Boutique Apex Hotel

We paid $102 for the night and found it affordable and comfortable for the price. It’s a fun, colorful hotel in a safe, quaint location, very close to the blue mosque and hagia sophia. Our room had a little balcony for fresh air, though it’s close to the neighboring balcony, so there isn’t much privacy if both guests are outside. We only stayed one night, really just for a few hours of sleep. There were some bathroom leaks, but nothing terrible. Breakfast was provided, but we left too early to try it. You can get an Uber or taxi to the airport, or walk about 20-30 minutes to the tram that takes you to the airport bus.

A complete disaster. There was no soundproofing at all, and it was noisy all night. We arrived late and got a first-floor room beside the stairs, then realized in the morning it was next to the kitchen too. Every hallway sound seemed to carry and get amplified, even footsteps and someone flushing the public toilet. I kept waking up all night and didn’t get even one hour of sleep after a long flight. I didn’t deserve that. The room was tiny, with no space to open a large suitcase. Breakfast was awful and very limited. I doubt even dogs would eat it. This is not a 4-star hotel, just a small family-run inn. I cancelled the second night right away. I’d never recommend it to anyone visiting Istanbul. I gave it one star only because zero stars weren’t an option.

The staff were the real highlight, polite and genuinely helpful whenever we needed something. The hotel is small, but it’s only a few hundred meters from the Blue Mosque and close to pretty much everything you’d want to see. My room was tiny, yet cozy and had what I needed. Thanks for the hospitality!

The best part was the excellent service from everyone at the hotel. It’s an unusual place with simple but original decor and good value, in an excellent spot near the Blue Mosque. Rooms are small, the bathroom could use improvement, and cleanliness was decent. The breakfast could be much better.