Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category – A Favorite for Families in Istanbul
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Key details
About the Hotel
Caferiye Sok. No.6 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, 34400,
-
Steps from the Sultanahmet District
Great
8.7
9.0
/10
4.8
4.3
/5
Loved by Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category guests
Comfortable beds
Delicious breakfast
Attentive staff
Excellent location
"The hotel is ideally located in the Sultanhamet on a pedestrian area, all main historical attractions are just a few minutes away."
Cristina from Italy
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"Walking out of the entrance to see the Haghia Sophia looming up in front of you is a special experience."
Peter from United Kingdom
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"The hotel is ideally located on a quiet, mostly car-free cobble stone street directly behind Haggia Sophia."
Debra
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Special Category hotel with Hagia Sophia views and award-winning Ottoman cuisine
Location & Accessibility
The hotel sits on a pedestrian-only street directly across from Hagia Sophia Museum in Sultanahmet. Guests are collected from the taxi drop-off point by a complimentary golf cart that transports them and their luggage to the entrance. All major landmarks - Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and Topkapi Palace - are within a 2-minute walk.
Dining
Matbah Restaurant serves Ottoman Palace cuisine prepared from centuries-old recipes sourced from original ingredient regions. The restaurant holds a Michelin recommendation and has an exclusive partnership with a Michelin Chef for exceptional dining. Guests can dine on a terrace overlooking Sultanahmet or in the garden.
Rooms & Amenities
Premium rooms offer direct views of Hagia Sophia from private balconies, while Junior Suites include a Jacuzzi in the bedroom. Each room is furnished with traditional Turkish rugs and wooden floors, and bathrooms are clad in marble resembling a small hamam. The property has 44 rooms across multiple floors served by a lift.
Awards & Services
The hotel has received the Best Location Award from Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards and was named Best Historical Hotel in Turkey by World Luxury Hotel Awards. A 24-hour front desk provides currency exchange, express check-in/check-out, and personalized concierge service for local attractions. Guests can arrange airport transfers and guided tours through the tour desk.
Breakfast & Guest Comfort
A daily breakfast buffet is served in a dining room with stained-glass dome and panoramic views of the old city, including Sinan's madrasa. Cooked-to-order omelettes are included, and fasting guests during Ramadan receive a pre-dawn sahoor meal. The hotel also offers laundry, dry cleaning, ironing service, packed lunches, and room service.
Highlights
Location: Across Hagia Sophia, pedestrian-only street
Rooms: Hagia Sophia view rooms and Junior Suites with Jacuzzi
Awards: Best Location Award & Best Historical Hotel in Turkey
Service: Complimentary golf cart pickup from taxi point
Breakfast: Buffet with omelettes and Ramadan sahoor
“What strikes me is the dedication to creating an immersive experience near Istanbul's historic heart, focusing on Ottoman-era luxury. The award-winning restaurant and attention to detail, from the elegant design to the personalized service, set it apart. I think that anyone looking for both cultural depth and refined comfort will appreciate this hotel.”
Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels
Choose from a variety of room types
Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included
Junior Suite
2 persons
28 sq. feet
1 Double bed
room details
Single Room
2 persons
18 sq. feet
1 Single bed
Air conditioning
Bathtub
room details
Double or Twin Room City View
2 persons
20 sq. feet
2 Single beds
room details
Show all rooms
Availability and pricing for your selected dates
Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!
September 2026 - September 2027
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Check-in/ Check-out
Facilities
Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones
Facilities: Great
8.5/10Review score
General
Non-smoking rooms
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
Luggage storage
Lift
Currency exchange
Guest Parking
Electric kettle
Services
Paid shuttle service
Room service
Housekeeping
Laundry
Dry cleaning
Tours/Ticket assistance
Welcome drink
Dining
Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Packed lunches
Business
Fax/Photocopying
Children
Cots
Spa & Leisure
Garden area
Jacuzzi
Room features
Free Wi-Fi in rooms
Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Ironing facilities
Bathroom
Free toiletries
Self-catering
Electric kettle
Media
AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
Parquet floor
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Dining Onsite
At Ottoman Hotel Imperial, the dining experience is an exquisite journey through traditional Ottoman flavors, set against the enchanting backdrop of Istanbul's historic skyline. Matbah Restaurant, with its elegant dining areas, invites guests to indulge in authentic culinary delights while enjoying the charm of both modern and traditional atmospheres.
Matbah Restaurant
Traditional Ottoman fare
Ambiance
Choose from four elegant settings: the serene Winter Garden, the inviting Summer Garden, the cozy Sultan's Lounge, or the picturesque covered terrace boasting views over the rooftops of the Old City.
Key Offerings
Signature dishes are crafted with utmost care, presenting the richness of Ottoman cuisine and a menu catering to Halal, Kosher, Vegan, and Gluten-free diets.
Reservation
Recommended for dinner service.
Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktail hour.
Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category Location
Caferiye Sok. No.6 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, 34400,
Explore Istanbul
Explore Sultanahmet
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Hagia Sophia Museum
4 minutes' walk
Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel, showcases stunning mosaics and a rich history as a former church and mosque.
Basilica Cistern
3 minutes' walk
The Basilica Cistern features ancient underground columns and a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for history lovers and curiosity seekers.
Topkapi Palace
11 minutes' walk
The grand Topkapi Palace offers insights into Ottoman history with opulent rooms and beautiful gardens to explore.
Blue Mosque
12 minutes' walk
Blue Mosque, with its iconic blue tiles and impressive architecture, is a must-visit for those intrigued by Islamic art.
Istanbul Walking Tours
5 minutes' walk
Guided walking tours immerse guests in Istanbul's culture and history, highlighting local life and landmark stories.
Relaxation at Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami
3 minutes' walk
The Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami is a traditional Turkish bath ideal for relaxation, offering exquisite treatments.
Theodora Restaurant
1 minute' walk
Theodora Restaurant serves traditional Turkish cuisine in a cozy setting, famous for its kebabs and mezes.
Zeynep Sultan
2 minutes' walk
Zeynep Sultan offers a relaxed dining atmosphere with classic Turkish dishes and excellent vegetarian options.
Panorama Restaurant
4 minutes' walk
Panorama Restaurant provides breathtaking views of the city, specializing in seafood and gourmet Turkish dishes.
Nardis Jazz Club
25 minutes' walk
Nardis Jazz Club features live jazz performances in an intimate setting, perfect for music enthusiasts seeking a good time.
Sirkeci Gar
15 minutes' walk
Sirkeci Gar occasionally hosts cultural events and concerts, offering a glimpse into Turkish culture and music.
Tips on navigating the city
City Centre
Istanbul 9 min · 2300 ft
Airports
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International (SAW) 68 min · 27.9 mi
Istanbul (IST) 69 min · 28.5 mi
Train
Sultanahmet Tram Station 5 min · 1400 ft
Underground
Vezneciler 21 min · 1.1 mi
Halic 23 min · 1.2 mi
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Check Rates
Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 12 pm
Guest Parking
No parking available.
Internet
Wireless internet is available in the hotel rooms for free.
Breakfast
You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs EUR 10.0 per person.
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1.
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Russian, Turkish
Year renovated:
2010
Number of rooms:
44
Family-focused reviews and ratings
Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.
Review summary
Based on recent reviews
Powered by AI
The Ottoman Hotel Imperial is frequently praised for its prime location, with the Hagia Sophia practically at its doorstep and offering incredible views, even hearing the call to prayer from nearby minarets; the Blue Mosque and other major attractions are also within easy reach. Guests often enjoy the fresh and delicious breakfast, with options like made-to-order omelets and must-try cherry jam with croissants. Some guests have noted that the prayers from the mosque may be heard as early as 4:26 am, however, the on-site Michelin-recommended Matbah Restaurant enhances the experience with delicious Ottoman cuisine.
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Review score
Based on 609 verified reviews
8.8 /10
Great
91 %
Recommend
Location
9.7/10
Staff
9.4/10
Breakfast
8.5/10
Facilities
8.5/10
Pros
Helpful staff
Central location
Delicious breakfast
Cons
Small rooms
Noisy tram
Outdated furniture
Guest reviews
based on 609 reviews
8.8/10
based on 667 reviews
8.7/10
Sarah from United Kingdom
Couple
standart double or twin room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: January 19, 2026
9.0/10
a romantic stay close to hagia sophia
fantastic location special touch delicious breakfast
the location proved fantastic. Everything i needed was just steps away. the staff went out of their way to ensure we felt comfortable, special. they prepared a delicious breakfast for us each morning. This added a lovely touch to our stay.
Rooms
9/10
the room was spacious and very clean. amenities were well kept and in full working order. it was a pleasure to return to such a comforting space each evening after exploring.
Service
10/10
the staff were attentive and genuinely cute. they ensured i was comfortable and that my questions were promptly answered. the service.
Dining
8/10
The breakfast offered a nice variety of choices each morning. everything was fresh and prepared with care. the dining area itself was cozy. It enhanced the entire dining experience.
0 Helpful
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Mark from United Kingdom
Single
standard room
3 nights in October 2025
|
Reviewed: January 14, 2026
7/10
adequate stay near hagia sophia
excellent location friendly staff small room old towels
the location worked well it was very close to the hagia sophia the breakfast was also good there was a decent variety the staff was generally friendly and helpful they provided useful information when asked.
the room i stayed in felt smaller than expected it was also somewhat dark i had hoped for a brighter space also the bathroom had a slight odor it could use some better ventilation the towels was quite old too.
0 Helpful
Dina from Portugal
Couple
Standart Double or Twin Room
3 nights in November 2025
|
Reviewed: December 16, 2025
9/10
Fantastic Location and Staff!
amazing location kind staff
The location is amazing, right next to Hagia Sofia! The staff was also kind and helpful. Their service was pretty good.
0 Helpful
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FAQs
About Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category
What are the check-in and check-out times at Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category?
Check-in is at 14:00, and check-out is by 12:00.
Is there an airport shuttle service available at Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category?
The hotel offers a paid airport shuttle service for guests.
What is the distance from Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category to Hagia Sophia Museum?
The hotel is located approximately 0.5 km from Hagia Sophia Museum.
What dining options are available at Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category?
The hotel features on-site dining options including Matbah Restaurant specializing in Ottoman cuisine.
What amenities are provided in the rooms at Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category?
Rooms include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a minibar, and a flat-screen TV.
How far is Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport?
The hotel is 45 km from Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport.
Is breakfast available at Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category?
Breakfast is available at an additional charge of 10 EUR.
Which nearby restaurants can guests find close to Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category?
Nearby restaurants include Gulhane Sark Sofrasi (0.5 km), House of Medusa (0.5 km), and Seven Hills Restaurant (0.5 km).
Does Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category provide laundry services?
Laundry services are provided at the hotel.
What leisure facilities are available at Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category?
Guests can enjoy a hot tub/Jacuzzi at the hotel.
What languages are spoken by the staff at Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category?
The staff speaks multiple languages to assist diverse guests.
Is Wi-Fi free at Ottoman Hotel Imperial-Special Category?