Budget Double Room
- 1 Double bed
Hotel · Istanbul · Istanbul Province
Optimist Hotel
A 3-star stay in the heart of Sultanahmet, close to the city's most iconic sights and public transport.
- Central Sultanahmet location
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms
- 24-hour reception and security
7.9
Very good
524 reviews
Booking.com 7.9 · 524 reviews
About
Optimist Hotel
Optimist Hotel sits on the edge of Sultanahmet Square, putting you within easy reach of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern. Its position near the tram stop and airport bus makes exploring the Old City and beyond straightforward.
Rooms are soundproofed and include air conditioning, minibars, and tea and coffee facilities. The hotel also offers car hire, a paid airport shuttle, and a restaurant with an outdoor seating area.
- Non-smoking rooms
- Parking
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- No pets allowed
In brief
What works, what to weigh
+
Strengths
3 reasons to book- Prime Old City location — Steps from the tram stop and airport bus, with Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome on your doorstep.
- Friendly and helpful staff — Guests frequently mention a hospitable and welcoming team that offers advice and upgrades.
- Good value for the area — Reasonable rates for a central Sultanahmet hotel, with strong ratings for comfort and general experience.
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Worth weighing
3 to weigh- Rooms and facilities are modest — Rooms are on the smaller side, and the hotel lacks extensive on-site amenities beyond basics.
- Parking may be limited — On-site parking is available, but in dense Sultanahmet it could be tight; the hotel also offers car hire.
- No pets allowed — If you're travelling with a pet, this hotel won't be able to accommodate you.
01 — Rooms
Rooms & rates
High season: summer dates usually book out a few weeks ahead.
Double Room
- 1 Double bed
Superior Room
- 2 Single beds or 1 Double bed
02 — Amenities
Services & amenities
Everything included at this stay — the facilities and essentials, at a glance.
General
- Non-smoking rooms
- 24-hour reception
- VIP check-in/ -out
- Express check-in/ -out
- 24-hour security
- Currency exchange
- Luggage storage
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Car hire
- Laundry
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Grocery shopping service
Food & Drink
- Restaurant
- Coffee shop
- Bar/ Lounge area
- Dinner
- Packed lunches
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Electric kettle
Room Comfort
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Mini-bar
- Soundproofed rooms
- Sitting area
- Garden furniture
- Ironing facilities
- Free toiletries
- Flat-screen TV
- Parquet floor
Health & Leisure
- Jacuzzi
- Cots
Photos
Gallery
03 — Reviews
What guests say
Recent verified reviews from guests who stayed here.
Guest-rated 7.9/10 from 524 reviews
Booking.com · 7.9 · 524 reviews
7.9Verified guest“Perfect spot, minutes from the tram, airport bus, and downtown – makes exploring the Old City very easy.”
7.9Verified guest“Comfortable room and a very welcoming staff who helped with everything. Located right by Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern, overlooking the Hippodrome, Sultanahmet Mosque, and the square.”
7.9Verified guest“Friendly and clean, with a lovely sea view. Excellent location for all the main sights and plenty of good restaurants nearby.”
7.9Verified guest“The courteous staff upgraded us to a spacious room. Location is superb, next to the famous mosques – I've returned many times and will come back again.”
7.9Verified guest“Great location, a short walk from a working mosque. Staff were very friendly and shared great advice. The sea-view room was a treat.”
7.9Verified guest“Loved my one-night stay. The staff were warm and welcoming, the room was modern with a wonderful sea view, and the large bed gave me a great sleep. Walking distance to the bazaar and shops. The hotel restaurant served delicious food.”
04 — Location
Getting around Istanbul
The property sits in Istanbul.
Sultanahmet Square: The heart of the Old City, surrounded by Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome – all within a short walk.
Topkapi Palace: A brief stroll from the hotel, this Ottoman palace complex is a must-see for history buffs.
Grand Bazaar: A lively market for shopping and soaking up local atmosphere, reachable on foot from the hotel.
Binbirdirek Sultanahmet At Meydani No.68 Eminoenue Fatih Istanbul, Istanbul, Istanbul Province, 34000, Türkiye
05 — Good to know
Policies & conditions
Hotel details are shown for reference. Final rate terms are confirmed on the partner’s site at booking.
- Check-in
- From 14:00-23:59
- Check-out
- By 12:00
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation on many rates — terms on booking page
- Payment
- Pay-at-hotel available on many rates; final terms at booking
- Pets
- Not allowed
- Property
- 6 rooms
06 — Questions
Frequently asked
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is from 14:00 to 23:59, and check-out is by 12:00.
Is parking available at the hotel?
Yes, parking is available on site. Note that spaces may be tight in the central Sultanahmet area.
Are pets allowed at Optimist Hotel?
No, pets are not allowed on the property.
Does the hotel offer airport transportation?
Yes, a paid airport shuttle is available, and the hotel can also arrange car hire.
Is there Wi-Fi in the rooms?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available in all rooms.
Are there family-friendly amenities?
Yes, the hotel provides cots for young children, and rooms can accommodate double or twin beds.
The bottom line
A solid, no-frills choice for travellers who want to be in the middle of Istanbul's historic action without paying a premium. The staff and location are the highlights; just don't expect luxury.
7.9Best for: first-timers and sightseers who prioritize location and value.
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