I'm thinking of staying at the Sultan Hill hotel in Istanbul. I am a solo female traveller. I'd like to hear from people who have stayed here in the past. Is the location safe? lively at night? Are there restaurants/shops within the immediate area? I understand the hotel has no elevator, do they help with the luggage? I don't mind stairs but I can't easily move luggage up and down several flights of stairs. The hotel is so close to the Blue Mosque, can the morning call to prayer be heard from inside the hotel? I do not plan on travelling with the Rick Steves guidebook, I always make photocopies of the walking tours I'm interested in and travel with the photocopies as these take less place than the guidebook. Is it essential that I show the guidebook at the hotel to get the discounted rate? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Corsicana, Texas, USA
354 posts
Hotel Sultan Hill is very close to the Sultan Ahmet (Blue) Mosque. I'm fairly certain that each of the amplified prayer calls can be heard from anywhere in the hotel. The 10:30pm and 4:30am calls will most likely be a new experience for you. As a side note, I noticed that the Blue Mosque singer and the singer from a second mosque timed their phrases to alternate between themselves, almost like a mosque duet. Also, there are at least three R.Steves recommended restaurants in the immediate area.
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
Hi Tina, You should fee very safe as a solo female traveler at the Hotel Sultan Hill. There are many restaurants nearby including the Arasta Bazaar which would be a safe place for an evening stroll and meal. The hotel staff did require us to show the Guidebook for a discount but I'd contact them to confirm that you have to bring the actual guide. You will hear the Call to Prayer as the Mosque is very nearby. Enjoy Istanbul!
Posted by
US
157 posts
I traveled to Turkey solo last September and stayed @ Sultan Hill for 6 nights. I felt safe and it is just around the corner from the Hippodrome. Down the street are the shops and restaurants...very lively during Ramadan. It is very close to Divan Yulo - a busy street where the tram runs. It is right next to the Blue Mosque so you will hear the calls for prayers. It did not bother me at all. The first day I was so tired I slept through it. If you are sensitive to sound bring ear plugs.
Posted by
Singapore
354 posts
Hi Tina, I went to Istanbul with another female friend and we felt very safe and comfortable at the Sultan Hill. The location is good and the staff are very helpful. Ask for a room on a lower floor if steps are a problem. Yes, you can hear the call to prayer very early in the morning but I think that's something you can't really avoid in Istanbul! I was there in late October/early November so there weren't that many tourists (it's a touristy area) and the streets were a little quiet at night, but we still felt safe. The only thing is that you'll run into touts trying to sell you souvenirs each time you cross the Hippodrome! I'd stay at the Sultan Hill again if I'm ever back in Istanbul.
Posted by
OP
TO
110 posts
Many thanks for all the helpful replies, I have made a reservation at the Sultan Hill Hotel .