We loved everythng about this hotel - it is a few minutes' walk from each major sight so we could come back to rest when the children were tired; the historic buliding and decor are wonderful; the thick bathrobes and towels are heavenly; everything works perfectly and on the rare occasion it idoes not, it is fixed in minutes; the staff are always smiling and helpful; the breakfast is a lovely buffet of local cheeses, cold meats, breads, fruit, halva, & cereals as well as eggs - and they make anything you ask e.g. omelettes instead of the standard scrambled eggs; you can ask to have breakfast on the rooftop terrace; the bar and restaurant are very relaxing; all in all this hotel felt like home. I was surprised that when I needed fresh milk for my little boy, who was refusing to drink the usual Istanbul milk, the bell boy went out at 11pm to get it for me - and they made no extra charge :) Our children, aged 6 and 3, were loved and looked after by all the staff and not bored for a minute. We will be back soon as Istanbul is the most relaxing holiday, and the children were treated like royalty.

I have visited Istanbul several times. Each time I have looked for a hotel that is in Sultanahmet, near the Blue Mosque and Topkapi. I have wanted a quality hotel, modestly priced, with air conditioning, comfortable rooms, and management and staff that prove they care about the weary traveler. I found it.

Location: As you look at the front of the incredible Aya Sofia, the Ottoman Hotel Imperial is located on a small cobble-stoned street just to the left of it. You are near everything! The Blue Mosque, Topkapi and the Archeological Museum, the Hippodrome, the Grand Bazaar, wonderful restaurants, and views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn that are incredible. Taksim is an easy tram ride away. The ferries to Asia and the Princess Islands are just down the hill.

Operation: The Ottoman Hotel Imperial occupies a building that used to be a hostel. It was extensively renovated and converted into an excellent, comfortable full-service hotel less than a year ago. The rooms feature all the amenities you want--they are comfortable, attractive, and functional. The staff is wonderfully engaging, without being invasive. Breakfast is served both in a cheery indoor dining room, or in the spacious and very attractive outdoor patio. The management can be relied upon for advice about sight-seeing, shopping, restaurants, and any other need that might come to mind. The price is very reasonable, given the level of comfort and service, and the incredible location.

My search is over. I have found my home in Istanbul.

This is an exceptional hotel especially if you are interested in visiting all the tourist spots. You're literally right behind Hagia Sohpia so even if it's raining you're not stuck. I booked the Premium Double and it's definitely the size you want for 2 people. I saw the Double and it's a little on the small side. This is not your grand luxury hotel but it's nice and pretty and the staff is super friendly and nice. It gets a little quiet at night because most of the nightlife is across the Golden Horn but it's only 10YTL to get there and taxis are plentiful so it's not really a problem. This is the hotel you want to be in to enjoy the city without throwing out too much money.

Early in May we had an enjoyable stay in Istanbul. We chose the Ottoman Imperial mainly because of its central location - we made the right choice.
Our room and bathroom, though not large, were most comfortable and also bright, quiet and very clean. The staff were delightful, always polite and could not have been more helpful.
Our only negative comment must be about breakfast which does need to be improved.
We hope to visit Istanbul again and we would definitely choose, and recommend to friends, the Ottoman Hotel Imperial.

Ann and Bryan Farquhar, West Sussex, U.K