Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category, Istanbul - Reviews, Room Options & Prices 2025

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About the Hotel

Caferiye Sok. No. 6/1, Istanbul, Tr, Istanbul, Turkey, 34400

The Ottoman Hotel Imperial has been awarded the title of 'Best Historical Hotel' by the World Luxury Hotel and Spa Awards, highlighting its exceptional service and quality. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet, the hotel offers panoramic views of the Hagia Sophia Museum and Hippodrome. Guests can experience traditional Turkish hospitality and a unique blend of Ottoman and modern culinary delights. This hotel occupies a premium location surrounded by Istanbul's major historical and cultural sites.

Location

Ottoman Hotel Imperial is situated in a slightly elevated position, providing easy access to Istanbul's most significant historic and cultural sites. Major attractions such as the Hagia Sophia Museum and Topkapi Palace are within walking distance, enhancing the convenience for visitors. While the hotel is in a pedestrian-only area, guests arriving by cab or car may need to walk approximately 100 yards to reach the entrance. The property is also conveniently located just 0.5 km from Sirkeci and 45 km from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport.

Rooms

The rooms at Ottoman Hotel Imperial feature traditional Turkish rugs, wooden floors, and dark-wood furnishings complemented by rich fabrics. Each of the 49 rooms includes comforts such as 24-hour room service and premium bedding, along with thoughtful touches like pillow menus and laptop-compatible safes. Guests can enjoy various views, including city and garden vistas from their accommodations. Room types cater to different preferences, including those with easy access to elevators.

Eat & Drink

Matbah Restaurant serves traditional Ottoman cuisine, bringing historical flavors to the present with attention to detail. The Padisah Restaurant offers fine dining coupled with stunning views of the Caferaga Medrese, an architectural gem designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Sinan. Additional dining spaces include the Winter Garden, Summer Garden, Sultan's Lounge, and the Saltanat Bar, providing an array of culinary experiences in elegant settings. The hotel prioritizes quality in its gastronomic offerings, ensuring guests enjoy both taste and ambiance.

Leisure & Business

The hotel caters to both leisure and business travelers, offering comprehensive support regarding Global Distribution Systems (GDS) and commission structures. Guests can relax in the hotel's various lounges while enjoying a drink from the bar, which is open daily. The intimate Sultan's Lounge and outdoor areas offer serene settings for relaxation or informal meetings. Safety features such as a smoke detector and security systems are in place to ensure guest security.

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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Junior Suite

Max:

2 persons

28 m²

Bed options:

1 Double bed

room details

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Single Room

Max:

1 person

18 m²

Bed options:

1 Single bed

Garden view

Shower

Heating

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Double or Twin Room City View

Max:

2 persons

20 m²

Bed options:

2 Single beds

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Getting around

A guide to all available transportation options

City Centre

Istanbul700 m

Airports

Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International (SAW) 43.4 km

Istanbul (IST) 46.3 km

Train

Sultanahmet Tram Station400 m

Underground

Vezneciler 1.7 km

Halic 1.9 km

Facilities

Experience a variety of amenities at the boutique hotel, crafted to ensure your comfort and unforgettable moments

Delicious Breakfast

“During my stay, I had the pleasure of enjoying a fabulous breakfast overlooking the Caferia Madrassa. The selection was fantastic, featuring traditional Turkish delicacies, and I highly recommend trying the almond soup and shepherd’s borek. It set a perfect tone for my day!” view full review

Luxurious Amenities

“I absolutely loved my bathroom! It was spacious and well-appointed, equipped with everything I needed. The strong shower provided a refreshing start to my mornings, and the overall cleanliness made me feel right at home.” view full review

Comfortable Accommodations

“The room I stayed in was charming and inviting, featuring cozy bedding and a comfortable mattress. I appreciated the unique decor that gave it a local flair, and I enjoyed my views from the window that contributed to a relaxing atmosphere.” view full review

Engaging Activities

“I was thrilled to find numerous opportunities for local tours organized by the hotel. They provided assistance in booking these tours, making my experience in the city even more enriching and enjoyable. It enhanced my overall stay significantly.” view full review

General

Non-smoking rooms
No parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Luggage storage
Lift
Currency exchange

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Paid shuttle service
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots

Spa & Leisure

Garden area
Jacuzzi

Room features

Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Parquet floor

Location

Caferiye Sok. No. 6/1, Istanbul, Tr, Istanbul, Turkey, 34400

Map view

street view

Caferiye Sok. No. 6/1, Istanbul, Tr, Istanbul, Turkey, 34400

City landmarks

Mosque

Blue Mosque

950 m

Museum

Topkapi Palace

900 m

Cankurtaran Mh.

Topkapi Palace harem

860 m

Mosque

Suleymaniye Mosque

1.9 km

Bridge

Galata Bridge

1.6 km

Mosque

Little Hagia Sophia

1.0 km

Torun Sok.

Mosaic Museum

690 m

Mosque

Sokollu Mehmet Pasa Mosque

900 m

Mosque

Rustem Pasha Mosque

1.7 km

Gallery

Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

2.4 km

Square

Beyazit Tower

1.4 km

Square

Beyazit Square

1.6 km

Nearby

Museum

Hagia Sophia Museum

280 m

Alemdar Mahallesi

Basilica Cistern

190 m

Square

Sultanahmet District

580 m

Museum

Istanbul Archaeology Museums

480 m

Cankurtaran Mahallesi Ayasofya Meydani No:2 Fatih

Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami

190 m

Historic Areas of Istanbul

320 m

Binbirdirek Mah. Divanyolu Cad. No:84 Sultanahmet

TGC Press Media Museum

510 m

Monument

Serpent Column

560 m

Alemdar Mah. Alemdar Cad. Eminonu/Cagaloglu

Gulhane Park

80 m

Binbirdirek

Walled Obelisk

560 m

Prof. Kazim Ismail Gurkan Cad. No: 24 Eminonu

Cagaloglu Hamami

500 m

Museum

Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam

70 m

Museum

Hagia Irene

440 m

Divan Yolu Caddesi

Column of Constantine

590 m

Caferiye Sk. Sogukkuyu Cikmazi No:5

Caferaga Madrasa

30 m

Museum

Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts

490 m

Kabasakal Cad. No:2 Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi

Tomb of Sultan Ahmet

280 m

Merkez Beyazit

Mausoleum of Mahmud II

570 m

Restaurants

Theodora Restaurant

80 m

Alemdar Cad. No:2 Sultanahmet

Zeynep Sultan

120 m

Alemdar caddesi 9 Sultanahmet

Gulhane Sark Sofrasi

290 m

AlayKosku Cad. No: 22

Panorama Restaurant

260 m

Yerebatan Cad. No:18 Sultanahmet

360° Panorama Restaurant

260 m

Yerebatan Cad. No:18 Sultanahmet

The And Hotel

270 m

Yerebatan Cad. No:18 Sultanahmet

House of Medusa

250 m

Yerebatan Caddesi No:9 Sultanahmet

Mom's Corner

170 m

Cankurtaran Mahallesi

Konak Cafe and Restaurant

180 m

Alemdar Mah. Prof. Kazim Gurkan Cd. No. 18 Sultanahmet-Istanbul

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback from previous guests about their experience.

58%

enjoyed the hotel and would happily stay again

5.8/10

Guest rating

Rooms

6.8

Location

9.6

Service

7.8

Dining

6.6

Victor

United Kingdom, March 2025

7.0/10

I had a great time staying at Ottoman Hotel Imperial, mainly because of its prime location right next to major attractions like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. However, I was disappointed by my room's size and cleanliness—definitely not what I expected from a four-star place. The breakfast was decent, but some staff weren't very helpful. Overall, I’d rate it a solid 6 for the location but had issues that made my stay less than stellar.

Rooms

5.0

I was placed in a tiny underground room that didn’t feel clean, with broken furniture and damage on the floor. The bathroom had mold, which was kind of shocking.

Service

6.0

The staff seemed friendly enough, but the language barrier made communication tough. Some were helpful, while others just weren't as responsive when I needed assistance.

Location

10.0

You can't beat the location! It’s just a short walk to the most famous sites like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, plus there’s easy access to tram stations.

Dining

7.0

The breakfast had a good variety, including Turkish dishes which I enjoyed. However, I was disappointed when I learned bottled water wasn’t complimentary.

Facilities

5.0

Unfortunately, the hotel felt quite dated and not up to the standards I expected for a four-star hotel. Wi-Fi was hit or miss as well.

Owen

United Kingdom, January 2025

5.4/10

I truly appreciated the hotel's prime location, just a short walk from major attractions like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. However, my arrival was marred by a mix-up with my room and an unexpected charge for Turkish tea. While the rooms were charming, they could use some updates, and I encountered some cleanliness issues in the bathroom area.

Rooms

6.0

The room I was initially given was not what I had booked, and it took some questioning to get the correct accommodation. Despite this, the room I eventually received was nicely decorated but showed signs of age and wear. The bathroom had some cleanliness concerns, which detracted from my overall comfort.

Service

6.0

The staff seemed friendly, but I encountered issues with billing that left a sour taste. Although they were helpful in resolving my room mix-up, my experience with the tea charge didn't align with the warm hospitality I had expected based on my previous visits.

Location

8.0

The location was fantastic, making it easy for me to explore Sultanahmet and visit landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern. The area felt relatively calm, which was a nice escape from the bustling streets just minutes away.

Dining

7.0

Breakfast was enjoyable with a good selection; however, I felt it could have offered a bit more variety. Sometimes, it was disappointing to face unexpected charges for items I had previously enjoyed without extra fees.

Facilities

6.0

Facilities were basic, and while I didn't utilize room service or other amenities much, I found the hotel needed some modern updates. The historical charm was evident, but I wished for more contemporary conveniences.

Gordon

United Kingdom, January 2025

5.6/10

I had a wonderful stay at the Ottoman Hotel Imperial, thanks to its stunning location near Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The staff was exceptionally helpful, which made my experience even more enjoyable. However, I noticed the breakfast options were a bit limited, and the decor could use some updates. Overall, it was a great base for exploring Istanbul, but there are areas for improvement.

Rooms

7.0

My room featured a lovely view of Hagia Sophia, which was absolutely lovely. However, it felt somewhat worn and could use some refreshing.

Service

8.0

The staff were friendly and responsive, providing good recommendations for local dining. They even helped with luggage when needed, adding a personal touch to my stay.

Location

10.0

The location is simply perfect for sightseeing, with major attractions just a short walk away. It truly made my trip seamless and enjoyable.

Dining

6.0

While breakfast had the essentials, it felt a bit repetitive. On the upside, the dinners I had were quite good, showcasing some unique flavors.

Facilities

7.0

The hotel offered useful services like laundry and shuttle assistance, which I appreciated. However, some areas need better upkeep.

Georgia

United Kingdom, October 2024

6.6/10

My stay at the Ottoman Hotel Imperial was defined by its unbeatable location, just steps from the Hagia Sophia and other historic landmarks. Although the breakfast could use more variety, and noisy street-facing rooms were an issue, I found the service warm and welcoming. The blend of Ottoman culture and modern amenities made for a nice experience overall.

Rooms

7.0

I stayed in a standard room which was clean, but a bit small for a longer stay. My room faced the busy street, which meant some nighttime interruptions from tram noise. Rooms on the quieter side are preferable.

Service

9.0

The staff were exceptionally helpful, always ready to provide local tips and assistance, which really enhanced my trip. They went out of their way to ensure I had a pleasant stay.

Location

10.0

The hotel’s location was perfect for exploring Old Istanbul—literally minutes from major sites like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. It's an easy walk to restaurants and shops, making it ideal for sightseeing.

Dining

5.0

Breakfast was included, but options were limited and repetitive during my stay, which was a bit disappointing. While it was decent, I expected a bit more variety given the hotel's charm.

Facilities

6.0

The hotel had a unique charm with its traditionally furnished decor. However, the lack of an elevator made getting to the higher floors with luggage a bit of a hassle.

Jennifer

United Kingdom, October 2024

5.0/10

I had an overall fantastic experience at Ottoman Hotel Imperial. The location was truly unbeatable, being right across from Hagia Sophia, which made sightseeing incredibly easy. The staff were exceptionally friendly and attentive, treating me like family. However, I found the breakfast could use a bit more variety to truly shine.

Rooms

9.0

I stayed in a Premium Double/Twin Room with a stunning view of Hagia Sophia. Though the room wasn't the largest, it was clean and comfortable, allowing for a cozy stay. The bathroom was a nice touch with both a bathtub and shower option, making my experience even better.

Service

10.0

The service was excellent, with staff available 24/7 to assist with anything needed. Their personalized recommendations and genuine care made my stay nice. Special thanks to Sevgi, who greeted me every morning with a beautiful smile, setting a lovely tone for the day.

Location

10.0

I couldn't have asked for a better location. right in the heart of historic Istanbul, just a few minutes' walk from major attractions like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. It was perfect for exploring the city without feeling overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle.

Dining

8.0

The breakfast was good, although I wished there were a few more options available. I enjoyed the variety of warm and cold items, but at times it felt a bit repetitive. The dining area provided lovely views, making the breakfast experience pleasant overall.

Facilities

9.0

The hotel's facilities were well-kept, and the housekeeping staff did an amazing job. There were enough amenities to make my stay comfortable, and I appreciated the quick check-in process.