Cem Sultan Hotel

It's an older building, so sound carries between rooms. I could hear people talking at night, but it didn't bother me since at least they weren't stomping. The place felt totally safe as a woman traveling alone, and they arranged my rides to and from the airport, which was great. It's a cozy, clean, family-run hotel, and I'd recommend it if that's what you like.

Breakfast was okay, and the rooftop restaurant has a super nice view of Hagia Sofea and Blue Mosque. Both iconic buildings are about three minutes away, and the hotel is near the Sultanahmet tram. My experience was just okay otherwise. The staff weren't very friendly, the room was really small, Wi-Fi was hard to connect to, and the TV screen was blank.

The location and the night receptionist were the only good parts. That receptionist went out of his way to help us, unlike the day receptionist, who wouldn't help and also spoke badly about other guests to us. I dread to think what he said about us to others. After a long journey, reception immediately tried to sell us tours, which made us feel they saw us as a source of money, not guests. The hotel might once have justified its exorbitant nightly price, but missing light bulbs, faulty amenities, and tired decor and shower don't anymore. Our air conditioning couldn't cool the room. When we raised it, we were essentially told that's just how it is. We had to sleep with the door and windows open to cool down, leaving us exposed to street noise. We'd have cancelled and gone elsewhere if the cancellation policy hadn't meant losing the full payment.

The only small issue was the air conditioning. Even at the end of December, direct sun made the room quite warm, and we wanted to run the AC at night but couldn't work out how, despite trying. I'm sure the staff would have helped, but we didn't ask and got used to sleeping with the patio door open. We were on the third floor and felt safe leaving it open. The staff were good all around, and breakfast was very good each day. They don't list scrambled eggs, but if you ask, they'll quickly make some. The place is a little pricey, though its closeness to Istanbul's main tourist area made it worth it.