I just returned from a 5 night stay at the Valide Sultan Konagi Hotel in the Sultanahmet section of Istanbul. I recommend the hotel for its great location, incredibly nice staff and restaurant with amazing view. It is not as luxurious as its four-star rating might imply, but the rooms are definitely pretty and clean and comfortable. There is an elevator to all the floors; I know people in the forums have been curious about accessibility in Sultanahmet hotels. If walking is an issue for anyone the area is hilly. For instance the entrance to the Topkapi Palace is a one steep uphill block away and maybe three to the Hagia Sophia. The rooms don't have safes but there are individual safes behind the front desk. There is wi-fi in the lobby, but I was able to get the signal in my room... don't know it that was because I was on a lower floor. As far as the room goes, the beds are very comfortable (easy to sleep late!), there's a minibar restocked with drinks daily and the bathroom was good - standup shower, no tub, but other rooms might be different. They have complimentary airport pickup -- the friendly driver was right there on time and the ride in to the hotel was easy. They don't accept American Express.. the people who checked out before me had problems because they had reserved the room on Amex so thought the could charge the room on it. All in all it is a really nice hotel and I recommend it.

October 10 through October 17 My wife and I were met at the airport by a driver with a car sent by the hotel. We had requested a large room, as we have stayed at the Valide Sultan in 1999 and are aware of the sizes of some of the rooms. The staff was kind and courteous in their manner, friendly and very helpful. From the lobby to our room to the roof top restaurant of the hotel the decor and furnishings are beautifully appointed. The hotel is in walking distance to all major sites (we are senior citizens). We were there for the last day of Ramadam and Eids (the following 3 day holiday). The Turkish people are just so nice. This was a lovely trip that we will long remember.

We stayed here in April and June 2007. Very convenient location to all major tourist attractions in Old City. Staff very helpful and friendly. Rooms comfortable. Regrettably a power failure in June caused some inconvenience but hopefully this situation has now been rectified. Rates reasonable with breakfast included. We would stay here again in the future.

This was our third stay at the Valide Sultan and we have never been disappointed. It is unpretentious and a good 3 star hotel. The rooms are small but clean and well decorated and everything works. Free wireless internet (you dont get that at any 5 star hotels I've stayed at) and above all a very dedicated staff. The front desk and the dining room staff in particular speak excellent english and are unfailingly helpful. Breakfast on the rooftop overlooking the Bosporus is an experience to die for. For what it is, a 3 star hotel, it is excellent - good value for money and in terms of position for the sights of the old city it is perfectly placed. We have recommended it to other friends and they have given us excellent feedback. We certainly had no problems about overbooking as shown in a couple of other reviews.