The Kybele Hotel - Special Class

This is very charming hotel that is in the heart of Sultanahmed. It really is incredibly close to the Basilica Cistern, the Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque. What I liked about Kybele is that it has character and makes you feel like you are in Turkey. My room was lovely and quaint. The hotel breakfast is excellent. The hotel also has a restaurant out front that is a great place to relax and watch the world go by. Note that this hotel doesn't have an elevator, so if you struggle with stairs this may not be for you. That being said, the staff was very helpful in carrying my heavy suitcases to my room and down again when I checked out. I definitely recommend Kybele for character and location.

A small and quirky hotel where you didn’t feel like just a number. Crazy decor with hundreds of lamps on the ceilings. Excellent location a couple of minutes walk from the Hagia Sophia. Very friendly and helpful staff. Very good restaurant outside with heaters if cold, which it was, unusually for the beginning of May. Recommend.

I would classify this place as a “boutique hotel”. I has a charming style all its own. It location is perfect for visiting some of the more well known landmarks like The Blue Mosque or the Basilica Cistern. There are plenty of restaurants ranging from simple to the more expensive within walking distance. The hotel itself offers a restaurant of its own. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. For instance, I had to leave at 2:30am to the airport. Staff facilitated my taxi so I didn’t have to worry about anything. If I come back to Istanbul, I will definitely stay here again. I’ve already recommended this place to a couple friends of mine who are considering visiting Istanbul. This place is great.

Wonderfully enchanting.