Walnut Shell Hotel

The location of this hotel is good, a short walk away from the Blue Mosque. It is quite small. My room was up two flights of narrow stairs (no lift) and the internet connection was very slow. Breakfast (which was OK with some fresh bread) was next door in the sister hotel with a view over the sea of Marmara. I have an allergy to house dust mites and the pillows seemed to set it off. Helpful staff who pointed me in the direction of a decent restaurant nearby.

Simple hotel, but with one of the best locations in Istanbul, as it is close to all major historical points and you can do everything on foot. The breakfast is extraordinary. The staff throughout the hotel, from the reception, the maid and the breakfast staff are extremely polite. Super indico. Note 10.

Strengths: the friendly staff; the location. Everything else is poor. Don’t be fooled by the pictures. Once you get there you’ll realize those were enhanced. Try the hotel next door by the same owners: Harmony hotel. Much much better and for a little bit extra.