Blue House Hotel in Istanbul CLOSED

Don't worry..there are a gazillion other options in Istanbul. Sadly, probably many mom and pop hotels are not going to survive.

If you need recommendations, I really liked the Empress Theodora and the Raymond Blue hotels - they are both right off the Gulhane stop. I would check prices against booking.com (I found them much lower on booking.com but I booked way ahead of time).

Thanks for the recommendation.

The room rates at Hotel Amira are very low, now, and that hotel seems very nice. For places to stay in Sultanahmet, can you say what specifically you like about Empress Theodora and Raymond Hotel? Because the room rates at the top rated hotels are so low now, we do not need to consider budget travel hotels. We are also hesitant to book with smaller hotels that might not be in business in 3 weeks!

Jeffrey

I don't consider them budget hotels (more like mid-priced) - to me, everything in Turkey is affordable so there's no need to go overboard. One time I stayed in a sizable apartment/suite for 46 EUR a night - that was something! And it was nice. You'll see hotels at all price points (and an incredible selection to boot).

Anyway, here goes...

Raymond Blue - it's practically brand new (only a few years old), everything is very clean and nice. Great location.
Empress Theodora - the best part of how close it was to the Gulhane stop, couldn't be closer - very easy to navigate with luggage to the airport on the tram. Very good breakfast with lots of choices on the roof, and very kind people working there. I always got a good deal there and was treated well. I did ask for a room facing a wall in the back because I don't want to be so close to the tram.

If the Almira and other luxury hotels are at rock bottom prices, then by all means, go for it. This seems like a good time to do it. I've walked by Hotel Almira many times and even have it in my photos - yes, it's very nice. You can even stay at a 5-star luxury Hilton nowhere near Sultanahmet for under $100. Or heck, how much is the Four Seasons? If I was going now, I would pick a boutique hotel right on the Bosphorus, that would be my favorite location of all (I wish I was going now given the exchange rate and lack of tourists).

Wow! I didn't realize just how much prices had come down. I just checked a few hotels and it's an eye opener. I thought I got great value before (last September) but this is quite incredible.

Thanks Agnes for your great info and attitude. This is a great opportunity, as you point out, not a bad thing at all - for us the consumers. I feel bad for the local businesses.