Padova Hotel

I’ve been coming here for more than seven years, and it feels like a second home. It’s an old, antique hotel in the heart of the old city, close to the Grand Bazaar and the tram station (grand pazar station). One bus from the airport takes you straight there, and it’s handy if you want to get around quickly for shopping. It’s clean and safe, but breakfast is very poor, so I’d buy food instead. Migros, bim, and 101 are cheaper than other grocery stores.

It took an hour to check out because the receptionist asked me to pay even though I’d already prepaid by credit card. I showed proof, but he didn’t speak English and couldn’t use the card machine. Other guests had to interpret and show him how it worked. We gave up and paid cash, and he didn’t know how to issue a receipt either. The staff don’t speak English, and there’s no internet. Breakfast was stale bread. The toilet bowl was shaky, the room was cramped and dim, and the neighborhood felt dubious. My skin itched in bed, and without soundproofing, the mosque’s prayer calls woke me at 3 a.m. Worst hotel experience of my life. An absolute disgrace to Istanbul!

Just two minutes from the Grand Bazaar, and the price is very reasonable. The rooms are basic but clean. A good place to stay.

Right in the heart of Istanbul’s old city, this is one of the best hotels. The room was very good, and the staff were very cooperative.