Sarnic Hotel	Ottoman Hotel	Lady Dian Hotel	Valide Sultan Konagi
Sari Konak Hotel	Dersaadet Hotel	Ambassador Hotel

 

The Sultanahmet area of Istanbul is the heart of the historic city and an Istanbul hotel in this area really puts you in the middle of all the best attractions and gives you a great feel for old Istanbul.

This region is at the tip of the historic peninsula and encompasses several smaller neighbourhoods and areas, all with a large variety of hotels.

 

 

Around the Hippodrome

The Hippodrome is just behind the Blue Mosque (looking from the water) and is a very attractive choice for an Istanbul hotel as many will have wonderful views over both the Hippodrome and the mosque. Staying in one of these hotels in Istanbul really gives a true sense of history of the old city and there are many different ones to choose from, including converted old Ottoman houses and wooden mansions from the 19th century.

 

Cankurtaran

The neighbourhood behind the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya, called Cankurtaran, is a little quieter though still excellently placed and has many hotels to choose from. A stay in one of these Istanbul hotels shows you life in the back-streets which you’ll find is very atmospheric.

 

Around Divan Yolu Caddesi

Divan Yolu Caddesi is one of the main streets in the Sultanahmet region and is home to many of Istanbul’s hotels. There are a variety of hotels here but the ones on the main street, in the most prominent positions, tend to be of a higher class, though there are also many to choose from within the streets just off this one too.

 

The benefit with staying in one of these Istanbul hotels is that you have the tram right outside your door so can easily make use of this to take you to other parts of the city too and there are many restaurants and shops in the vicinity as well.

Visiting the Grand Bazaar is also very easy from here as it’s a short walk up the hill, or you could make further use of the tram if it’s a hot day!

 

Wherever you decide to stay in the old city, make sure you book your Istanbul hotel well in advance so that you get the best choice possible. This is the most popular touristic part of the city and hotels do get booked up, particularly in the height of the peak season which is throughout the summer.