Sehit Mehmet Pasa No: 11/13, Kucuk Ayasofya Mahallesi, Istanbul, Turkey | (888) 616-5829
Quiet location in the popular Sultanahmet district
Within walking distance of major sites and public transit
Handsome 19th-century building with vintage character
Ornate rooms with marble bathrooms and, in some cases, balconies
All accommodations include AC, minibars, and flat-screen TVs
On-site restaurant serves Turkish specialties
Charming courtyard garden and patio with rooftop views
Free buffet breakfast, afternoon tea, and hotel-wide Wi-Fi
Traditional decor won't appeal to all tastes
No elevator in the building
No fitness facilities
Fee for parking
This intimate three-pearl hotel in the historic Sultanahmet district is within walking distance of many top-rated tourist attractions. Tucked away in a tranquil lane, it occupies a converted Ottoman house built in the late 1800's and derives its name from the property's pretty courtyard garden. Inside, the 15 spacious rooms tend to be decorated in a lavish style (some might say _too _lavish), with dark-wood furniture, rich fabrics and luxe marble bathrooms with modern comforts. A breakfast buffet (spread out in the on-site Turkish restaurant) is included in the rate, as is afternoon tea (served in the lobby area) and free-Wi-Fi (offered hotel-wide). But there's no elevator and few other features. Since many mid-range alternatives exist in this neighborhood -- such as Sari Konak and the Esans Hotel, that are also converted houses -- it pays to comparison shop.
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Scene
A converted Ottoman house with a lovely courtyard garden
Accessed by veering off a cobbled lane and descending a flight of stone stairs, Rose Garden Suites Istanbul feels like a quiet enclave. The architecture of the building itself -- a three-story, 19th-century beauty with a wooden facade and front-facing balconies trimmed with wrought-iron railings -- further enhances the atmosphere, as does the presence of the eponymous courtyard garden, which boasts rose varieties from all over Turkey. That charming space, like the lobby and restaurant overlooking it, are shared with the Garden House Istanbul Hotel. Leather sofas and armchairs provide cozy seating in the former, while the latter promises patio views that extend to the Blue Mosque. Given its prime location, the hotel is understandably popular with tourists, especially couples; guests with mobility issues, though, should be aware that there is no elevator here, which may prove challenging for the occupants of top-floor rooms.
Location
Well positioned in the heart of Istanbul's historic Old City
Situated amidst other low-rise buildings on one of Sultanahmet’s quieter side streets, this place puts sightseers in easy strolling distance of major attractions -- including the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar. Restaurants and shops fill the immediate vicinity, and, when you’re ready to explore other sections of the city, two tram stations (Cemberlitas and Sultanahmet) are within an eight-minute walk. The combination makes Rose Garden Suites Istanbul a practical choice for independent travelers; guests who prefer guided tours, however, do have the option of booking excursions on-site. Note that rental cars, paid parking, and transfers to Ataturk International Airport can be arranged as well (a one-way transfer is included for anyone who reserves a stay of three nights or more directly through the hotel website). - Three-minute walk to the Hippodrome and obelisks
Rooms
Lavishly decorated rooms with marble bathrooms and modern conveniences
The room decor varies by category but dark, antique-style furniture, opulent draperies and detailed ceiling moldings, are common -- and the look they collectively create is either ultra-romantic or over-the-top, depending on your tastes. (Minimalists, in particular, may want to avoid the Executive Class rooms with their wine-red walls and glaringly gilded accent pieces). Regardless of aesthetics, all options are generously sized and come with laptop safes, minibars, coffee/tea-making equipment, flat-screen satellite TVs, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi; Superior Rooms add balconies with garden views. As for bathrooms, you’ll find spacious marble ones across the board, each with a Turkish bath or jetted tub/shower combo plus helpful extras like hairdryers and robes.
Features
Freebies including breakfast at the on-site restaurant, afternoon tea and hotel-wide Wi-Fi
Considering its small size, it’s no surprise that the hotel has few features. Aside from the pretty garden for which it is named and a little lobby lounge, the only common area here is the on-site restaurant -- a tourist-oriented spot with utilitarian wood furnishings and walls adorned with framed posters highlighting local landmarks. This spot serves standard Turkish fare for lunch or dinner; however, it also doubles as the breakfast room, and the buffet laid out there each morning -- complete with cold meats, cheese, breads, cereal, fruit, and made-to-order omelets -- is included in the rate. So is a tasty afternoon tea, which gives sightseers a nice incentive to take a break from touring and return to home base. Other perks include a 24-hour reception area with a concierge and tour desk; currency exchange, laundry/dry-cleaning and basic business services (i.e. fax/photocopying); free newspapers in the lobby, and free Wi-Fi throughout.
