Staying at Hotel Ibrahim Pasha, Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Hotel Ibrahim Pasha, Sultanahmet, Istanbul. Photo / Courtney Whitaker

Courtney Whitaker checks into Hotel Ibrahim Pasha, Sultanahmet, Istanbul.

Location: Right in the heart of Sultanahmet, old Istanbul. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar are steps from the hotel's front door. It is a five-minute walk from the tramline, which will take you over the bridge and into Taksim Square, which has excellent shopping and the medieval Galata Tower.

Getting there: You're on the right side of the bridge to be a manageable 30-minute drive from Ataturk Airport. The city has a pretty bad traffic problem (what large city doesn't?), so factor in extra time for any city trips you attempt by car.

Check-in experience: Welcoming and efficient — particularly as we arrived late at night and were eager to get to our room.

Room: A standard double room. Small but stylish with large windows out over the street and a glimpse of the Blue Mosque in the distance. Handy luggage trays keep suitcases out of the way and there is a beautiful artwork on the wall, a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, a window seat and a basket of fresh fruit awaiting
our arrival.

Bed: A comfortable queen with soft linen.

Bathroom: Small but modern, with a powerful detachable shower head, shaving mirror and towel racks. Unfortunately, the rain showerhead appeared to be out of action.

Toiletries: Eyup Sabri Tuncer Turkey verbena and citrus products, including a delicious complimentary cologne.

Facilities: As this is a boutique hotel there are no large-scale facilities, but there is a lovely library and reading room near the downstairs reception, with a cosy fireplace and comfortable armchairs. On the rooftop there is also a bar and tables where you can sit in the evening to enjoy a cool glass of Turkish Raki in front of one of the best views of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul.

Food and drink: Breakfast is served in the ground floor dining room each morning, and is a generous buffet spread including fresh fruit, eggs and delicious Turkish pastries.

Wi-Fi: Free and fast.

Noise: Mostly quiet. Despite facing a small side street, we heard no noise during the night. The call to prayer from the nearby Blue Mosque was an early morning wake-up call however, but a nice reminder we were in one of the oldest cities in the world.

Price: From $167 per night.

Extras: Tuncay and his staff were excellent hosts, providing invaluable information and tips for getting around the city. The hotel has comprehensive maps for guests, and even a corresponding iPhone app to help you navigate, and loaded with restaurant and shopping suggestions.

Contact: ibrahimpasha.com.

Perfect for: A short city stay, and a central spot from which to explore the wonders of Istanbul.