Amy Adejokun
Section editor
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 Maisons Sainte-Sophie are located in the heart of Sultanahmet, on the same site as the main historical attractions of Istanbul. They all lean back on the wall of the Topkapi Palace. The airport is 11 miles away. Allow about 25 minutes for transfers.
Each of the houses has five to ten rooms, and there are 63 rooms in total. Here, elegance is more important than comfort. The rooms are coloured and carefully decorated with 19th century furniture which blends perfectly with the Western influence. The fringed armchairs, velvet curtains, wall lamps and mirrors give the rooms a warm feel. The facilities are very limited however: just small fans and a bathroom with shower/bath and toilet.
The Maisons Sainte-Sophie have 10 Ottoman-style residences that were renovated in 1984 and are all adjoining. The small reception, which is very basic and isolated at the entrance to the pedestrian street, belies the inside of these residences. Each has its own colour, style and name: Maison Jasmin (Jasmin House), Manoir de la Rose (Rose Manor), Maison Chèvrefeuille (Honeysuckle House), Maison Cyclamen (Cyclamen House),... To get to your room, pass along these one or two-storey floral houses with multicoloured facades. The interiors (corridors and ground floors) are elegant and tastefully decorated with 19th century Ottoman furniture.
The hotel has good catering services. Breakfast and lunch are served on the ground floor in one of the buildings. One of the high points of the place is the Citerne restaurant, located, as its name suggests, on a former Roman cistern. Large hardwood round tables are distributed throughout a quasi-medieval decor of vaults, large columns, wrought iron, large fireplace and sumptuous candelabra. You can dine here in the evening. In summer, the Guest House opens its rustic restaurant. A large glass roof houses pretty decor in marble, coloured tiles, floral frescoes and glass chandeliers. You can have all three meals as a buffet (breakfast) or a la carte.
Choose a large room overlooking the street rather than a small (dark) one on the side. No noise problems: it is a pedestrian street. You will also have a nice view of the Saint-Sophie mosque from your window. You might prefer the "Guest House" which is set apart from the other houses. Some of the rooms have a view of the garden, the summer restaurant and the ramparts.
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.
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.
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 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 Fehmi Bey is a modest hotel built in 1996 in an exceptional setting near to the city's historical monuments. The Blue Mosque is only 2 minutes away on foot! The district is lively, and ideal for walking around both by day and night.
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.
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.
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.
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.