The Hotel Guru
10 Best Hotels in Sultanahmet

10 Best Hotels in Sultanahmet

Sultanahmet is a treasure trove; its beauty, history and culture speaks for itself. It's the historic old town of Istanbul, and home to Istanbul's most iconic sights — from the Blue Mosque to the Hagia Sofia, the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace. The narrow, winding lanes are lined by old Ottoman townhouses. Here and there you'll find an ancient Roman fountain, or an archaeological site littered with the remains of ancient statues. It's a timeless place, steeped in layers of history, and the beating heart of old Istanbul.

No wonder so many of the best hotels in Sultanahmet are set in old Ottoman townhouses, Hammams — even prisons. Our Gurus have selected a delectable bunch, some of them with jaw-dropping rooftop panoramas of the Hagia Sofia, incredible restaurants, and even hot tubs set in old Roman foundations. Best of all? They cater to so many needs; some are great for families, others for short city breaks.

For seamless sightseeing

Hotel Sari Konak is an elegant hotel in the heart of Sultanahmet with stunning sea views and sweeping vistas of the Blue Mosque from the rooftop cafe terrace. All set in an old Ottoman townhouse with simple, traditional rooms and a hearty Turkish buffet breakfast to fuel your day of sightseeing.
The Garden House Hotel is a friendly four-star oasis in the heart of the old town set in a 19th-century Ottoman townhouse. It's in a perfect location for sightseeing (it's near all the main sights). As well as a good range of traditionally designed rooms and suites, there are two charming gardens (perfect for post-exploring relaxation) and an excellent restaurant serving traditional cuisine.

For stunning panoramas

Seven Hills Hotel isn't just a chic boutique in a great location — it boasts some of the best panoramas in town! From its rooftop restaurant, you can drink in the magical sweeping vista of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and the Bosphorus River. Just be sure to book the restaurant in advance: views like this are in high demand!

For a stylish short stay

Ibrahim Pasha Hotel is perfectly located for sightseeing, a stylish boutique next to the Hippodrome within walking distance of all the major historic attractions. The rooms are all red and ochre, the walls hung with pictures of old Istanbul. Book a room with a terrace overlooking the Blue Mosque for the full experience! A great place for a short stay.
Fer Hotel is just a stroll from the city centre, making this chic, contemporary hotel a great base to explore Istanbul from. The sleek, minimalist rooms have floor to ceiling windows affording gorgeous views of the old town. Great for a short stay with easy access to all the main attractions.

For history buffs

Empress Zoe is one for the history buffs — a collection of old Ottoman houses, including a 15th-century hammam. It's a stylish stay, with beautiful period rooms filled with antiques, Turkish rugs and Islamic folk art. The archaeological garden is a little oasis of calm, scattered with ancient statuary, and the sweeping vistas of the old town from the roof terrace will take your breath away!

For families

Families should check out Amira Hotel, a small and stylish spa hotel offering spacious family rooms. This little luxury hotel makes sightseeing a breeze because it counts the Hagia Sofia, the Grand Bazaar and Topkapi Palace amongst its neighbours, all of which you'll see from the restaurant terrace.

For indulgent Ottoman luxury

Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul is a collection of old Ottoman buildings sandwiched between Hagia Sofia and Topkapi Palace, on a tree-lined street festooned with flowers. So yes, it's perfect for sightseeing in the old town, but the real lure is... everything else. Every lavish room boasts beautiful interiors, the underground spa is utterly indulgent with its shock room and hot tub set in an old Roman foundation, and the Sophia Terrace Restaurant serves traditional yet contemporary cuisine. All just one block from the tram station, a short walk from Hagia Sofia, and 10 minutes from the Grand Bazaar.
Ajwa Hotel is more like a private mansion, a beautiful five-star Ottoman luxury hotel within walking distance of all the major sights. The luxury rooms are richly adorned, with mother-of-pearl antiques, silk Tabriz carpets, handpainted ceilings, and ornate geometric patterns. Pamper yourself in the spa; dine on Azerbaijani cuisine while drinking in the stunning panoramas of the old town. True luxury, just steps from everything you'd want to see in Istanbul.
You can't get much grander than Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet; luxury Ottoman grandeur set in a renovated prison, just steps from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia. It's the perfect apres-sightseeing stay, with its indulgent spa, rooftop views of minarets and mosques, and some of the best Turkish food in the world served in a pretty courtyard.

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- Hotel Sari Konak Istanbul (Sultanahmet) 23 rooms from £64
  
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  Value chic  -  Great value for this chic and central hotel in the historic Sultanahmet district with roofterrace views of the Blue Mosque.
  Families  -  A perfect base for families, the suites can accomodate up to four people and boast wonderful views of the Marmara Sea.
  Local markets  -  Test out your haggling skills in the Grand Bazaar, an ideal spot to pick up presents.
  Sights nearby  -  This central hotel is walking distance from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
  Recommended by  -  Frommers
  
  An elegant base for exploring the sights of Sultanahmet. Fantastic views over the city and sea from the roof top terrace. Rooms festure parquet floors and cream furnishings dotted with Turkish artifacts. The triple suites are ideal for groups or families. See More
  
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- Garden House Hotel Istanbul (Sultanahmet) 24 rooms from £69
  
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  Romantic Break  -  This 19th century Ottoman Mansion is ideal for a romantic getaway, with luxorious rooms and a charming leafy garden.
  Local markets  -  Get lost in the nearby Grand Bazaar, an ideal spot for picking up bargains to bring home.
  Sights nearby  -  This central hotel is just five minutes from Hagia Sophia and the majestic Blue Mosque.
  Full of character
  
  A friendly oasis offering four-star comfort in the heart of the old town. Enjoy breakfast in the lovely garden courtyard and al fresco dining in the Turkish restaurant. Elegant rooms feature polished wood floors, kilims and wooden furniture. A real steal in a great location. See More
  
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- Seven Hills Hotel Istanbul (Sultanahmet) 18 rooms from £81
  
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  Value chic  -  A charming boutique with elegant suites and a rooftop terrace overlooking the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
  Local markets  -  Just a 15 minute walk from the Grand Bazaar where you can pick up any number of things.
  Sights nearby  -  Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia are within walking distance of the hotel.
  Great walks  -  Take a sunset stroll along the coast and admire the fantastic views.
  
  Boutique hotel located in Sultanahmet, with a spectacular and unique panorama view from its roof top restaurant. Chic rooms in Ottoman style decor and friendly staff ensure great value for money. Ideally situated to explore Istanbul. See More
  
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- Ibrahim Pasha Hotel Istanbul (Sultanahmet) 24 rooms from £86
  
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  City Style
  Sights nearby  -  Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, village of Sanyer.
  Local markets  -  Good for local colour.
  Boutique
  Recommended by  -  I Escape, Tablet
  
  A chic boutique hotel in the heart of Sultanahmet. Sophisticated rooms in reds and ochres with all the mod cons. Lovely living areas and an outdoor terrace. A stylish city spot for a weekend in Istanbul. See More
  
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- Fer Hotel Istanbul (Grand Bazaar) 56 rooms from £156
  
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  Local exploring  -  Ideally located in the heart of the city with easy access to all the main attractions.
  Local markets  -  Explore the bustling alleyways of the Grand Bazaar.
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the famous Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
  Restaurant  -  Recommended.
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A chic contemporary hotel in the heart of the city. Architecturally impressive throughout, especially in the large central lobby. Rooms are smart and minimalist with floor to ceiling windows offering fabulous views. A sleek base to return to after a day spent exploring. See More
  
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- Empress Zoe Istanbul (Sultanahmet) 26 rooms from £113
  
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  Hideaway  -  A quaint hideaway right in the city centre with stylish rooms, a lovely rooftop terrace and a tranquil leafy garden.
  Local markets  -  Explore the warren alleyways of the Grand Bazaar and discover its hidden jems.
  Sights nearby  -  Close to all the main sights including the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
  Full of character
  Recommended by  -  Frommers, Fodors
  
  Well designed combination of period style and modern facilities in this Ottoman house and adjoining 15th-century Hammam. Attractively furnished rooms with antiques, Turkish rugs, wall-hangings and Islamic folk art. An ‘archaeological garden’ for relaxing in. A tranquil crashpad in central Istanbul. See More
  
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- Amira Hotel Istanbul (Sultanahmet) 35 rooms from £138
  
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  City Style
  Families
  Sights nearby  -  Close to all major attractions including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Recommended by  -  Tablet
  
  A small stylish hotel with an excellent restaurant and spa in the heart of the Sultanahmet. Contemporary rooms and family rooms have parquet floors, plush furnishings, and balconies. An excellent restaurant and terrace with spectacular views. See More
  
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- Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton Istanbul (Sultanahmet) 64 rooms from £148
  
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  Local exploring  -  Located next to the ancient walls of the Hippodome Splendon, it is just a hop and a skip into the Old City
  City Style  -  Elegant rooms, a chic subterranean spa and grand restaurant, this is a very stylish city base
  Local markets  -  For a spot of holiday shopping check out the vibrant and colourful Grand Bazaar
  Sights nearby  -  Take a walking tour of the many beautiful Mosques dotted across the city
  Recommended by  -  Frommers
  
  A collection of historic buildings, reminiscent of the city’s Ottoman past, converted to a stylish hotel next door to Aya Sofya. Picturesque painted wooden houses each with spacious rooms decorated in an Ottoman style. The subterranean spa and garden restaurant are a real lure. See More
  
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- Ajwa Hotel Istanbul (Sultanahmet) 61 rooms from £224
  
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  Local exploring  -  A luxury hotel in the heart of the city, an ideal base for city exploring.
  Sights nearby  -  Visit the city's major sights: Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Basilica Cistern and the Topkapı Palace.
  Sailing  -  Take a Bosphorus tour and admire the city from the sea.
  Local markets  -  Wander through the narrow lanes of the Grand Bazaar.
  
  A five star hotel, in the heart of the old city, championing classic Ottoman style. Luxurious rooms feature rich hues, dark antique furniture and ornate geometric patterns. Naturally there's all the mod cons too. A panoramic restaurant serves Azerbaijani cuisine and there's a indulgent spa as well. See More
  
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- Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet Istanbul (Sultanahmet) 65 rooms from £274
  
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  Local exploring  -  Right in the heart of the most historic part of the city, with views over the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia, both just steps away.
  City Style  -  An elegantly restored neo-classic Turkish prison, boasting a perfect blend of East and West, contemporary and tradition.
  Sailing  -  Discover Istanbul from the waters on a cruise on the Bosphorus, for added romance try a sunset cruise.
  Local markets  -  Search for treasures in the Grand Bazaar, the perfect spot to pick up some goodies to bring home.
  Recommended by  -  Fodors, Frommers, Kiwi Collection
  
  Ottoman style grandeur in this converted prison. Elegant rooms with large windows, soft hues and antique furniture overlook the historic part of the city. A small but indulgent spa. Dine on phenomenal cuisine in the pretty courtyard. A luxurious choice ideally placed to explore the city. See More
  
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