Spent a few nights in the Arena Hotel on a recent visit to Istanbul. This hotel is centrally located in Sultanahmet very close to Blue Mosque and Haga Sophia and is the perfect spot for exploring the area.The hotel was tastefully decorated and very clean. We had a concern in the bathroom as the bath was extremely high-sided and would... More

I reckon the hotel is great value for your money. The location of the hotel is great and their breakfrust had a nice variety. Clean rooms and friendly staff. The major drawback of the hotel is their receptionists. They felt more like sellers. Their are very helpful as long as you are interested in their options which they make money... More

We reserved this hotel for 4 nights in April 2013 based on good reviews by others. It lived up to its great reputation. It is on the hill leading up to the Hippodrome and Blue Mosque, so is very well located for walking in Old Istanbul. On a quiet street, but across the road from a small mosque, which means... More

We were overwhelmed by the welcome,and appreciated advice on what to visit and how to get there from all the staff at the hotel. It is a cosy establishment which is beautifully furnished- the lounges and bedrooms- with fantastic antiques, pictures of the historical home and memoribilia of the original owners. A highly recomended hotel which is within walking distance... More

Last week I had the pleasure of staying in the historic family-run Arena Hotel for the third time, and it reinforced all my good previous impressions. The staff is so kind ("Welcome!"), helpful and knowledgeable about all to see and do in wonderful and safe Instanbul. I mean, how often does a seated man rise to his feet with a... More

This is an absolute gem in Istanbul. About 2 mins walk from the Blue Mosque with all the sights very nearby. The staff are outstanding and incredibly nice. Nothing is too much trouble. They arranged transfers to airport and back, sightseeing trips etc with no trouble. One thing to bear in mind; if your room is facing the mosque; literally... More

We stayed in this Hotel at both the beginning and end of our holiday. It is very close to the centre of Istanbul about 5 mins walk from the blue mosque, a great location. On the 1st occasion we were given a very tiny double room in the basement with constant noise of people walking past on the street above.... More

A warm welcome awaits you at the Arena Hotel in Istanbul. You walk into the attractively furnished lobby of an Ottoman family home, now converted into a hotel, and the staff could not be more polite, helpful and friendly. The location in the atmospheric old part of Istanbul - Sultanahmet - is extremely convenient - about 5 minutes' walk to... More

We stayed in February as part of a Voyage Prive deal. Room rate was very competitive and included an upgrade to a junior suite. The hotel is centrally located in Old Sultanahmet, 5 minute walk from the Blue Mosque and Ayasofya. Topkapi Palace no more than a 10 minute walk. Metro was also 10 minute walk away and great to... More