Spent 6 days at the Orient Express and found it to be a great experience. The location is perfectly situated and walking distance to all the main sites in the Sultanahmet district. The Hotel is clean, comfortable and covers all the basics including a very good Turkish breakfast each morning which is included. The staff are exceptionally friendly and helpful. In fact, they made my first visit to Istanbul more enjoyable by pointing out important things in the area and assisting with everything from dinner reservations to getting clothes drycleaned. Would highly recommend this very personal hotel.

The Hotel has a magnificent view from the terrace and a very nice swimming pool. The staff was really friendly and in the reception I would like to thank Tarik in particular for his help and advice on how to move around Istanbul.

Made my reservations directly online. Bookings were a breeze and Ceren Cipa- Guest Relation Manager was very prompt in confirming the bookings and requests. The rooms are rather small compared to say a Hilton but Linen and Bathroom is very clean. I stayed for 6 nights and room was cleaned throughly every day with towels changed. It is located very well, near to all places of interest and public transport. Breakfast served was very sumptuos but they could give an option in eggs like fried or omlette. The staff is very very helpfull and respect your privacy. I read some other travellors comments that the staff asks too many questions but that is all wrong. Since I stayed for 6 nights the hotel gave me two way airport transfer without my asking. Overall a great hotel and would recommend it to all.

Booked this hotel as it was the best rated and reviewed hotel in IST for the least amount of money. Upon arrival on 15 July, 2008 we were greeted with a welcoming glass of apple tea and the hotel staff sat us down and explained where we were and what there was to see, a nice touch. Note that the cab in from the aiport took :37 minutes and cost 43 TKLs or about $35.00. The airline lost my bag but, without being asked, hotel staff birddogged my bag and I received it the next evening, I didn?t have to nag or ask about it. Rooms are small and somewhat worn but they were also clean and orderly, the bath was also small but we spent little time in the room except to sleep. Breakfast was included and was good and filling, there is an Internet terminal down near the lobby which is free. The pool was very pleasant and relaxing, water was 31C/88F and I did laps averaging 20 strokes each. The rooftup resturant, The Imbat, was fine and dinner with frozen fish and wine came to 122 TKL?s with a bottle of wine plus 10% tip. This was for 4 people, Note that hotel staff told us that taxis are not tipped but if a few coins remain give them to the driver. Restaurant tips are 10% and are sometimes included (it?s called on the bill a ?garcon) and this is usually 10%. The hotel is directly on the tramline and is also a short walk to ferry boats and a train station (that of the original Orient Express Train). My only regret was that I was out voted and did NOT eat at the restaurant there. Yes, were we go to Istanbul again we would stay there! Watch out for the cabs as they are supposed to charge what is on the meter but they pad it and you have to pay. Hotel staff said it that happens, write the cab number down and report it to the hotel who will notify the tourist police. One cabbie wanted 15 TKL?s for a short fare but the tourist policeman came over to see what was going on and told us to walk and then gave the cabbie a fine, so there!

We recently stayed three nights at the orient express hotel in Istanbul. We were there as a family - two adults and two teenagers. We could not rate the hotel more highly - in terms of great location for seeing the sights, wonderful helpful and nice staff, very clean, great breakfast, roof top restaurant and they organised a reliable transfer to the airport. Possibly the nicest hotel we have stayed in - highly recommended. Jennifer & Peter and family, Scotland.