Arena Hotel

We stayed in the Arena after moving out of a much less desirable hotel in Istanbul, and were very pleased with our experience. The rooms were very nice (and contrary to another reviewer, the room I had was not small at all), the staff incredibly helpful and friendly, and the overall atmosphere of the hotel very warm and welcoming. Moreover, the breakfast was excellent, and the price reasonable. The hotel also has its own hammam, although unfortunately we didn’t have time to take advantage of it. The only potential downsides are the... more

This hotel is very accommodating and the staff is extremely friendly. The rooms are beautifully decorated and spacious. It is easy to feel at home in this establishment because of its homely yet elegant atmosphere. Also important to note, the hotel's restaurant has delicious food every night and even fixed price menus are available. I really recommend this hotel to all travelers that wish to have a pleasant stay in Istanbul.

The lobby of this former Ottoman home feels more like a family living room, and the guest rooms are equally comfortable. They're attractively decorated and very clean. The service is attentive, and the location is literally across the street from the Roman Hippodrome and a short walk to all the major tourist sites in Sultanahmet such as the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, and Topkapi Palace. The area gets a little seedy at night, and you have to rebuff overly friendly street merchants and carpet salesmen constantly at all times of day. The typical... more

The location is great, near every important mosque and palace but the rooms are very small and the noise of the ventilation of the entire builinding is too loude. the staff is friendly and if you stay only one nigth and go very late to your room and very tired maybe you can sleep!!!!!!

My boyfriend and I stayed here 8th-10th April had a fab time. It was a little further out but only 5 mins on the tram!! Hotel was modern and the room comfortable with a trendy room. we were upgraded to a triple so had loads of space and a double sink area!! Beds were comfy, could have done with a lick of paint! Hotel was very clean and rooms and towels done everyday! Staff were really friendly even at 6am!! The bar was very trendy and chilled. Ended up in the club on saturday night was amazing! And had fab terrace<br... more

Very good hotel in centre of major tourist attractions. Good bed. Nice atmosphere and excellent breakfast. Next to a mosque so at 5.30 am you will wake up with the songs of the iman, but I don't find this disturbing and add vallue to your holiday feeling. One minus: not enough room at the breakfast area, so we had to wait a bit before our table was ready.

I think we first checked-in a superior room which was comfortable and clean but there was a leak in the shower stall and bathroom floor got all wet after a shower. The management was very helpful and right away changed us to another room with no leak in the shower. The breakfast was wonderful with all kinds of cheese, toast, eggs, cereal and fresh fruits. The tomatoes were awesome! The location was excellent and centric. We couldn't ask for better. We were in short walking distance to the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque.... more

The saving grace of this hotel (and why I did not give it the poorest rating) is its central location. You can walk to all the major tourist attractions. Problems with this hotel: very hard beds/mattresses (woke up with aches and pains), hard and uncomfortable toilet seats, and very noisy location (since this is an old building, there is no soudproofing) - could not sleep at night. Would definitely not go back. Will stay in the Taksim area next time.

I stayed in the Hotal Arena in September 2003 and was impressed by the decor, the helpfulness of the staff and the location. The hotel is in an attractive old building and the rooms are very well presented with attractive antique-style furniture and furnishings and iznik tiles in the bathroom. A very wide selection of foods are available at breakfast. The hotel is in an ideal position in the centre of Sultunahmet. It presents excellent value for money. I will definitely stay there again next time i go to istanbul.

I was a guest at the Arena in September 2004. This is a gem in the old section of Istanbul. The entire staff was very courteous & friendly. They are always willing to offer a free turkish lesson or some apple tea. The location of the hotel is perfect. Just a few minutes walk from the Hippodrome, haghia sophia, the blue mosque, and the basilica cistern. Tours can be arranged through the hotel. The French inspired rooms are spacious and very clean. A traditional Turkish continental breakfast is served every morning. This is the perfect... more