Pros

  • 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
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Cons

  • Traditional decor won't appeal to all tastes
  • No elevator in the building
  • No fitness facilities
  • Fee for parking
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Bottom Line

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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Amenities

  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi

Oyster Hotel Review

Rose Garden Suites

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. 

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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
  • Six-minute walk to the Blue Mosque
  • 10-minute walk to the Basilica Cistern
  • 12-minute walk to the Hagia Sophia
  • 13-minute walk to the Grand Bazaar
  • 16-minute walk to the Istanbul Archaeology Museum
  • 18-minute walk to Topkapi Palace Museum
  • 20-minute walk to Sirkeci Railway Station
  • 16 minutes by public transport to the Galata Bridge and ferry stops
  • 28 minutes by public transport to Taksim Square
  • 31 minutes by public transport to Istiklal Avenue’s shopping, dining and nightlife 
  • 55 minutes by public transport to Ataturk International Airport (32 minutes by car, depending on traffic)
See More Location

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. 

See More Rooms

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. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Rose Garden Suites

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. 

See More Scene

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
  • Six-minute walk to the Blue Mosque
  • 10-minute walk to the Basilica Cistern
  • 12-minute walk to the Hagia Sophia
  • 13-minute walk to the Grand Bazaar
  • 16-minute walk to the Istanbul Archaeology Museum
  • 18-minute walk to Topkapi Palace Museum
  • 20-minute walk to Sirkeci Railway Station
  • 16 minutes by public transport to the Galata Bridge and ferry stops
  • 28 minutes by public transport to Taksim Square
  • 31 minutes by public transport to Istiklal Avenue’s shopping, dining and nightlife 
  • 55 minutes by public transport to Ataturk International Airport (32 minutes by car, depending on traffic)
See More Location

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. 

See More Rooms

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. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Balcony / Terrace / Patio

  • Basic Television

  • Cabanas

  • Cable

  • Concierge

  • Dry Cleaning

  • Free Breakfast

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Laundry

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Poolside Drink Service

  • Room Service

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Supervised Kids Activities

  • Swim-Up Bar

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.