Garden House Istanbul

The Garden House Hotel and its sister property, the Rose Garden Suites, share common spaces and are situated in adjacent buildings: a rehabbed late-1800s classic Ottoman building with a white facade and a terra-cotta roof and a charming five-story building with a wood-plank facade. The property lands somewhere between a boutique hotel and a ned-and-breakfast, with homey, traditional decor that feels cozy and full of character -- though it occasionally lacks the standard comforts of a chain property (there's no elevator, for example). In the lobby lounge, wood floors are paired with a vintage rug and pleather button-tufted armchairs and couches in burnt red and dark green. A window wall lets in lots of natural light, and opens into a charming courtyard (when the weather's nice) where guests can gather, eat, or relax. The property appeals to couples in particular for its intimate feel, but all tourists are drawn here for the location near historic attractions. 

Situated on a charming cobblestone street in historic Sultanahmet, the Garden House Hotel is well located for tourists who want to explore Istanbul's iconic attractions. The immediate block is filled mostly with other hotels, but it's only a quick jaunt to restaurants, shops, and city sights. The Blue Mosque is a seven-minute walk, with Sultanahmet Square just a few minutes walk farther, about 10 minutes. Also in walking distance is Basilica Cistern (12-minute walk), Hagia Sophia Museum (15-minute walk), the Grand Bazaar (15-minute walk), and Topkapi Palace (17-minute walk). And it's only about a 10-minute walk to the Kumkapi waterfront area, home to seafood restaurants. Istanbul Ataturk Airport is a 20 to 30 minute drive, or about an hour away via public transit.

The hotel's guest rooms are individually decorated with homey, traditional decor that gives guests the feeling they're staying in a private residence. Original wood floors are paired with patterned rugs, while colorful accent walls and upholstered wood chairs are common features. Many rooms have nice hardwood furniture, though the more modern wood-laminate furniture or slipcovered chairs in some rooms feels less stylish. Bathrooms vary, but they usually feature shower stalls or walk-in showers with marble floors, though some have private Turkish baths. 

Rooms are air conditioned and include desks, sitting areas, flat-screen TVs, and laptop safes in addition to free Wi-Fi. Coffee and tea service includes an electric kettle and mini-bars are stocked with free water and juice. Bathrooms have free toiletries, hairdryers, and robes and slippers. Upgraded rooms tend to feature more stylish decor as well as extra space. Travelers looking for more space should note that luxe suites are also available in an adjoining building that shares common spaces with this property, under the name Rose Garden Suites. 

The hotel has a cozy lobby lounge with a window wall that opens, in warmer months, onto a courtyard garden terrace with cafe tables and lounge areas for outdoor dining and relaxation. There's an in-house restaurant which, in addition to a dinner and lunch menu, serves a tasty free daily breakfast buffet with hot and cold options which include an egg station. In the afternoon, the hotel offers a free light snack with tea and coffee. Room service is available. 

This small hotel has no other extra property features, but staff are helpful and the front desk is manned 24 hours. Staff can provide concierge services, laundry service, and travel assistance. Car service or airport transfers can be arranged, and the latter is sometimes included in the room rate. Wi-Fi is free throughout.