Kucuk Ayasofya Cad. Kapi Agasi Sok. No:5 Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey | (888) 551-4925
Set in quaint remodeled 19th-century Ottoman-style
inn
Located just minutes walk from city's historical
center
Plush, traditionally styled rooms with minibars and tea/coffee facilities
Some rooms have marble bathrooms and sea views
Lovely rooftop terrace breakfast overlooking Blue
Mosque
Particularly welcoming and friendly staff
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Some entry-level
rooms are small
Poor
soundproofing between some rooms
No health or spa facilities
The Dersaadet
Hotel Istanbul is a cozy, upscale property set in a remodeled 19th-century
Ottoman-style inn. Though it's set on a non-touristy street, it's just
minutes' walk from Istanbul's historic center and main attractions. Guests can expect a particularly warm welcome, and interiors are plush and traditional throughout. A charming rooftop
terrace serves an extensive breakfast alongside Blue Mosque and sea views. While
top-level rooms also share the views, some rooms are small with poor
soundproofing. There are no health facilities or spa on-site; check out the slightly pricier Dosso Dossi Hotel Old City for one of the better hotel hammams.
Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.
Scene
Family-run Ottoman-style inn with lavish interiors and friendly vibe
The quaint wood-slat facade gives this hotel, housed in a remodeled Ottoman-style inn, a
particularly charming aspect. Inside the scene shifts to a more lavish yet
homey feel, with Turkish rugs and floral patterned wallpaper blending with
flamboyant neoclassic furnishings and painted ceilings inspired by
Ottoman-era artwork. Meaning "place of happiness" in Ottoman Turkish
(as well as one of many words for Istanbul), the Dersaadet Hotel is run by owner-manager
Deniz Duyar -- part of the Duyar family of hoteliers who also own the nearby
Hotel Niles. Nearly all of the hotel's furnishings are custom-made to ensure as
close to authentic 19th-century Turkish styling as possible. With just 17 rooms, this is certainly a cozy and boutique-size property, and staff provide guests
with an especially warm welcome -- the hotel is known as one of the friendliest in the city.
Location
Set on un-touristy street just minutes' walk from Istanbul's historic center
The hotel is situated
on one of the less touristy streets in Sultanahmet, surrounded by normal neighborhood shops and residential properties.
Despite this, it's only around a five-minute walk to the historical center, where Sultan Ahmet Mosque and the Hagia Sophia are located directly across from each other. It's around five minutes more to the grand Topkapi Palace, and guests can reach the famous
bustling souks of the Grand Bazaar in around 15 minutes. Tram
lines are five to 10 minutes' walk away and connect throughout the city, while Ataturk
International Airport is a 55-minute cab journey, traffic permitting.
Rooms
Plush Ottoman-style rooms -- some with marble bathrooms and sea views
The hotel has just
17 rooms which vary in size and layout -- some lower-end are rather small --
though all are decorated in the same plush traditional Ottoman styling found in
the lobby. All are air conditioned and include flat-screen TVs (with BBC and
CNN), tea/coffee facilities, and well-stocked minibars. Wi-Fi is also available
free of charge. Some higher category rooms have lovely marble bathrooms, and even
Turkish baths, while upper-level rooms feature sea views. Views are
particularly good from the lavish Sultan's Penthouse Suite, with low wooden
ceiling, big windows, and balcony, as well as whirlpool tub in the bathroom.
There have, however, been some reports of poor soundproofing between rooms.
Features
Extensive buffet breakfast from sea-view roof terrace
The hotel's main
feature is its charming indoor-outdoor roof terrace where guests can enjoy their
morning meal with views of the Blue Mosque and the sea. A buffet breakfast of
more than 20 items -- including homemade dishes and traditional Turkish cooking
- is served surrounded by some lush
potted vegetation and is included in the room rate. Hot and cold drinks are
also available free of charge here throughout the day. Unlike at sister property Hotel
Niles, there are no fitness facilities here, though Wi-Fi is free of charge.
