Once you decided on the area your hotel should be located in, it’s time to pick one that fits your needs. A tough choice. Istanbul has been accommodating tourists for over two centuries and therefore has plenty of choices. Whether you want to pass the night in an Ottoman palace, a renovated manor, a traditional wooden house or a contemporary (luxurious) hotel, Istanbul has it all.
Picking a hotel
Accommodation in Istanbul is divided into three categories: star-rated hotels, special hotels and hostels.
1. Star-rated Hotels
Most hotels in Istanbul are awarded with one or more stars, based on the quality and service they offer. Since the amount of stars is provided by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and may vary from international standards, please keep the following in mind:
- one-star hotels offer merely basic lodging, often rooms without private bathrooms and toilets
- two-star hotels offer basic lodging with a private bathroom (shower) and toilet
- three-star hotels offer a bit more comfortable lodging, distinguishing themselves from two star hotels by providing a bath and adding a TV and mini-bar to the rooms. Often these hotels also have a hotel bar in or next to the lobby
- four-star hotels offer a very comfortable, mostly even luxurious accommodation. Most of them have nice rooftop restaurants, a (small) swimming pool and/or fitness room, a lobby bar and internet connection.
- five-star (luxury) hotels offer the same as four star hotels, but tend to be bigger with spectacular views of the Bosphorus or Marmara Sea, and add some more services like large meeting rooms, in-house shopping facilities, more restaurants, etc. All extras the average tourist will never use.
2. Special & Boutique Hotels
Special hotels are not included in the star rating system. First of all there are the restored (historic) buildings, mostly offering Ottoman character. Secondly, there are the Boutique hotels that differentiate themselves from larger chain or branded hotels by providing an exceptional and personalized level of accommodation, services and facilities.
3. Hostels
Hostels mostly focus on back-packers and/or low-budget young travelers. I have never visited any of the hostels in Istanbul and will therefore not list any reviews of them on the Istanbul Insider.
Facilities
All hotels listed on the Istanbul Insider are safe and comfortable, and the staff is able to assist you in English. Most hotels offer two single beds. If you prefer a double bed, make sure to add this request while making a reservation. With the exception of the special hotels, most of them have elevators. The electricity voltage in Turkey is 220V, utilizing the same outlets and plugs as on the mainland of Europe. Breakfast is normally included in the price.
Chances are very likely you’ll be woken up at the break of dawn the first few days. If not by the imams calling for prayer from their minarets, then from traffic-noise. The first is more or less inevitable and is part of the Istanbul charm; the latter can be avoided by requesting a room away from the street side.
Book in time
Despite the vast amount of hotels in Istanbul, booking a hotel (weeks) prior to your arrival is highly recommended and a definite must during the high season (April till November and around New Year).
Checking out
You have to leave the room before noon on the day of departure. This doesn’t mean that day is lost though. In most cases, hotels have special luggage storage facilities for departing guests. All hotels accept the major credit cards or cash money when Turkish Liras, Euros or Dollars. Hotel prices and bills usually include the 8% value-added tax. Tipping the staff (room service and/or bellboy) is expected and highly appreciated since they mostly make minimum wage.
Sam says
Hi Erlend,
Love ur blog! I am planning a trip in january 22. I am stuck on choosing between the 10 karakoy hotel, fer hotel or sura design boutique class. Any recommendation on which one or any other one? Staying for 10 days. Thanks
Erlend says
Hi Sam,
glad you like the site. I can’t really advise for one or the other since I haven’t slept in those hotels. The only thing of advice I can give you is that since you plan to stay 10 days, you might want to pick a more centrally located hotel instead of the Sultanahmet area.
Hope this helps.
Sam says
Appreciate the reply. Do you have any hotels to recommend? Which area do you recommend? The Beyoglu?
Erlend says
Hi Sam,
Yes I prefer Beyoğlu, because it more vibrant after closing time. Worth a look is Witt Istanbul boutique hotel. I’ve always enjoyed my stay there, and centrally located between Sultanahmet and Taksim. Keep in mind it’s on a steep hill, so not an option is you have health problems. If you prefer not to walk the hill up to the hotel, you can always take the tram (which passes through Sultanahmet and in front of the Galataport) to Kabataş for 2 stops, followed by the funicular to Taksim. From there it’s again a pleasant walk downhill to your hotel. Not sure if you can stay there more than a week in a row, but you can always ask.
Sam says
Hi and thanks again Erlend,
Thanks for the recommendation. Do you any other hotels to suggest in Beyoğlu? Witt are a little over my budget. What about the Karaköy area?
You are mentioning closing time. What time is that usually?
Do you have any advices regarding using of phone, roaming etc. If I use my own sim card it will cost me a fortune with calling, using google maps and etc.
Erlend says
Hi Sam,
In that case I would stay at Karaköy 10. From the three hotels you gave me, they look equal in price and comfort, but its location is better in my opinion. Again, since you will stay for 10 days, you need good transportation options. Here the T1 tramway passes right in front of the hotel, which can take you to Sultanahmet (4 stops) and Kabataş (2 stops), from where you can take ferries and the funicular to Taksim and the M2 metro. You’re also only a 5 minute walk from Tünel, one of the oldest funiculars in Europe, to take you to the end of Istiklal Caddesi from where it’s easy to reach Galata or catch the M2 metro again.
Just behind the hotel you’ll also find the new Galataport. And via the Galata bridge, you can also walk to the ferry docks in Eminönü.
Regarding the phones, I would suggest to get a Turkish sim (Vodafone, Turkcel) at the airport, prepaid with 4G data plan, too, so you can call people at home via Whatsapp, Signal, etc.
Have a nice stay.
Chris Mulheron says
Hi,
My husband and I are looking for a hotel for two nights only at the end of a tour. We will have covered all the popular sights and intend to take the long Bosphorus Ferry which will take most of a day and upon return spend some time in the evening at the Galata Bridge.
Looking for an area within walking distance to Ferry port. We are both in our 70s but fit and well.
Day two we intend to go to Taksim and spend time there. So being close to transport woul help too. My husband loves the trains and funiculars.
Your suggestion would be appreciated.
I really enjoy the site, so much information. Reading in Australia.
Cheers Chris
Erlend says
Hi Chris,
Are you looking for international brand hotel? Is there a price range you want to stick to?
Thanks for the nice words.
Kind regards,
Erlend
Chris Mulheron says
Hi Erland,
Not looking at branded hotels bit sterile, prefer boutique and perhaps a rooftop area. Now I sound picky. My first preference is the proximity to the port (walking distance) and the Metro/ Tram.
Have been looking online at prices and have planned a budget $400AUD.
Looked at Faros Hotel Old Town. Maybe something along that line.
Really appreciate your ideas.
Cheers Chris
Erlend says
Hi Chris,
You may want to check out Witt Istanbul hotel. I’ve always enjoyed my stay there. It’s located in Cihangir, a very authentic area. It is in the middle between Taksim (centrally located and public transportation hub) and Galataport (international ferry docks) which is only a 10 minute walk down the rather steep hill. If you prefer not to walk the hill up to the hotel, you can always take the tram (which passes through Sultanahmet and in front of the Galataport) to Kabataş for 2 stops, followed by the funicular to Taksim. From there it’s again a pleasant walk downhill to your hotel.
Hope this helps.
Chris Mulheron says
Hi Erland,
Thanks for the recommendation will check it out. I will look at the location suggested for other possibilities.
Cheers Chris