Boutique sultan Hotel

I was staying at Aprilis Hotel and used this place for a two-hour stop to freshen up before heading to the airport. The location is excellent. At first, the staff seemed unsure about my booking, and I had to wait for the room to be cleaned, though they got it done quickly. The bathroom was nice and the room was okay for a short stay. The plug socket was a little far from where I needed to charge my phone. For a luxury stay, Aprilis hotel was a much higher-quality experience.

The location is the main thing this hotel has going for it. It's cheap, and there's plenty around, though the nearby restaurants and bars felt like the usual expensive Istanbul tourist traps. The hotel itself is very basic, and I wouldn't come back or recommend it beyond its location. The room was noisy enough that I could hear everything. Even with earplugs, people walking past woke me up. If you stay, I'd ask for a room on the highest floor, since everyone going in and out passes first-floor rooms at all hours. The sheets need replacing, the shower kept switching between hot and cold, and the heating didn't work. We were there four nights and got one loo roll. They won't provide more unless you ask. It's an okay hotel, but the rooms aren't particularly nice.

The staff made our stay feel special, especially Hussain, who helped us so much. They gave us detailed advice about attractions and answered all our questions. We arrived before our room was ready, and they offered to keep our luggage while we went for a walk or stayed for complimentary Turkish tea. On our third day, they explained how to reach the Asian part of the city by public transport. After we checked out, they stored our bags again so we could keep exploring, then helped call a taxi that took card payments. The hotel is within walking distance of Hagia Sophia, Topkapi, and the Blue Mosque. A nearby supermarket stays open late. For the price, the rooms are excellent. Towels and toiletries are supplied, and there's a hairdryer in the bathroom.

The staff were friendly and helpful, and the location is great for visiting the blue mosque and Hagia Sofia Mosque. There are plenty of nearby restaurants and shops, and the terrace has a beautiful sea view. We liked the room's towels and toiletries too. We stayed three nights. The room was very hot and stuffy because it had no AC. They gave us a fan when we asked, but it was broken and had no legs, so we leaned it against the wall. We had to leave the window open, and mosquitoes got in and bit us. The shower also drained poorly and the water flooded up. They didn't come to clean the rooms, though we hadn't asked them to, since we didn't really want anyone coming in. Still, we got the impression someone had entered while we were out. There are no lifts, so you have to use the steep, uneven stairs. The staff helped with our luggage, but after a long day of walking, climbing up to the room was tiring, and we had to watch our steps to avoid tripping.