Tessera Hotel

The breakfast was fresh and well prepared, with an egg dish made to order plus a spread of Turkish favorites. We visited during an unusual snowfall, and the heating kept our room warm throughout. The building has historic character alongside enough modern conveniences. Our room was nicely arranged and had space for a small extra bed for a third person. The bathroom could be better, but it was manageable. We'd recommend it and would come back.

Hela and Fatih made our stay fantastic, and every interaction with the staff was positive. They contacted me before we arrived with directions to their parking lot, which is a short way from the hotel. Ali Bey met us and carried our bags over. Hela checked us in, upgraded our room, shared the WiFi details, and showed us where it was. We loved the courtyard style, and the location works well for arriving by car and reaching nearby attractions. Our room was clean and tastefully decorated, with a comfortable bed. Breakfast was served serpme style rather than as a buffet. Of all the old-town city center hotels we've tried, this was our most enjoyable stay. We hope to return to Urfa.

The location makes it easy to explore on foot, with market stalls, shops, and lots of restaurants about ten minutes away. The archaeological museum, mosaic museum, and Abraham’s fish pool are roughly a fifteen-minute walk. There isn't parking, but you can be dropped off less than a minute from the hotel, at the top of the alley. This beautiful place is in the heart of Sanliurfa's old city, in a monastery dating back 300 years. The walls and ceiling still show its history, while the rooms have modern comforts like central heating and cooling and a very good bathroom and shower. Hela greeted us, was on hand whenever we needed anything, and showed us around the building's history. Our room was comfortable, with a large double bed that was soft without being squishy and comfortable pillows. Breakfast was tasty and typically Turkish, with hard-boiled and scrambled eggs, salad, bread, jam, olives, and fruit.

We spent three nights in Karahantepe, the elegant, peaceful room above Tessera hotel's main breakfast courtyard, and the place felt magical. We enjoyed getting to know several staff members, especially Helle, who was so kind. She was born in Syria and spoke excellent English, which we appreciated. The hotel is wonderfully placed for reaching the main part of old Sanliurfa as well as quieter, beautiful back streets.