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Hotel · Istanbul · Istanbul Province

Arife Sultan Hotel

An 8-room hotel in the middle of Sultanahmet, where attentive staff and a rooftop terrace make up for the compact size.

  • Steps from Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque
  • Rooftop terrace with views over Sultanahmet
  • Personal, attentive service from a small team
8.8 Great 833 reviews Booking.com 8.8 · 833 reviews

About

Arife Sultan Hotel

Arife Sultan Hotel is a compact, 8-room property in the historic heart of Istanbul, on a small street off Alemdar Mah. Catal Cesme Sk. The hotel sits within a few minutes' walk of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Sultanahmet tram stop, making it easy to explore the old city on foot. The building has a lift, air conditioning, and a restaurant on site, plus a rooftop terrace that guests mention for its views over Sultanahmet and the Bosphorus.

The hotel's small size is part of its appeal: reviewers repeatedly describe the staff as friendly, helpful, and personal, with one guest singling out owner Yusuf for his hospitality. Rooms are simple but clean and modern, with flat-screen TVs, mini-bars, and free toiletries. Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace in good weather, with fresh bread and a spread of savoury options noted by several guests.

  • No smoking on site
  • Wi-Fi
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security

In brief

What works, what to weigh

+

Strengths

3 reasons to book
  • Personal, attentive service — Reviewers consistently praise the staff—and often owner Yusuf—for being friendly, helpful, and going out of their way to make stays memorable.
  • Unbeatable location in Sultanahmet — A few minutes' walk from Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, with the T1 tram two minutes away for easy airport access.
  • Rooftop terrace with views — Guests mention breakfast served on a rooftop terrace with views over Sultanahmet and the Bosphorus, adding to the charm.

Worth weighing

3 to weigh
  • Compact rooms — Several guests note the rooms are small—fine for two with medium luggage, but tight for large suitcases.
  • Street noise and roosters — The street is lined with cafes and bars that can be lively, and one guest mentions being woken by roosters in the morning.
  • Breakfast not always on the terrace — One reviewer notes the rooftop terrace is not always used for breakfast, so the view isn't guaranteed with your meal.

01 — Rooms

Rooms & rates

High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.

Double or Twin Room

  • 2 Single beds
  • Shower
  • Heating

02 — Amenities

Services & amenities

Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.

Basic

  • Wi-Fi
  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • No smoking on site

Room

  • Flat-screen TV
  • Mini-bar
  • Safe deposit box
  • Ironing facilities
  • Free toiletries
  • Parquet floor
  • Key card access

Food & Drink

  • Restaurant
  • Room service

Services

  • 24-hour reception
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Car hire

Accessibility

  • Lift

03 — Reviews

What guests say

Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.

8.8
Great 833 reviews

Guest-rated 8.8/10 from 833 reviews

Booking.com · 8.8 · 833 reviews
8.8Verified guest

“The rooms are fresh and modern, well-kept with a great shower and a spotless bathroom.”

8.8Verified guest

“The staff were absolutely wonderful and went out of their way to make my stay memorable. It's a very personal hotel, the service was flawless, the room was beautiful, and the location was close to the historic centre and the main sights. I'll definitely be back. Excellent value for money.”

8.8Verified guest

“We had a great time at Arife Sultan Hotel. Owner Yusuf and the team are warm, funny, and helpful; the rooms are nice and tidy, and the hotel is a 5-minute walk from the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya. Breakfast on the rooftop terrace with a lovely view of Sultanahmet and the Bosphorus was a highlight. All in all, a very good experience.”

8.8Verified guest

“You'll get a queen room with a nice view and all the essential amenities here.”

8.8Verified guest

“I really liked the clean room, and the staff were very friendly.”

8.8Verified guest

“The room is modern and has a safe box, a mini-bar, and central heating. The staff are honest and courteous.”

04 — Location

Getting around Istanbul

The property sits in Istanbul.

Old Town Hub: You're in the thick of Sultanahmet, with Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar all within a short walk. The T1 tram stop is two minutes away for getting further afield.

Alemdar Mah. Catal Cesme Sk. No:8 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul Province, Türkiye

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05 — Good to know

Policies & conditions

Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.

Check-in
From 14:00-23:59
Check-out
By 12:00
Cancellation
Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
Payment
Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
Pets
Not allowed
Property
8 rooms

06 — Questions

Frequently asked

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:59, and check-out is by 12:00.

Is breakfast included, and where is it served?

Breakfast is served on the hotel's rooftop terrace with views over Sultanahmet, though one guest noted the terrace isn't always used for breakfast. The breakfast includes fresh bread and savoury options.

Are pets allowed at the hotel?

No, pets are not allowed at Arife Sultan Hotel.

Is there an airport shuttle available?

Yes, an airport shuttle is available for a fee. The hotel can arrange this for you.

Does the hotel have air conditioning?

Yes, air conditioning is listed among the hotel's amenities, and is included in the Standard Single Room.

Is parking available?

There is no parking listed at the hotel. Most guests rely on public transport; the Sultanahmet tram stop is a two-minute walk away.

The bottom line

For travellers who want to be in the middle of Sultanahmet with a personal touch, Arife Sultan Hotel is a strong pick—just be prepared for compact rooms and a lively street.

8.8Stay Atlas verdict

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