Great value for the money - EXCELLENT location!
- September 6, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
The location truly is amazing. You can take your breakfast on their rooftop terrace overlooking Sultanahmet's (the historic district) best sites - mosques, parks, the sea in the distance. Very beautiful. The breakfasts were fine. The rooms were not at all contemporary, but fairly spacious and comfortable. It was nice to have a gym (free) and a buffet breakfast with no "hidden" charges. The best part about the Ambassador really is the location.
Charming and Central
- July 20, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
I stayed here with my Turkish fianc? for two nights while we had a weekend to ourselves. The staff are courteous and speak excellent English. They also picked me up from Ataturk free of charge, which gave me one less hassle to deal with after 20+ hours of flying. I didn't get a chance to try their 24-hour room service, but their breakfast in the top floor dining room (which overlooks the gorgeous Blue Mosque) was very Turkish--cucumber, salty cheese and yogurt as opposed to eggs or baguettes. The location is just as central and lovely as they promise, in a cute brick alley right near a light rail stop that will take you all over the city. It wouldn't strike a Western traveler as luxurious, but it was certainly comfortable and clean and I felt perfectly safe. My fianc? approved my choice enthusiastically and we'd stay there again without hesitation.
BEST VALUE HOTEL IN ISTANBUL
- February 23, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
a traveler from Travelocity.com
This hotel was a dream for less than $70/night. The service was outstanding, the views from the balcony were breathtaking, and the location couldn't have been better (literally, we could almost touch the Blue Mosque from the rooftop restaurant).
The staff was so helpful. They went out of their way to help with anything. Don't hesitate to ask for directions, advice, or help. We really became buddies with xxx, xxx, and xxx'.
The hotel's amenities were more than you could ask for at the price. You can't beat the complimentary breakfast feast on the rooftop every morning with views of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and Marmara Sea. We also took advantage of the Turkish bath in the hotel and it was totally worth it (our third and favorite Turkish bath experience in the city). There's also free internet access, Turkish television, and a gym (if that?s your thing).
Sultanahmet (the neighborhood) was the perfect place to stay. It was very safe. I loved that the entrance of the hotel was not on the main drag, but 10 yards down a quaint alley of restaurants and shops (it was quiet, but in the midst of it all). There were tons of delicious (albeit touristy) restaurants in the area. And of course having all of the city's highlights within walking distance was so convenient. There is even a tram stop right outside the hotel that takes you anywhere else you need to go in the city. I definitely recommend staying in this area over Taksim (the other hotel magnet). While Taksim is the hip place to be with regard to shops and restaurants, it doesn't have the charm that Sultanahmet provides.
So, this place is perfect for well-seasoned travelers who like the perfect balance of affordability, charm, convenience, and comfort.