i am not sure where to begin. this small and friendly hotel, located on a quiet side street in the Sultanahmet, is exceptional in every way. the room was immaculate. one can say it was small, but definitely not small by european standards as there was plenty of walking space and a little armchair and a table in our room (we booked a standard room on the third floor). both the bathroom and the room appeared to be newly renovated. upon arrival to the hotel (the staff arranged pickup for us at the airport), we were greeted with tea, coffee and little cakes while we filled out the paperwork. our bags were carried up the stairs (yes, they are steep. and no there is not an elevator. but i wouldn't let this prevent you from staying here. i found the steep stairs just part of the charm. i am six months pregnant and i just took breaks between each of the flight of stairs.). when we arrived in our room we found a bowl of turkish candies on the bed. and later that evening when returning from some sightseeing and dinner, we found a plate of fresh fruit waiting for us in the room. the staff are exceptionally friendly. and you truly get the impression that nothing is too much to ask of them. incredibly service minded. your happiness and comfort level is their top priority. the breakfast buffet is in the basement of the building. but don't miss the opportunity to have your plates brought up to the large roof terrace, with views over the marmara sea and the blue mosque. a lovely way to start your day. the buffet is a large selection of meats, cheese, jams and spreads, yogurt, milk, cereal, breads and sweets. omelets can be made to order, no extra charge. and for a small fee you can get freshly squeezed orange or carrot juice. every afternoon/early evening, there are complimentary tea, coffee and sweets in the lobby. there is an internet station in the lobby, as well. though, we were traveling with a laptop and found the wireless connection to be outstanding. with a bit of help from the staff, we connected immediately and without problem throughout the trip. there is a safe in the room, though it is quite small (so only truly teany tiny travel computers will fit in this). on our last evening in istanbul, we came back to our room to find a plate of fresh fruit waiting for us, along with a small, but quite elaborate, chocolate cake. and of course, more turkish candies. it was such a lovely surprise and nice little goodbye from the hotel. such small gestures, truly were a welcome. and unlike any service my husband and i have ever had (and we travel quite a bit). i can't say enough good things about the hospitality of the staff.
this was our first trip to istanbul and we found the neighborhood to be an outstanding starting part for the trip. it is far enough away from the tourist ghetto. and you have some great restaurants nearby (just weed them out from the bad ones!). when we return to istanbul after the baby is born (we liked it that much!) we will definitely stay at the best point hotel.