where sultans lived.
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.
The Hotel Hilton in Istanbul offers all the standard comfort of large business hotels, but this place is also suitable for tourists and anyone who wants high-quality services. It is rare in Istanbul to find a hotel with a large landscaped garden.
Located close to the business quarter and the best bars and nightclubs in Istanbul, the Intercontinental Ceylan offers all the services of a top international hotel. A practical and comfortable place with no unpleasant surprises.