Divanyolu Cad. Alemdar Mah. Ticarethane Sok. No:45, Istanbul, Turkey | (888) 616-5829
Fantastic old-city Sultanahmet location, close to Sultanahmet Square and Grand Bazaar
Modern rooms with coffeemakers and iPod docks
Busy, extravagant decor throughout that oozes personality
Sura Grill serves excellent Turkish and international cuisine
Delicious buffet breakfast with wide variety of dishes and live music (costs extra)
Free daily afternoon tea
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Free parking
Access to hammam spa (for a fee), pool, and well-equipped gym (at sister hotel across the street)
Most facilities are located across the street at sister hotel
Breakfast costs extra
Some maintenance and housekeeping issues
Some will find the decor to be a tad over the top
The Sura Hotel & Suites is a three-pearl design-led property conveniently located for sights such as the Grand Bazaar, in the old-city district of Sultanahmet. The modern, Ottoman-inspired decor is extravagant (perhaps a little too much for some tastes). The 60 guest rooms have coffeemakers and iPod docks, but there are some signs of age and occasional reports of maintenance and housekeeping issues. Facilities -- including an extensively equipped gym, pool, and hammam spa (for a fee) -- are across the street at a sister hotel. On-site, the buffet breakfast (costs extra) and Turkish restaurant get great reviews. There’s free Wi-Fi throughout and free parking. Neighboring Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel has brighter rooms, extensive on-site facilities, and free breakfast, though rates are higher.
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
Glitzy and extravagant, Constantinople-inspired decor that will be too much for some
One of the Sultanahmet area’s first design-led hotels, and named after a type of silk, the Sura is set in a gorgeous, classic-looking and immaculately kept four-story block with imposing architecture and intricate balcony railings. This is a popular spot among couples, and the glitzy, romantic and busily designed, almost-over-the-top lobby has shiny modern gray ceiling beams, and wide-striped black-and-white marble flooring. A catwalk-like strip of gray carpet leads to simple but elegant white-marble island reception desks. Black horse sculptures are a nod to the original use of Constantinople’s Sultanahmet Square as a horse-racing venue in Byzantine times. Other design elements like cream, cocoon-like statement armchairs and bright yellow curtains make the space feel like an extravagant nightclub. Artificial open fires on a rock-design accent wall add a fantastical feel, but glass cabinets filled with objets d’art, souvenirs, and clothing for sale look tacky. Most of the guests are couples on vacation, along with the occasional business traveler.
Location
Old-city location, walking distance from many attractions
The Sura’s location, on a quaint road that can nevertheless become congested, is one of its best features. In the Sultanahmet part of Istanbul’s old city, it’s within easy walking distance of tourist attractions and the tram.- Two-minute walk to the Sultanahmet tram stop and the Basilica Cistern
Rooms
Modern, stylish rooms with coffeemakers and iPod docks, but some are showing their age
The rooms pay homage to different precious gemstones: lapis, turquoise, silver, and amber. Quiet air-conditioned and heated rooms sport stylish decor via gray walls, busy gray-striped carpets with more colorful accent notes, and striking magenta, navy blue, or pale-blue lounge chairs. There are small, modern, almost bongo-shaped bedside tables. Some rooms have cream leather button-effect wraparound headboards, while others have shiny, backlit accent walls that serve as a headboard. Rooms also feature full-length mirrors, elegant floor lamps, and decent-sized desks, plus smart gray floor-to-ceiling curtains. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, phones, free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, safes, minibars (though these lack alcoholic drinks), coffeemakers, coffee- and tea-making facilities, robes, and slippers. Triple and connecting rooms are available.The cheapest rooms, with sloping ceilings, have only small windows and lack much natural light. Other rooms have accented ceilings and larger windows, and small but pleasant balconies, some with attractive garden views.Busy bathrooms have glass walls to bedrooms (with blinds for privacy), gray marble floors and walls, and metal-framed vanities with white-, silver-, or brass-effect metal-lined countertop sinks. There are large walk-in showers with rainfall and power showerheads, and an extensive selection of miniature toiletries. The priciest Sura Sultan Suites have gorgeous in-room slipper bathtubs placed next to the beds. Note that decor in some rooms is showing its age, and that there are some reports of maintenance and housekeeping issues.
Features
Sura Grill restaurant, breakfast buffet, and free Wi-Fi
The Sura offers little in the way of features on-site, but guests can access its sister property across the road for free use of the outdoor pool, well-equipped gym, and hammam spa (costs extra). On-site, The Sura Grill restaurant -- complete with an open kitchen -- serves Turkish and international cuisine. Sura Cafe offers hot drinks and pastries, and the hotel provides free daily afternoon tea service. The breakfast buffet (not always included) also gets good reviews for its extensive variety and regular live music. There are meeting rooms available, Wi-Fi is free throughout, and there’s free parking.
