Apricot Hotel Istanbul

Visiting Istanbul for a few days and was looking to stay in Old City since most of the attractions are there. That's how I came upon Apricot Hotel - rooms look clean, location excellent, and price is very reasonable. Room The room is not huge nor is it luxurious but it is clean and has all the necessary stuff (place to hang clothes, heat, small desk for loose items). Even has a balcony where you can see the top of the minarets of nearby Blue Mosque. The bathroom is also clean with standup shower stall and good water pressure. One note: because of the marble floor (which seems to be standard issue in Turkey it seems) it is cold when you step in/out of the shower. Minor gripe though, just nitpicking here. Location Hotel is located on a quiet street about 5min walk to the Blue Mosque / Hagia Sophia. The area has lots of restaurants and shops and some convenience stores and cheap eateries for late-night options too. You're about 10-15min walk to the Sultanahmet stop of the T1 tram line which gets you to Eminonu for ferries/Spice Market, Karakoy for European side, or west to Grand Bazzar and further west to connect to M1 Metro to airport. If you just feel like walking, you reach Topkapi palace, Little Hagia, Basilica Cistern, plus the myriad dining/shopping options along/behind historic Divan Yolu Caddesi. Intangibles Like others have said, front door is locked and you ring to get buzzed in. There's always someone manning the desk though didn't personally test it out much past midnight. Breakfast is served with a warm smile and the fruit/veggies will set a good tone for your day's activities. Everyone I encountered were very friendly, warm, and helpful (directions, suggestions, advice, etc). Conclusion 3 stars for the hotel +1 star for location +1 star for great staff Would consider this hotel again if need hotel in Sultanahmet area in future.

When you first arrive it is not hard to find. However, the door is locked and you have to ring the doorbell to get in. The hotel staff was quick to answer but it was a little strange not being able to walk in and out of the hotel myself. The room was clean and nice, I had my own balcony looking out the back of the hotel. I enjoyed my stay here and the staff was very friendly.

Clean room & bathroom. Appropriate temperature. The staff are helpful & accomodating. However, one night is a little annoying because the walls are too thin & the room's not soundproof, distracting sounds were heard. The hotel is accessible to most tourist spots, we didn't have a hard time going & coming back. Near to nice restaurants and souvenir shops.