Our accommodations were charming--a bedroom and small sitting room overlooking the Golden Horn section of the Bosphorus Strait. The room was clean and comfortable. The breakfast was lavish and very tasty: breads, cheeses, olives, eggs, fresh and dried fruit, tomatoes, cucumbers, various jams and spreads, pastries, and brewed coffee or tea. The staff was welcoming and very helpful--their hostess checked in with us every morning and gave us great advice about how to get around. With her help we quickly learned to use Istanbul's amazing public transportation system--buses, trams and ferries. The hotel is in a great location--the bus stop is a block away, the ferry terminal and tram station are across the street. They also have a good restaurant, although there are less expensive options available.

The hotel is located on a busy street with traffic. Also, the restaurant is open late, and since our room was located directly above it, there was a fair amount of noise that sometimes went late into the night. We recommend staying in the back--the view won't be as nice, but it will be much quieter, and the room size and layout are the same. The hotel is non-smoking, which was great for us. The restaurant is non-smoking too--technically. But visitors should be aware that smoking is common in Turkey and while patrons went outside to smoke, the restaurant door was usually open, so there wasn't a lot of protection from the fumes.

The hotel is situated right on the Golden horn, it provides amazing view from the restaurant and the front rooms. It was wonderful inside and outside. The lovely hosts helped us with the parking of the car (the place is very close and secure), answered every question about the city and public transport. In the evening Barba Vasilis was so crowded, but they still managed to provide us a lovely table and delicious dinner. The breakfast is so cute, calm and feels like home. The position of the hotel is really convenient, whether you are going to Topkapi Sarayi or Galata kulesi, it has close bus and metro stops. I wish I could stay longer.

The walls and ceiling can be a little thin and you can hear noises from above and near rooms, but I don't consider it as a big problem, because it is clear that the hotel is a beautiful vintage building and those are normal things.

A Boutique bliss in the Golden Horn This hotel is truly exceptional. Nestled in a prime location, it boasts stunning views of the Golden Horn and is just a short walk from tram and bus lines. The retro-inspired décor, both in the building and its interiors, is a delightful touch, showcasing meticulous attention to detail. The hotel's impeccable hygiene and cozy breakfast area create a welcoming atmosphere. The friendly and accommodating owners add to the overall charm. Without a doubt, this hotel is a fantastic choice and comes highly recommended.

Well situated for our needs

The room was well appointed and lovely. It was very close to the heart of Balat (which I adored), the Bosphorus and the tram station…. and the staff were extremely kind, interesting and proud of their district. Especially Seminha! Love her! Oh! And the water pressure of the shower was surprisingly powerful!

We tried to eat in the restaurant, but we’re too late as the kitchen started closing up at 9:30. It was more our fault, though,as we came late. The wifi was not accessible (an issue that they were trying hard yo fix).

very nice comfortable stay in a lovely neighbourhood of Istanbul. the rooms were very charming with a roustic decor. staff was friendly. the area is absolutely lovely

no major dislikes, but maybe the hotel should put a sign on its front door (facing the river) to make checking in at night a little less confusing. it's a dark road and when I arrived to the front door it appeared to be a separate restaurant not attached to the hotel. I therefore had to walk around the block to reach the back entrance which was a bit scary alone in the dark.

The Hotel gets you in a time warp - the nostalgic design is lovely. The staff is super friendly and helpful. The room was good but a little bit small - since we were out all day, it didn't bother us. The food in the restaurant is really great (greek cuisine). The breakfast gives you everything you need without being fancy. The location is easy to get to since bus and tram steps within 2 min walk. The area "Balat" is lovely, do not miss a visit bearing all the other main tourist areas in mind - it is just a 5 min walk behind the hotel.

Make sure you get a room towards the back - sea view is not recommended due to the main road in front of the hotel. It is very noise and never gets quiet at all. The bed matrices should be renewed.

The location is perfect. A few steps away are both the metro and the ferry. There is a park across the street with benches to watch the birds, the people and the Bosphorous. Everything of interest in Balat is within easy walking distance. You can get anywhere in İstanbul easily from the hotel.

I am able to walk up and down stairs, but it is not the hotel for those who can’t do stairs. There is no lift/elevator.

This hotel is charming. The place is run by a family. I always felt like home and very well taken care of. The location is perfect: not far from the center; in one of the oldest parts of Istanbul. Rooms were spacious, with a nice view, nicely decorated (it seemed that every detail was thought about very carefully). The hotel has a very good fish restaurant as well. I highly recommend this hotel and I'd like to thank the owners for their hospitality. I would stay in this hotel again for sure.

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We loved the hospitality rendered by all the staff, friendly, accommodating and helpful.... It was like our home away from home. A quaint style hotel with semi spiral stairs(no elevator) but we did not mind at all. The sea view rooms we had were just awesome as sitting on the balcony overlooking the Golden Horn and the road below was fun and we loved it. The breakfast was good, we just loved the fried sausage...it was tasty. The Barba Vasilis restaurant with its vibrant atmosphere and the amazingly delicious food is a must to dine at...Divine. The location is great and especially the surrounding neighbourhood of Fener with its many sidewalk shops, bistros, colourful painted homes and historical sites. This is just a short walk down the road and must for all visitors. This area is a hidden gem in Istanbul... it is cultural, stylish and shopping a bliss as it is not crowded nor expensive.