Sultanahmet Palace Hotel

Frommer's Review

Designed in the style of a garden villa, this enchanting hotel offers visitors the best opportunity for temporary immersion into the life of an Ottoman subject, on a smaller scale, of course. This hotel features Byzantine-style hand-carved moldings above Roman terra-cotta flooring, a grand marble central staircase below a stunning half-cylinder stained-glass dome, courtyards and terrace fountains, and breathtaking views in summer of the Marmara Sea from the from the breakfast terrace. The Blue Mosque creates a fourth wall in the street-side rooms, a view so impressive that you won't mind the brutal dawn awakening. Rooms on the top floor are disappointingly small, so when reserving, try to nab a second-floor room or one of the suites, which have tiny wrought-iron balconies. In place of a shower or tub, each room comes with its own tricky but spectacular marble clad mini-hamam (large-size visitors and creatures of habit should avoid this hotel). Unfortunately though, a glitch in the heating system prevents them from producing any steam. A showerhead is provided, but less adventurous travelers may find the setup a bit off-putting, especially since water sprays everywhere, and remains until housekeeping arrives.

Facilities:
Restaurant; 24-hr. room service; laundry service; dry cleaning; elevator

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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