Ottoman Hotel Imperial — Hotel in Fatih

This is a BIG LIE! Our original booking was for the Ottomans hotel but when we arrived in front of the Ottomans hotel the taxi driver asked us to wait in the taxi, he went inside and he came back with the hotel owner who explained that there are no spaces left in the Ottomans but not to worry as he kept two rooms for us in his other hotel which is the Karamans suite hotel. We went to the Karamans and we inspected the rooms and said we didn’t like it and that we want our original booking at the Ottomans. The owner said there’s no more space and everywhere is full in Istanbul, he can refund but there’s no spaces left in hotels in Istanbul. We were therefore trapped. The Ottoman was clearly overbooked and this is a business con to get other people to the Karamans which isn’t a hotel but a dusty dirty shack! I had to clean the rooms on the night myself as they were so dirty and filthy that my allergies were triggered really badly. I asked reception for the cleaning spray and cloths and the cloths were filthy BLACK! My husband mopped the floors and changed the sheets which were clearly dirty and extremely dusty. The whole atmosphere is heavy and the air quality is very bad as you can smell tobacco from other people smoking in adjoining rooms. The toiletries provided were clearly expired as they turned a funny colour. The common areas were very dusty and dirty throughout. You have to go to the basement for breakfast and the place doesn’t feel clean for eating, not to mention the food which isn’t upto scratch and very limited in choice. On the second day I skipped breakfast and didn’t bother to go down to the dirty breakfast room. When checking out the receptionist asked us to pay for Coca Cola from the mini bar, we explained to her that we did not use anything from the mini bar and she started shouting at us like a mad woman! The whole experience left us shaken and extremely disappointed. I am including some pictures showing how dirty the rooms and common areas are. Please do yourselves a favour and do not book the Ottomans for that matter as you may end up in Karamans where I paid 150 euros a night and had to do my own cleaning and house keeping! This hotel needs to be reported to booking.com and any other sanitary authorities in Turkey as their level of hygiene...

If you want to fully experience Istanbul's rich history, I highly recommend staying at Ottoman Hotel Imperial. This hotel is located in the heart of the city's 3,000-year-old history, right next to Hagia Sophia, making it the perfect choice for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Istanbul’s cultural and historical wonders. From the moment you step inside, you are welcomed with genuine hospitality. The General Manager, Serdar Balta, and Executive Chef, Kadir Yılmaz, are incredibly professional and attentive, ensuring that every guest enjoys an unforgettable stay and dining experience.

One of the highlights of staying at Ottoman Hotel Imperial is the chance to dine at Matbah Restaurant, a place that truly brings Ottoman palace cuisine to life. Every dish is carefully prepared using authentic ingredients sourced from their original regions, staying true to centuries-old recipes. The portions are perfectly balanced, offering a rich yet light and delicious experience that never feels overwhelming. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a foodie, or simply someone looking for an extraordinary dining experience, Matbah Restaurant is an excellent choice.

Sultanahmet is not just a destination to visit during Ramadan—it is a place that should be experienced all year round. Its vibrant energy, breathtaking architecture, and fascinating historical sites make it one of the must-see areas of Istanbul. Additionally, despite being listed in the Michelin Guide for two consecutive years, Matbah Restaurant remains surprisingly affordable. When compared to the prices of average meals in tourist areas, this place is truly a hidden gem that offers outstanding quality, a unique ambiance, and a taste of history on...

I stayed at the Ottoman Imperial Hotel during my trip to Istanbul, and overall it was a really enjoyable experience. The location couldn’t be better—you literally step outside and you’re only a minute’s walk from the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. For anyone wanting to explore the old city, this hotel makes sightseeing so easy and stress-free.

The hotel itself has a charming Ottoman feel, with décor that gives you a sense of history but still provides modern comforts. My room was clean and comfortable, not overly spacious, but cozy enough for a city break. The bed was comfortable, and I slept really well after long days of exploring.

Breakfast was tasty with a decent selection, though it did get a little crowded in the mornings, so going early is a good idea. The staff were very friendly and helpful, always happy to give advice on directions, restaurants, or local attractions.

The only small downside is that the hotel can feel a bit busy, especially given its location in such a touristy area, but that’s also part of the charm. Overall, I’d happily...