It was a wonderful sanctuary to rest and relax after a long day sightseeing in a chaotic city. I had a very charming room with a balcony, queen size bed with clean sheets, nice warm lighting, modern bathroom and a great breakfast. It rained quite a bit for my entire stay in Istanbul and I was glad to have a room I enjoyed as I spent more time in it than I initially planned. Very friendly staff and I thoroughly enjoyed my 3 day stay!

Hotel is located in an area with hilly cobblestone streets which I thoroughly enjoyed but perhaps not a suitable place for a guest with mobility issues. Come with good sneakers or supportive walking shoes!

The location was perfect. Central to everything. It was 2 mins walk away from the blue mosque and the Sultanahmet square. The staff were really friendly. The bed was comfortable and I had a good night's sleep! For me there was a mosque right opposite the hotel so it was nice to hear it at prayer times! There was a mini market less than 1 min away! There is also a rooftop restaurant by the mini market, make sure you have the Turkish breakfast from there! I can't fault the location or the staff at all. Everyone was really friendly and chatty! I checked in just past 1am and they had upgraded my room and even offered the queen suite at a discounted rate for my stay! Also lots of restaurants nearby. Make sure you try a few!

There are a couple of niggly things but not deal breakers.. 1. I paid for the breakfast before hand when I booked it and I personally did not like it at all. There was nothing for me to eat. So maybe pick an option without breakfast. 2. I also chose this hotel due to its spa facilities. Although I didn't use it just be aware the therapist is only available between 11am and 7pm. The sauna is open till 10 and is at a charge of 10 euros per hour. 3. The hotel is situated on a road with a hill. For me it wasn't a big deal. But if you have mobility issues then please be aware. 4. The pressure in the shower could be improved but again not a deal breaker. 5. Occasional dogs barking at night but that's not something that can be helped

very close to the major attractions of Istanbul, 10 mins walk to Hagia Sofia, blue mosque, grand bazaar and topkapi palace museum. staff is very courteous and helpful.

they deserve 10 points for the facilities and the proximity BUT I HAD A DISASTROUS EXPERIENCE ON MY WAY BACK TO THE AIRPORT , the airport transfer the hotel arranged for us was worst to say the least. the driver was either drunk or sleepy and was driving crazily , we almost had a major highway accident, I Received a call back from hotel once I informed them about the situation , Mr Ahmet assured that they have taken cognizance of the situation and apologized for the same, IT WAS A VERY BAD EXPERIENCE AT THE END OF A GREAT HOLIDAY TRIP. IT IS DEFINITELY THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO ARRANGE A SAFE AND PLEASANT TRANSPORT FOR THEIR GUESTS.

I stayed here for a week over Christmas, in a Queen room. I could not have been happier or better looked after. The hotel is very well furnished, with traditional furniture in the communal areas but contemporary in the bedrooms. The bed was very comfortable and everything worked as it should. The breakfast range is extensive and very good quality. The neighbourhood is quiet but within easy reach of all the main sights. There is a mosque opposite and the muezzin that recites the call to prayer has possibly the best voice in Istanbul! Above all the staff were wonderful - nothing is too much trouble and they were extremely kind to me. They taught me Turkish, gave me advice, sourced gluten-free bread, told me about their country and made me laugh. Istanbul is an incredible, beautiful city and I am so pleased I visited. Staying at the Arena contributed hugely to a very good holiday. I will be back!

I wish the restaurant was open as it looks wonderful

Great location if you want to visit the old part of the city - the Blue mosque, the Palace and St Sophie are a few minute's walk. Walking distance to the tram is some 5-7 minutes, The hotel is located on a quiet street, so not at all noisy from traffic. There's a mosque right opposite the hotel but the isolation of the rooms is good enough so we were not disturbed by the prayer appeals . The hotel is beautiful, it's a renovated family mansion with preserved charm, family objects, such as the lovely set of sofas in the lobby, cupboards and nice family photos. The lobby is very cozy. Breakfast was very good, fresh fruits and vegetables as well as home made pastry were present daily , as well as the continental breakfast options. Ask for some Turkish coffee , which you can get also with breakfast. Cleaning services as well as laundry are excellent and fast. Staff: You may find all of the above in many hotels, but it's probably difficult to find such a great team of employees, They really made our stay a wonderful experience of itself. Thank you so, so much Ulas, Suat and Hayati !

the location was spot on, only 5 mins walk to sultanahmet and about 15 mins walk to the grand bazaar. the restaurant a few doors away (My terrace) does delicious food n the terrace offers a fantastic view. In the hotel, the staff (esp Suat) was super friendly and informative, giving good advice and recommendations. We had an excellent time at the hotel and walking around the area was great. We should have taken the hotel's offer for an airport transfer. We were warned about the yellow taxi scruplous ways but thought it's ok to give a go. At the airport, we were told it would cost around 1,100 lira,, we ended up paying 3,500 lira!! On our return to the airport, the hotel organised a transfer for us for 35euros. Overall great place to stay, n i wouldn't mind going again. Oh, we tried their hotel massage, 30 mins for a neck, shoulder back for 30 euros. didnt try their turkish bath. Breakfast was good, plenty of options.

the location is on a hill, so walking up to the square was uphill.. haha.. it was difficult to find something i didnt like!

Stayed for four nights in August 2024 as part of a trip around eastern Europe. Wonderful welcome received from the hotel manager who offered tea and coffee upon arrival and showed us to our room at 10.00am after a long overnight train journey. A small touch that was very welcome. All staff who remained friendly and informative throughout our stay and would politely field any questions asked. Our room, on the first floor, was a good size with excellent storage, a large bathroom, a fridge, nice balcony and excellent air conditioning. A kettle and complimentary water, tea and coffee were also included as was free Wi-Fi. The location is excellent, situated on a cobbled side street just 10 minutes’ walk from Sultanhamet/Blue Mosque in one direction and Cemberlitas/the Grand Bazaar (via quite a steep hill) in the other. The surrounding neighbourhood is filled with varied restaurants, bars and shops. The breakfast buffet was superb – varied, including Turkish specialties, hot buffet, breads, fruits and cold meats, and substantial and enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere. I have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending. A great value hotel in a wonderful location.

Good location and hospitality. Rooms are nice and very clean, the price is right.

More focus should be on the room maintanance, some simple things in the bathroom should be fixed or replaced (e.g. a handle for the toilet brush, shower faucet etc). This was also noted by some other guests in their reviews, it seems that no actions were taken in this regards to improve the service as it could be easly fixed before guest arrival.

Breakfast was pretty good, lots of choice but not a lot of variation over the days we stayed. We didn't know that there was a guy who would do eggs for you - that area wasn't manned and you had to ask a member of staff to come and do it for you, but unless you see someone else having one, you wouldn't even know you could get it. Our room was large and comfortable, as was the bed. Aircon worked well and there was a large TV. Cleaners came every day and seemed to do a good job. They provide bathrobes and complimentary slippers and fresh towels as needed. Location was great, a 5 minute walk to the Blue Mosque and other main tourist attractions, plus there was a fairly large historic mosque right next door. Lots of nice food places nearby too. Staffed seemed happy to help and loaned us some umbrellas when it rained one morning.

There was no hotel guide or information in the room whatsoever and they don't give you any complimentary water. The hot water in the shower was good, but it takes around 4 minutes before it reaches temperature, once it does it is fine. The door to the balcony doesn't have a proper curtain, only a net curtain and lets in a lot of light. The view outside the balcony and windows is marred/blocked by overgrown trees.

Excellent customer service especially front desk. Breakfast was good. Hotel was very clean. Whatever we asked for got provided asap. Located near all the attractions. Very easy to “nip in” if need be. Value for money but only at a discounted rate. We paid around £60/£70 each night which is right, would not pay £100 per night. Would defo stay again. Thanks to all the staff.

No big issue but just for information…..The location, the hotel is located at a bottom of a hill so there is a 5/7 uphill walk each time. The breakfast was good however lacked a bit of variety, lots of things available so good but it was the same kind of stuff each day.