Ambassador Hotel

Fantastic staff and location make this a must place to stay. Ergin in reception was most kind and welcomed us by our names each day. I was so impressed that he could remember each name. The free breakfast was excellent. The hotel is so close to all sights. They have a Turkish bath that makes a perfect end to a day in this historic city. L Hall

Istanbul is amazing and The Ambassador Hotel is a great central base from which to explore the city. Nuray and Ergin on Reception are very welcoming, excellent and informative on where to go and how to get there. Ergin arranged and booked a trip for us at 11.50pm so that we would not miss a place the following morning. Nuray arranged transport to rescue us from an horrendous hotel that we had booked and paid for but quickly left. All of the staff were friendly and helpful, nothing was too much trouble. Yes the rooms are a little tired but... more

Very much enjoyed our stay at the Ambassador hotel last month and would return again, it's our second stay at this hotel. It's location is exceptional, and 'right in the middle 'of many of the wonderful sites to see in this part of Istanbul. The view from the terrace of the Blue Mosque and the Bospherus is breathtaking on a sunny morning. Very much enjoyed getting to know some of the really friendly locals and the greetings of "hi neighbor' from staff at the restaurant next door to the hotel. Rooms are smaller and would benefit from an... more

THE room we had couldn't have been any smaller. There was less than 18inch of wardrobe space and no drawers. The bathroom door only opened a foot before it banged into the toilet, it couldn't have been smaller. It is also the only hotel I have ever been in that didn't give you each a beaker in the bathroom. Prices of the mini bar are in Euros to mislead you I think. there is a menu for evening meals and snacks. This is in YTL. Then there is a menu of the day special. This is in EUROS.Either way it didn't matter a lot as the chef was... more

Istanbul is a very expensive city, and a good value/ quality ratio in hotels seems hard to come by, however this hotel scores comparatively well and makes a pleasant and friendly central base. Highlights: Friendly, helpful staff Free use of internet in lobby Good breakfast Pleasant (slightly small) breakfast terrace with a good view Very central location for old town sights Clean room/ bathroom Lowlights: Bedrooms are pretty basic, outdated and slightly shabby Bathroom was very small -... more

Istanbul is a big, beautiful and occasionally overwhelming city, and my wife and I found the Ambassador Hotel to be a charming, personable and affordable respite from the non-stop buzz. It is very close to the Haggia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, both of which can be seen unobstructed from atop the hotel’s roof, which boasts a nice little outdoor restaurant. We stayed here during Ramadan, and appreciated that the hotel is right across the street from a park that features a nightly Ramadan festival. It is also situated a half-block from a... more

The best part of this hotel is the view from the rooftop terrace! I think it just might be the best view in Istanbul! There are terraces that are further away, and lower ones nearby with blocked views, but this one is perfect! I have never felt so relaxed away from home! The hotel tell itself is quite old and has had it’s day, but if you are here to actually be in Istanbul, it’s perfect! The building was once very expensive, and it is still clear today. The staff was very cheerful and helpful and had extremely good English. The location... more

Although the service was OK and the view from the rooftop terrace was excellent, we had problems with bed bugs in one of the twin beds in one of our rooms. We had the "family" room (two rooms connected together) on the 5th floor. The hotel gave us a new room upon request and then did not charge us for that room or the return transport back to the airport. But they also didn't believe us when we told them that there were bed bugs. My sister-in-law had numerous large, red bites all over her body the morning after our first night there and... more

This was our second stay at the Ambassador, after a lapse of six years. The hotel hasn't aged much, if at all, although the prices have gone up a fair bit. It still has a spot-on location, extremely convenient for the historic part of Istanbul and for the tram to take you to the newer part. The staff was very accommodating throughout our stay. The complimentary breakfast is on a terrace with an absolutely stunning view of the Blue Mosque - another very big plus. The room was simple but clean, and more than adequate for our needs.... more

We spent 5 days at the Ambassador, for Orthodox Easter in 2008. This is a fantastic little hotel tucked into a quiet side street in the heart of Sultanahmet (the main tourist part of Istanbul). Its located only a few minutes walk from Agia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The staff are unbelievably helpful and friendly. They will help you with any aspect of your stay - from organised trips, taxis to the hotel and loan you umbrellas when it is raining. Breakfasts in the hotel are magnificent - there's a typical continental option, but they... more