Hotel Ibrahim Pasha, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey - Explore & Book
"Ibrahim Pasha was a prominent Grand Vizier of Turkey’s Ottoman period and the 16th-century palace he built stands beside the hotel that bears his name. His was a turbulent, traumatic life but his namesake is a tranquil, soothing respite from the bustle of Istanbul.Enter and you’ll find a welcoming lobby with a glass-topped reception desk, where you'll be greeted courteously and given keys to your room. But wait: you might want to linger in a deep leather sofa by the fireplace and read a style magazine, or flick through one of the arty tomes on Istanbul’s past (owner Mehmet is a bit of a history buff). Or perhaps browse the bookshelves on the pale mustard walls of the library, with its Ottoman wall hangings and well-chosen antiques. No? In that case, head straight up the parquet square-spiral stairs to the striking roof terrace, with its mosaicked floor and eye-catching view of the Blue Mosque. It’s the hotel's real trump card, and relaxing up here after a day's sightseeing, with a slight breeze ruffling the plants, the sunset casting a pink glow over the Sea of Marmara and one of the world’s most fascinating cities spread out beneath you, is very special indeed. Highs A classy conversion of two 19th-century Ottoman townhouses, with some nice touches in the 24 rooms: iPod docks, Molton Brown smellies, complimentary fruit and water, copies of Time Out IstanbulA fantastic location, tucked away down a side-street but very close to the Hagia Sophia and the sights of SultanahmetSweeping views of the Blue Mosque and beyond from the roof terrace, which has a bar in summerSubstantial and delicious buffet breakfasts, served 'til nearly noonWe loved the lounge: even in winter, fireplaces and candles keep it warm and cosy Lows Book early – it's often full!Rooms are small, and a little dark, but the roof terrace, lounge and location more than make up for thisNo restaurant, but staff have a well-researched list of local favourites and will make reservations for youThe morning call to prayer is a bit loud but seems to diminish throughout the day and there is virtually no street noiseA bit of a hike to the busier nightlife neighbourhoods such as Beyoglu" - Glenda Richards
