This was hands down the best hotel I stayed in through Europe. The staff were genuinely welcoming and willing to help in any way. We originally were only going to stay for two nights but quickly decided to stay for the rest of our time in Istanbul. The location is fantastic - it is hippodrome adjacent - and the views... More

This is THE place to stay in Istanbul for an authentic travel experience. You won't get this kind of service in a chain hotel. The staff here are amazing.Its worth staying for a few days, eating in the restaurant downstairs, having a few drinks and getting to know the people that work here, they really are incredible and you'll see... More

If you don't want to bring bed bugs back home or get food poisoning, please stay away from this place. I have nothing personal against this place. I just want to give people headp-up.

Just spent 3 days in this tiny hotel at the corner of the Sultanahmet Square (Hippodrome). Beside the strategic location and excellent view toward the Blue Mosque, we also find the legendary Turkish hospitality here. Highly recommended for budget travellers's lover!

I was lucky to find this hotel having space on a super busy weekend during September. Luckily they'd just had a checkout and I took the terrace room on the top... I can't quite describe to you the feeling of waking up in the morning with the sun rising behind the blue mosque, and being in a such a place... More

Located in a great area,on a very safe street, right in the heart of old town Istanbul, facing Blue Mosque which is just across the street. Everything is short walking distance, less than 5 min to Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar, 7 minutes to Topkapi Palace...There is a shuttle that takes u to the airport for about 5Euros, the staff... More

We stayed at Optimist hotel in 2009, when they started with the renovations (on the top floor). Location can't be better: at the Hippodrome. An the best, the staff. Very helpful and friendly. In May this year we spent some days there and all the hotel had been renovated. All rooms are new, and you notice it. Some people of... More

Just charming, trust the photos! Rooms are spacious and bright, sleeping comfortable, breakfast fine. Lively and relaxed atmosphere and hosts ready to lend a hand in whatever issue you might think of. Probably not the best spot for those who call for Swiss-like precision in every detail, but excellent for getting acquainted to the city, it’s people and it’s life.

I stayed 7 nights at Optimist Hotel, and it could not have been better. The rooms are renovated in may and it shows, my room looked completely new when i checked in. A great start. Stayed on floor three from four floors (there are only four rooms, one on each floor). When you see the view from the two top... More