The Apricot Hotel is a great little hotel in Sultanahmet. It is conveniently located within easy walking distance of the most popular destinations in Sultanhamet. The rooms are clean, the staff is friendly and helpful, and the rates are very reasonable. The hotel serves a most excellent breakfast on the roof-top terrace, with views overlooking the Sea of Marmara. There are a number of good restaurants in the neighborhood. The owner, Hakan, is an excellent guide, as well. The Apricot Hotel is ideal for the independent traveler.
I only stayed two nights but it was a fantastic place – very clean and well furnished. My room was excellent and the shower and toilet were spotless. The owners will arrange transportation to and from the airport for a reasonable fee – free if you stay more than three days. Beer and soda is available for consumption on the roof-top patio – again at reasonable prices. The tourist and dining information that they gave me was top notch.
Apricot Hotel is within walking distance of all the major sites, including: Sultahamet and the Topkapi Palace. If one does not feel like wearing down his or her shoe leather, the tram stop is close by.
We visited Istanbul and stayed at The Apricot Hotel. The staff were so nice and friendly. The view of the water at breakfast is beautiful.
Mehmet the manager suggested touristy things to do. Not what we wanted exactly. He repeated (over and over) that we should visit Galipoli, even for a day and come back that night. He would arrange everything.
He was clearly attracted to my friend, who is very pretty. He gave her his phone number and his email. We visited with other hotel guests during our stay. One lady apeaks a little Turkish and had alot to say. She talked about this guy sleeping with hotel guests. She said she overheard a co-worker ask him: Which room are you in tonight?
TMI !! The staff at the Apricot were very friendly. But we were uncomfortable with Mehmet's attention, especially after hearing this. If you go to The Apricot, bring your boyfriend.
The Apricot Hotel was our home away from home. The staff at this hotel were just great. Friendly, helpful and always smiling they were always there to answer any questions, recommend a restaurant, book ahead for accommodation or tours or simply to just find some ice for our afternoon drink on the terrace. The rooms were comfortable and clean with a bar fridge and air conditioning and best of all the shower was hot and with a screen.
The terrace gave great views out over the Sea of Marmara and the breakfast served here was the best.We could see the Blue Mosque from our bedroom window and the location was really handy to all the tourist sights around Sultanahmet.
High recommended especially if you're coming for a short weekend stay to explore sights around Sultanahmet area.
Reason to stay:
1. Location (walking distance to Hagia Sofia & Topkapi Palace 2. Very friendly staff (Hakan & Mehmet especially are so attentive) 3. Great value especially well known area costing GBP50-GBP80 (depending occupancy. 4. Rooms are fantastic, simple, clean and homely (Though my room is small but plus point has a balcony facing Blue Mosque & Got to play with the owner's dog outside) 5. If stay more than 3 nights one way transfer is included in the price. 6. Breakfast room is amazing (plenty of food, looking over the Marmara Sea & facing the Blue Mosque)
