We didn't choose Hotel Askoç. When we found our amazing package deal, Askoç was actually the cheapest option. I was worried that it was a little too close to the old city for my tastes, but it ended up being a really lovely place to stay.

Askoç is located in Sirkeci, basically between Eminönü on the water and Sultanahmet, the old city and main tourist zone. The hotel itself is located on a service road, which is a little weird at night but hardly uncomfortable or dangerous. It only takes about 20-25 minutes to walk to the Blue Mosque/Haghia Sophia, about 10-12 minutes to the Galata Bridge or Spice Bazaar. There is an Internet café just a few blocks away and a cheap convenience store for water around the corner. Taxi rides from Sirkeci to Beyoğlu were generally only 6-7YTL until midnight, when prices double.

Small but efficient
View from the good rooms!

The rooms are small by American standards, but offer plenty of space for short trips. Our views were bad the first couple days, overlooking a mass of grey rooftops and possibly junkyards, but on the 3rd day we were graciously transferred to rooms with gorgeous views of "modern" Istanbul and the Sirkeci train station down below. Furniture is two twin beds, a dresser and desk. There is limited Turkish TV, western toilets and good water pressure in the shower.

A self-serve breakfast buffet is included. Traditional Turkish breakfast items include ripe tomatoes, a couple different types of cheese, honey and butter to slather atop sliced baguettes, and thick yogurt served with delicious fruit preserves. Hot food includes a feeble version of sigara boreğis (fried rolled pastries stuffed with cheese), some sort of hot dog sausages, scrambled eggs without much flavor. The cold foods were far superior.

The staff really made this hotel special. From the minute we arrived everyone bent over backwards to help us. When we needed help getting to Beyoğlu, they were quick to order cabs and give directions. When we hoped to switch to better rooms but couldn't wait around for those rooms to be emptied, we returned after a day of fun to find our suitcases neatly placed in our new rooms. When Kip asked directions to the post office, a staff member took his postcards to the post office for him, bought the stamps and mailed them, only charging for the stamps. When my friends had to leave for the airport at 5:30AM, they opened breakfast early. There is no way they could have been kinder, friendlier, more helpful.

This hotel's regular price is out of my usual traveling budget (about 50 euro/room) but for a package deal, it couldn't have been a better bargain. Comfortable, convenient, with a stellar staff. Highly recommended.

Askoç Hotel website

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