Sultania Hotel  

In the storied heart of Istanbul's old city, between Sirkeci and Sultanahmet. A short walk from Hagia Sophia (about 500 m), Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Spice Bazaar and Gulhane Park, with Gulhane tram and Marmaray Sirkeci stations steps away; Taksim is a quick 10-minute drive.

A deluxe boutique hotel with a harem-inspired, Ottoman vibe and 42 rooms that pair modern tech with traditional marble finishes. Rooms are air-conditioned and feature in-room entertainment, DVD player, iPhone/iPad dock, fully stocked minibar, tea & coffee maker and a pillow menu; private marble bathrooms include bathrobes and slippers. Built and renovated in 2010, the decor mixes warm, regal touches with contemporary comfort.

Free access to a heated indoor pool and a TechnoGym-equipped fitness center, plus a Turkish hammam, sauna, steam room and massage facilities for post-sightseeing recovery. The rooftop Olive Restaurant serves fine dining with views over the Bosphorus and Hagia Sophia, and the hotel offers afternoon tea and welcome refreshments.

Free high-speed internet throughout the hotel, a business center with equipped meeting rooms and a conference hall, plus 24-hour front desk and tour desk support for transfers, tickets and local arrangements.

A rich breakfast buffet features homemade breads, jams and pastries, omelets and freshly squeezed juices, with tea and coffee included. Afternoon tea with pastries is served daily, and the rooftop Olive Restaurant offers fine dining and a bar with sweeping views of Hagia Sophia and the Bosphorus.