Safranbolu is a gem of a town, laid back and not that touristic...yet. If you go, you will probably be one of the few non-Turkish visitors. Most visitors stay in B&B's which are converted antique Ottoman mansions. The Cinci Han is the only large "hotel-like" accommodation. It is a 400-year old authentic caravansery that has been immaculately renovated. We were told most of the rooms are small, as they were built for traveling caravan merchants to stay one night in the 16th century, but we reserved the main suite which were the apartments for the "master of the inn". It is outrageously exotic and authentic. The ceiling is a series of beehive domes. The living room has a turkish sofa (very hard) and woven rugs. There is an authentic antique stone bowl to take a turkish bath in the bathroom. The kitchen has been kept intact. Bed and bathroom facilities are modern and decent. Note that the "master of the inn" room is on the 3rd floor; you must climb irregular, steep steps with no railing so people with equilibrium or climbing issues should be very cautious.

Service is friendly. As we had a guide, the hotel manager (originally from Southeast Turkey, speaks no english) sat down with us to have a cup of tea, asked us questions about ourselves and what we thought about Turkey.

The Cinci Han is located right in the middle of the historical district. If you have an interpreter, make sure to talk to the local craftsman within the few blocks of the hotel. there are blacksmiths, turkish (straw) saddlemakers, etc. Many of them are old, have been doing their craft for 50 years or more, are happy to talk to you. Some of the Ottoman mansions are historical homes you can visit, but don't expect to fill more than a day of touring here.

As the only large, modern bar with large flat-screen tv's in the historical part of Safranbolu, the men in the town have taken over the restaurant/bar. For dinner, the food was excellent traditional turkish cuisine with dramatic presentation, but the cigarette smoke was thick and the televisions were turned up loud so the local men could watch a football (soccer) game of which they are absolutely fanatical about. I personally found it interesting to watch the locals, but don't expect an elegant dining experience. The breakfast buffet was basic Turkish with cheese, cereal, some fruit, fresh cucumbers and tomatoes, olives, hard boiled eggs, toast, tea and coffee.

One last item: If you are coming from Istanbul, note that the call to prayer in the "country" is at the first glimmer of light...for us that was at 4:50AM in the morning; the windows are NOT double-paned...