Amy Adejokun
Section editor
A nice hotel close to Sultanahmet. It is unique in this area because it has a pool. An excellent way to relax after a long day of sightseeing.
The Orient Express is situated in the old town, halfway between the historical sites of Sultanahment and the dock of Eminonu (985 ft). The airport is 12.5 miles from the hotel. Allow about 25 minutes for transfers.
The 52 standard rooms are relatively small. They are equipped with a double bed or two twin beds and are furnished in cream tones with a green carpet and varnished wood furniture. For your comfort, there is remote-controllable air conditioning, satellite TV, telephone with direct international line, and mini bar. The bathrooms have a bath or shower, toilet and hair dryer. Room service means you can eat in your room 24 hours a day (snack menu).
Opened in 2000, the Orient Express is a 7 storey building divided into two parts. One is new and the other has been entirely renovated. The style and decor of the hotel are based around the theme of the Orient Express which, in bygone days, used to drop off well-off travellers in Istanbul. Thus the "wagon bar" recreates a wagon restaurant with false curtained windows that open onto wall paintings of seascapes. It is unique in this area because the second basement has a small pool, a bar, and a few garden tables. At the top of the hotel there is a panoramic terrace. It offers a beautiful view over the Bosphorus, Galata quarter and the Topkapi Palace.
The hotel's restaurant is located on the first basement. Breakfasts are served as a buffet (standard fare). For lunch and dinner there is a choice between two set menus (3 starters, 1 main and 1 dessert) and an a la carte menu (8 starters, 4 soups, 11 mains and 5 desserts). The cuisine is mainly Turkish. In summer, it is possible to eat on the panoramic terrace.
Avoid all the rooms that overlook the street: the tram goes by just under your window! Instead, request rooms 704, 705 or 706 which overlook the Bosphorus.
massage, beauty salon, sauna, thalassotherapy, keep fit, spa, Turkish bath
tennis, fitness, sports
Susan Humphries
Fabulous welcome by friendly staff. Rooms small but functional and small The food was good . indoor Pool and cental location for sights.
Location in old part of Istanbul and easy walk to the sights. Food really good. Staff lovely. Free afternoon tea and sandwiches, free wifi
Rooms quite small ,no view and a bit dark and dated. Bathrooms tiny.These are minor compared to the great location in the city in old hotel
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