Hotels in Sultanahmet (Istanbul)

Alp Guesthouse

The words "a little strange" would suffice to describe this mock Alpine timber-framed house which doesn't even make a pretense of disguising its bare concrete surfaces, aside from hanging a few colourful kilims (traditional Turkish flat-woven rugs) around the place to soften the effect. Plenty of photographs and letters from happy customers adorn the otherwise sparse walls. All of the bedrooms contain the basic necessities and those on the top floor have magnificent sea views, but do cost more. The basement rooms aren't recommended, especially in winter, as the boilers are noisy and too hot. Room Rates may vary as per season.See their website for further details.

Hotel Tashkonak

A warm and comfortable environment, ethnic Istanbul atmosphere and views of the famous Blue Mosque, gardens and the sea - what more could you ask for as a tourist? The rooms are clean and elegantly done up in hues of wood brown, red and yellows. You can visit important Byzantine and Ottoman monuments that are easily accessible from here. The room prices vary according to the time of the year. There are no doubts that your stay at this hotel will be a memorable one.

Avicenna Hotel

This hotel was once an Ottoman-style home, and dates back to the 19th century. It has 49 rooms, some with balconies, a terrace cafe overlooking the sea, and a garden restaurant. If you are looking for a comfortable stay in Istanbul, head to the Avicenna Hotel.

Pierre Loti Hotel

Named after the famous French novelist, the elegant Pierre Loti Hotel is a short walk from the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia and all of the other historical monuments nearby. Nearby you'll find the bustling Covered Bazaar with its endless lanes and alleys filled with shops selling all manner of Turkish treasures and the historical Cemberlitas Hamam is not far down the street. The Pierre Loti Hotel is a three-star hotel with very comfortable facilities and near to public transport.

Hotel Empress Zoe

This small hotel (named after a brazen Byzantine queen) has a gorgeous sunken reception area incorporating an elegant 15th-century hamam. All of the comfortable rooms are tastefully decorated in dark wood and richly colored textiles and can be reached by climbing a narrow wrought-iron spiral staircase. A tiny stone garden is the quaint setting for breakfast, and a nightcap can be enjoyed on the rooftop bar with an uninterrupted view of the Bosphorus. Reservations are a must.

Hotel Ararat

The Hotel Ararat opened its doors after architect Nicos Papadakis, renowned for the design of the Empress Zoe, added peaches and cream finishing touches to complement the dark wooden floors. Each bedroom has a luxurious four-poster bed where guests can lie and gaze upon the Blue Mosque in all its glory, right across the street. The view doesn't get much better than this, even from the rooftop breakfast area.

Ayasofya Pansiyonları

The Ottoman boutique hotel trend in Turkey began with the construction of the Ayasofya Pansiyonları by the Turkish Touring & Automobile Association in the 1980s. These were perfect copies of the Ottoman mansions that once lined the narrow cobbled lane. Ayasofya Pansiyonları is a neat row of pastel-coloured clapboard clad houses elegantly furnished in Ottoman style and beautifully lit by lamps at night. Its setting is wonderful; the street is squeezed between the ancient stone walls of Topkapı Palace and the back of Ayasofya. Breakfast is served in the garden.

Berk Guesthouse

Located in a quiet street right by the grandiose Four Seasons Hotel, this family-run guesthouse was originally a house owned by Grandma Yesim. It was demolished and a hotel now run by her grandchildren replaced the original structure in the mid 1980s. It's a little expensive for such basic facilities and the extra charge for so-called "deluxe" rooms is highway robbery, but there are plenty of people who appreciate the family atmosphere and many regulars who check in every year. Breakfast is served in a quaint walled garden, and there is a roof terrace and lounge area as well. Room rates are subject to change according to season.

Istanbul Hotel Nomade

The bright kilims (traditional Turkish rugs) in the relaxing reception area offer a warm welcome, so this place makes for a comfortable hideaway, perfect for people-watching on the street outside. The rooftop terrace offers a scenic panorama of Istanbul, to be enjoyed from the comfort of an assortment of colourful Turkish handmade cushions. The mustard yellow rooms are elegant and decked out with lovely walnut furniture and gorgeous traditional bedspreads. The proprietors, twins Esra and Hamra, work hard to maintain high standards. There's no hotel restaurant, but the Rumeli Café bistro; run by the same people; is just across the road.

Orient Hostel

Rock bottom on the price scale, the Orient is a mecca for backpackers visiting Istanbul. Separate women's dormitories are one of the biggest attractions here for the single female backpacker intending to tramp all over Turkey. All the usual backpacker services are on offer in the reception area, including tours, cheap Internet access and discounted airline tickets. The Orient is famous for its social scene a bar in the basement and another on the roof keep beer swilling guests happy they can also learn how to belly dance with the locals, smoke a water-pipe or cook up a barbecue. Despite being used rowdy hordes of the great unwashed, the bathroom facilities are remarkably clean!

Hotel Uyan

Don't be put off by the modern-looking façade—until recently the Uyan was a private family residence located in a late Ottoman building (around 75 years old). It has been renovated into a hotel, the most obvious sign of this being the small bathrooms tucked into the corner of each room. The proud owners boast the highest roof terrace in the district, offering uninterrupted views of the entire area. Guests can sunbathe unobserved on the rooftop during the summer months and the spectacular local sound and light show can be enjoyed without leaving the hotel.

Hotel Arcadia

The Hotel Arcadia combines aesthetic beauty with expert service in the heart of the old city. The rooms are spacious and elegantly decorated in gentle lemon yellow shades with lovely wood-toned bathrooms. The atmosphere here is a little nostalgic as Arcadia is housed in an authentic 19th-century building with very stylish architecture. The ornate interior design and decoration was meticulously done by hand. Despite its old-fashioned charm, you will also be able to enjoy the latest in modern conveniences here. There is a breathtaking view of the Sea of Marmara from the rooftop Mavi Restaurant.