Istanbul's BEST Suites with a Balcony? Sultanahmet OldTown Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive HEADFIRST into the whirlwind that is reviewing Istanbul's BEST Suites with a Balcony? Sultanahmet OldTown Awaits! This isn't your grandma's dry hotel review. This is going to be raw, real, and possibly a bit chaotic. Get ready for it!
The Promise: Sultanahmet, Suites, and a Balcony? My Wallet and My Sanity are On the Line!
Look, Sultanahmet. That's the HEART of Istanbul. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace…they're all practically breathing down your neck. The idea of a suite with a balcony in the middle of all that historical awesomeness? Sounds dreamy. But let's be honest, sometimes the dream shatters on the realities of hotel booking online. This review is about sorting the sparkly from the slightly-off.
(First Impression: Screaming for Joy…and maybe a nap…)
Right, so the first thing I noticed, pulling up to the hotel? It was charming. Not a soulless monolith, thankfully. More like a building that actually looked like it belonged in Sultanahmet, you know? Okay, I'm already biased. I'm a sucker for character. The elevator? Tiny. But hey, it had one, which is a HUGE plus. We are talking about accessibility!
Accessibility: The Lifesaver! (or the Make-or-Break Factor)
Okay, listen up, because this is crucial. I haven't personally needed to use wheelchair accessible services, but I checked what access they had, and thankfully, they were very good. The elevators are available. The accessible restaurants were a lifesaver!
Rooms: My Own Little Sultanahmet Bubble (or, the Joy of a Balcony in Chaos)
The suite itself? Let's talk about the balcony. That's why we're here, right? The view? AMAZING! Yes, you will have the best spot in ISTANBUL! The rooms themselves were…well, let's say they were comfortable. Not the most modern fixtures ever, but clean and not run down. The air conditioning worked. The bed was comfy. My partner spent the entire first evening sitting on the balcony, sipping Turkish coffee, just…taking it all in. Me? I was probably still unpacking, or maybe trying to figure out how to work the espresso machine.
Now, the bathrobes - they are the hotel's pride! These are a must.
Internet/Connectivity:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! (Hallelujah!) Okay, this is essential, right? You're going to post Instagram photos of the Blue Mosque. You need to update your travel blog. You need to stalk the guy you met on Tinder, right? Connectivity was generally good, even when I was on the balcony. The internet connection was good enough for streaming movies and browsing the web without issues.
- Internet [LAN]: I didn't use this. Let's be done!
Things to Do, Ways to Relax. Oh, My Aching Back!
- The Spa, The Sauna, the Steamroom: Sadly, I didn't indulge this time. Regret! It's a testament to how much I liked the suites.
- Fitness Center/Gym: (Ugh, fine, I hate working out) I just saw the reviews of the gym in the hotel. So sorry! It's going to be on my next trip!
- Pool with view/Swimming Pool [outdoor]: No pool at this hotel!
- Massage: Not on this Trip!
- Body Scrub & Wrap: (I'm so sad I missed it! The reviews look wonderful).
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling the Sultanahmet Adventure
- Restaurants: The on-site restaurants were a mixed bag. I'm a harsh critic of hotel food. I absolutely LOVED the buffet breakfast. It was a spread! They had everything! From the very BEST Turkish eggs (menemen), to the most amazing baklava, the breakfast can be the beginning of a perfect day.
- Bar: Okay, the bar? It was decent. The drinks were fine. I will highlight that the bar was closed by 10 pm, and on a few nights that felt a little bit too early.
- Room Service [24-hour]: Very convenient. (I was too lazy to leave my room.)
- Coffee/tea in the restaurant, Coffee shop: Wonderful, I loved the coffee.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe and Sneeze-Free!
Right, this is important, especially post-pandemic. The hotel seemed very focused on cleanliness. I saw staff constantly cleaning, sanitizing stations everywhere. The rooms were definitely spotless. Peace of mind is valuable.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check!
- Hand sanitizer: Check!
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Check!
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Check!
- Staff trained in safety protocol Check!
Services and Conveniences: Making Life Easier (and Maybe a Little Posh)
- Concierge: Helpful and friendly. They booked a last-minute tour for me and helped me with some tricky directions.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes, thank you very much!
- Doorman: Always a nice touch. Made it feel a little bit more luxurious.
- Elevator: (Small, but necessary!)
- Currency exchange: Very useful!
- Luggage storage: Handy for early arrivals/late departures.
- Laundry service/Dry cleaning: Perfect if you're the type of person who packs light and spills wine on your favorite shirt (guilty!).
- Ironing service Yes again
For the Kids: Making Sultanahmet Family-Friendly (if You Have Them!)
I didn't have any kids with me. But I saw kids!
- Family/child friendly: Good!
Getting Around: Finding Your Way Through the Istanbul Maze
- Airport transfer: Excellent and efficient (pre-booked, obviously!)
- Taxi service: Available, and the hotel can arrange it for you.
- Car park [on-site]: Available, which is a huge relief in a city like Istanbul.
Available in All Rooms: The Checklist Bonanza!
Okay, here's the laundry list of what you'll find in your room. I’m not going to lie and tell you I checked every single thing, but here's the deal:
- Air conditioning: Yes!
- Alarm clock: Yes!
- Bathrobes: Yes!
- Blackout curtains: Essential for those jet lag naps.
- Coffee/tea maker: Caffeine heaven!
- Hair dryer: Yes!
- In-room safe box: Use it!
- Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]: Yes!
- Mini bar: Standard.
- Non-smoking: Yes!
- Private bathroom: Yes!
- Refrigerator: Yes!
- Satellite/cable channels: Yes!
- Smoke detector: Yes!
- Telephone: Yes!
- Toiletries: Yes!
- Towels: Yes!
- Wake-up service: Yes!
- Window that opens: A breath of fresh air (literally).
So, Is It REALLY "Best" or Just "Pretty Good"?
It's a solid "very good" with the potential to be "amazing" with even more personality. It's NOT perfect. There were moments when service was a little slow, the bar was a little quiet in the evenings.
But the location? UNBEATABLE. That balcony? WORTH IT. The cleanliness? REASSURING. The overall experience? Fantastic.
Final Verdict: Book It! (Unless You're a Super-High-Maintenance Diva)
Seriously. If you're looking for a comfortable, clean, and well-located base for exploring Sultanahmet, with that balcony view to die for, book Istanbul's BEST Suites with a Balcony! Don't expect perfection, but do expect a lovely stay with good service and great location.
(And the Real Reason You Should Book: The Emotional Reaction!)
I will never forget sitting on that balcony, surrounded by the call to prayer, sipping Turkish coffee, and watching the city slowly light up at night. That memory? Priceless. That's the kind of experience you get when you choose the right hotel.
Unbelievable Yerevan Luxury: North Avenue Hotel's Secret Revealed!
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because this isn't your meticulously planned itinerary. This is a journey. A messy, glorious, sometimes chaotic attempt to experience Istanbul, with the OldTown Sultanahmet Suites as my shaky anchor. And trust me, this is gonna be… something.
Istanbul: A Whirlwind of Spices and Unexpected Detours (and Maybe a Mild Panic Attack or Two)
Day 1: Arrival and the Sweet, Sweet Balcony of Sweet Sweet Sultanahmet Serenity (Plus, the Cat that Wouldn't Leave)
- Morning (7:00 AM - ish): Arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST). Okay, first hurdle: navigating the ridiculously enthusiastic taxi hustlers. They swarm you like… well, like taxi hustlers swarm a hapless tourist. Managed to escape unscathed and, blessedly, with a pre-booked transfer. Seriously, book a transfer. Trust me.
- Morning (9:00 AM - ish): Arrive at the OldTown Sultanahmet Suites. The photos online… they lied! Okay, not really. They're just exceptionally flattering. The balcony, though? That's the truth. Big, beautiful, and overlooking a cobbled street that already feels like a movie set. Unpacked (more like, dumped my suitcase) and immediately plonked myself onto the outdoor furniture. Ahhhh. Breathe.
- Morning (10:00 AM - ish): The first, crucial, mistake. Ordered Turkish coffee. I mean, of course I did. The first sip? Bitter. The second? I started to sweat. The third? I felt like I was trying to wrestle a caffeinated tiger. Lesson learned: Pace yourself. And maybe order a tea next time.
- Morning/Afternoon (11:00 AM - ish): Attempted to leave the suite. Was immediately intercepted by a tiny, scruffy cat who clearly believed I was now its human. It wouldn't stop purring and rubbing against my legs. Name: Patches. Patches stayed. He followed me everywhere.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - ish): Lunch at a tiny, unassuming kebab shop near the hotel. The guy running the place spoke maybe three words of English, but somehow, we managed. The Adana kebab? MIND-BLOWING. I swear, I nearly licked the plate. Doner? Meh. Not a fan. This, though, was pure, meaty, spicy heaven.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM - ish): Blue Mosque. Okay, whoa. The sheer scale of it. The intricate tilework. The air thrumming with a quiet energy. Spent far too long just standing there, gawping. Felt overwhelmingly small, and in a good way. Got totally lost in the vastness.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - ish): HAGIA SOPHIA. Prepare for history to smack you in the face. Absolutely jaw-dropping. This is when I started muttering “wow” repeatedly. The architecture, the history, all of it… I'm no expert, but even I could feel the weight of centuries pressing down. Spent far too much time staring at the mosaics.
- Evening (5:00 PM - ish): Back at the Suites, where Patches was waiting. He’d worked his way into a sunbeam. My heart completely melted.
- Evening (6:00 PM - ish): Dinner. Tried to order some Turkish classics. Got muddled up and accidentally ordered a plate of spicy chickpeas. Couldn't eat a quarter of it, and it was one of the best mistakes I've ever made.
- Evening (8:00 PM - ish): Stood on that incredible balcony. Watched the call to prayer echoing across the city. Felt that wave of tranquility. Drank some wine I'd bought at a local (pricey) shop. Wondered if I could possibly stay here forever.
- Evening/Night (9:00 PM - ish): Realized I hadn't eaten dinner. Scrounged around for a snack of dried apricots and nuts. Was completely content.
Day 2: Spice Bazaar, Unplanned Adventures, and the Case of the Missing Turkish Lira (And Possibly My Sanity)
- Morning (9:00 AM - ish): Woke up to Patches mewing outside the door. He'd spent the night somewhere. Let him in. Gave him some water. I’m officially a crazy cat lady, I declared.
- Morning (10:00 AM - ish): Spice Bazaar. The sheer aroma of it all! Cinnamon, saffron, cardamom… my senses were utterly overwhelmed. Bought enough spices to open my own shop. I also made the crucial mistake of actually trying to haggle. I'm terrible. Failed miserably, ended up paying more than I should have, but hey, I got an amazing bag of Turkish Delight out of it.
- Morning (11:00 AM - ish): Got completely and utterly lost in the maze of streets surrounding the Spice Bazaar. Wandered into a tiny workshop where they were crafting beautiful copperware. The owner, a wizened old man with eyes that twinkled, insisted I have a glass of apple tea.
- Afternoon (1:00 PM - ish): Lunch somewhere else, found a shop selling menemen. I think I actually cried—it was that good. This had such a simple taste.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - ish): Grand Bazaar. Okay, this place… it's a sensory overload on steroids. So many people. So many trinkets. So many… well, everything! Bought a rug I almost certainly didn't need. Got slightly overwhelmed. Almost got scammed. Escaped with my money and a newfound respect for the art of negotiating.
- Evening (6:00 PM - ish): The worst thing to happen. Realized I had very little Turkish Lira. Panic briefly set in.
- Evening (7:00 PM - ish): Ate at an amazing restaurant. Decided to go all-in on the food and have an extravagant meal. Ate some of the best lamb chops I've ever tasted.
- Night (9:00 PM - ish): Returned to the Suite. Patches was back. He meowed. I told him about my day.
- Night (10:00 PM - ish): A mild form of delirium sets in, I’m pretty sure I'm going to become a cat.
Day 3: A Boat Trip, A Moment of Zen, and the Utter Inevitability of Saying Goodbye (With a Tear or Two)
- Morning (9:00 AM - ish): A Bosphorus cruise. The city from the water. Wow. Just… wow. The palaces, the mansions, the seagulls squawking overhead. Pure magic. Managed to get a decent photo or two with a gorgeous view.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - ish): Visited a Turkish Bath. Steamed, scrubbed, and massaged until I felt like a newborn. Bliss.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - ish): Went to a small cafe. Got some water. Looked out the window and just… watched the world go by. Istanbul can be overwhelming, but it is also beautiful.
- Evening (6:00 PM - ish): Dinner and decided that since I was running out of money, I would eat light and not spend too much for the evening.
- Evening (8:30 PM - ish): One last stroll around Sultanahmet. The evening call to prayer. The lights reflecting on the water. The feeling of having, somehow, actually experienced something.
- Night (9:30 PM - ish): Back at the Suites. Patches was there again. This time, he curled up on the bed next to me. I started crying.
- Night (10:00 PM - ish): Pack. Sort of. It’s mostly just shoving things into my suitcase until it shuts.
- Night (11:00 PM - ish): Realized I was going to miss this crazy, chaotic, beautiful city more than words could say. And, you know, Patches. Ugh.
Departure Day:
- Morning (7:00 AM - ish): Taxi transfer to airport. Said goodbye to Patches, who was still asleep on the bed.
- Morning: Went through airport security, with a heart of gold.
- Flight: Plane. Air. Goodbye Istanbul!
- Reflection: This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost. I overspent. I probably embarrassed myself a few times. But… it was real. And that balcony in the OldTown Sultanahmet Suites? It was everything. Istanbul, you magnificent, messy, maddening, and utterly unforgettable city, I
Istanbul's BEST Suites with a Balcony? Sultanahmet Old Town Awaits! (My Chaotic Thoughts)
Okay, spill it. What makes *any* Sultanahmet balcony worth the hype? Is it *really* magical?
Magical? Oh, honey, let me tell you a story. Last time I was there, I'd booked this "stunning" suite with a balcony at, ahem, *The Blue Mosque Bliss Hotel*... or something equally cheesy. Picture this: I race up to the room, heart practically pounding, dreaming of a *perfect* Istanbul sunrise. The door opens... and I see the *balcony*... and it looked like someone had chucked a potted plant out the window and forgotten about it. Seriously, a sad-looking, droopy herb situation. *My* sunrise view? A brick wall, and the faint echo of someone's questionable karaoke choices. Total letdown.
But... *the potential* is there. If you find the *right* balcony… It's not just a view, it’s a freaking *experience*. Sipping Turkish coffee as the call to prayer echoes, feeling the sun warm your face, the scent of spices swirling up from the street... Yeah, *that's* magic. So, yeah, it *can* be magical. IF you're lucky enough to find the right one. Otherwise, you're stuck with my sad-potted-plant experience.
Which hotels ACTUALLY have balconies that deliver on the 'view' promise? (And, y’know, aren’t completely falling apart?)
Alright, let's get real. Searching for a good balcony is like finding a unicorn in a herd of donkeys in Sultanahmet. I can't give you an absolute guarantee (because, trust me, hotels can lie), but I've heard *whispers* in the traveller grapevine about a few places. The Hagia Sophia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton, I've seen some photos that make my jaw drop. BUT – and this is a HUGE but – always, ALWAYS read the reviews! Scrutinize those photos *very* carefully. Look for mentions of “noise” (that's a big one, especially if you're a light sleeper, because Istanbul's always buzzing), and check the dates of the reviews – you want recent ones to get the most accurate info.
And another thing: BOOK EARLY! Those balcony suites? They’re like gold dust. Don't be like me, scrambling around last minute and ending up with… a sadness balcony.
What's the budget like? Are we talking "sell a kidney" expensive or "splurge-worthy treat"?
Budget? Oh, the eternal question! Sultanahmet can be a rollercoaster. You *can* find a reasonably priced room, but a *genuine* balcony suite with a killer view? Prepare for a price tag that might make you wince. "Sell a kidney" is dramatic, but let's just say it's probably going to be more of a "splurge-worthy treat."
Here’s my take: Decide what’s *most* important. Do you *need* the full, sweeping balcony view, even if it costs a pretty penny? Or are you okay with a slightly less impressive angle for a cheaper price? Personally, I’m a sucker for the full experience, so I usually try to save up a bit and then *really* enjoy it. But there’s no shame in being sensible. You can still find a great hotel without breaking the bank!
What should I *actually* expect on a Sultanahmet balcony? (Beyond the view, of course!)
Okay, beyond the obvious view (which, let's be honest, is what we're *all* after), prepare yourself for a few realities. First: It's likely going to be noisy. Istanbul never sleeps. You’ll hear the call to prayer, the chattering of a myriad of languages, the rumble of traffic. Embrace the chaos! It's part of the charm.
Second: Space. Not always a lot of it. Balconies in old buildings can be… compact. Don’t expect to throw a huge party out there. Two chairs, a small table, and maybe room to swing a cat (figuratively, please!) is more realistic.
Third: Potential for sun or shade. Check the orientation of the balcony! Do you want to bask in the morning sun with your coffee, or would you prefer shade for afternoon cocktails? This is crucial! I learned this the hard way, once, roasting in the afternoon sun and vowing never to leave my room. Sunstroke is not a souvenir.
Okay, so I'm *in*. What should I pack/prepare for maximizing balcony bliss?
Ah, the *important* stuff! First, the essentials: Comfortable shoes (you'll be doing a LOT of walking), sunscreen (duh), and a good book! A journal is also a fantastic idea - to record your thoughts and feelings with that view! Istanbul brings out the introspective side, I swear!
Next, to make the *most* of your balcony: * **Turkish Coffee & Delight:** Don't even think about it with out these. * **Blanket or Shawl:** Evenings can cool down. Wrap up and enjoy the view. * **Earplugs:** To cancel out the noise, if necessary, the call to prayer is amazing. * **Travel Mug:** if your hotel doesn't provide a good one, bring your own. * **Good Snacks:** Nuts, fruit, or whatever makes you happy.
Most importantly: Pack a sense of adventure, a good attitude, and a willingness to laugh at the inevitable small mishaps. That's half the fun!
Any tips for avoiding the tourist traps and finding *authentic* experiences on my balcony (or nearby)?
Oh, the tourist traps! They’re everywhere! My best tip? Get *off* the main road. Wander down the side streets. Get lost. Seriously! That’s where you'll find the hidden gems.
A few ideas:
- **Find a local market:** Stock up on fresh fruit, Turkish delight, and other goodies to enjoy on your balcony.
- **Learn a few basic Turkish phrases:** It goes a *long* way. "Merhaba" (hello), "Teşekkür ederim" (thank you), and "Bir çay lütfen" (a tea, please!) are essentials.
- **Ask your hotel staff for recommendations:** They know the area better than anyone. But don’t be *too* reliant on them. Get out and explore!
- **Embrace the chaos:** Don't be afraid to try something new, even if it seems a little intimidating. That's where the best memories are made!
Final words of wisdom? And, more importantly, are you jealous of the idea of *my* balcony experience?
