Side Hotel Istanbul | Rated 8.9 > Steps from Top Attractions

Name: Side Hotel
Address: Cankurtaran Mahallesi Utanga Sokak No.20-22 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul Province, 34122
Price range: US$64+
Rating: 8.3

Key details

About the Hotel

Cankurtaran Mahallesi Utanga Sokak No.20-22 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, 34122

Steps from the Historic Old Town

Great

8.9

9.4

/10

4.8

Loved by Side Hotel guests

Excellent location

Helpful staff

Comfortable beds

Delicious breakfast

Clean rooms

"Having breakfast on the roof terrace, overlooking the Bosphorus and the mosques is heard to beat."

drfrot from United Kingdom

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"The hotel location is awesome, just walk out and you're basically in the center of some of the attractions."

Shahram

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"Cannot beat the location - 3-4 minutes walk to Blue Mosque or Ayasofya, 2 more min to the tram station."

Irina from Canada

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3-star boutique hotel in the Historic Peninsula of Istanbul

Location

Side Hotel is centrally located in the Historical Peninsula of Istanbul, just 305 m from Hagia Sophia and 0.3 km from the Blue Mosque. Its location allows guests easy access to historical landmarks, including The Basilica Cistern. The panoramic terrace offers views of the Bosphorus, enhancing the overall experience.

Rooms

The hotel offers various room types, including Double and Triple Economy Rooms, suitable for couples and small groups. Each room is air-conditioned and includes satellite flat-screen TVs for entertainment. The accommodations are designed to provide comfort while maintaining a classic appeal.

Sustainable Practices

The hotel prioritizes sustainability by effectively managing waste and minimizing environmental impact through responsible procurement practices. Materials used within the premises are chosen for their recycling potential and minimal environmental footprint. The hotel supports energy conservation and promotes equal opportunities in its management structure.

Services

Side Hotel provides complimentary shared lounge access for guests to relax during their stay. Airport transfer costs are competitively priced, with options available for both new Istanbul and Sabiha Gokcen airports. The hotel's dedicated staff are available to offer personalized assistance throughout guests' visits.

Highlights

Location: centrally located in the Historical Peninsula

Rooms: air-conditioned rooms with satellite flat-screen TV

Facilities: daily breakfast service on the terrace

Sustainable Practices: effective waste segregation

“Side Hotel strikes me as a rare find in Istanbul's historical heart. Its boutique charm and focus on local culture stand out, especially the rooftop terrace with its Bosphorus views. For travelers prioritizing location and value, this hotel seems to offer an authentic experience.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Select your room type

Side Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Economy Triple Room
2 persons
175 sq. feet
1 Single Bed or 1 Double Bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Economy Double Room
2 persons
155 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details
Double Room
2 persons
165 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Air conditioning
Heating
room details

Show all rooms

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Side Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Great

8.5/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
Safe deposit box
24-hour reception
VIP check-in/ -out
Express check-in/ -out
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Luggage storage
Vending machines
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Services

Paid airport shuttle
Housekeeping
Tours/Ticket assistance

Business

Fax/Photocopying

Children

Cots

Spa & Leisure

Sun terrace
Leisure/ TV room

Room features

Air conditioning
Heating
Mini-bar
Terrace
Garden furniture

Bathroom

Free toiletries
Sink

Media

Flat-screen TV
AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

Parquet floor

Side Hotel Location

Cankurtaran Mahallesi Utanga Sokak No.20-22 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, 34122

Explore Istanbul

Local Highlights

Hagia Sophia Museum

5 minutes walking

A stunning architectural marvel blending religious histories. Free entry on Mondays.

Topkapi Palace

14 minutes walking

The former royal palace showcasing Ottoman grandeur. Guided tours available for a deeper insight.

Basilica Cistern

6 minutes walking

An ancient underground water reservoir with stunning columns. Unique atmospheric lighting enhances the experience.

Istanbul Archaeology Museums

10 minutes walking

Home to artifacts from the ancient world. A great place for history buffs, featuring free admission on certain days.

Traditional Turkish Bath at Cagaloglu Hamami

9 minutes walking

Experience the relaxation of a historical Turkish bath. Advance booking recommended for treatment packages.

Biking along the Bosphorus

15 minutes driving

Enjoy scenic views while cycling. Rental shops nearby offer a variety of bikes to suit all riders.

Sultanahmet Arkeolojik Park

8 minutes walking

A lovely park perfect for family picnics or leisurely strolls. Features historical ruins and peaceful gardens.

Local Market Tour

10 minutes walking

Join a guided tour of local markets to sample traditional foods and crafts. Great for cultural engagement.

Cafe Rumist

3 minutes walking

A cozy atmosphere serving Turkish dishes and delicious coffee. Vegetarian options available.

Sultanahmet Koftecisi

5 minutes walking

Casual eatery known for its signature meatballs. A must-try local specialty in a friendly setting.

Elif Cafe

2 minutes walking

Charming cafe offering homemade Turkish delights. Ideal for breakfast or casual dining.

North Art Coffee

1 minute walking

Modern coffee shop with a relaxed vibe, perfect for light bites and coffee. Popular for its artisanal brews.

Taksim Square Nightlife

15 minutes driving

Vibrant nightlife area with bars and clubs. Weekly events include live music and dance performances.

Istanbul Concert Hall

12 minutes driving

A venue hosting a range of performances from classical music to contemporary shows. Check the schedule for events.

Historical Istanbul Cinemas

10 minutes driving

Catch a classic or new film in charming, vintage cinemas. Family-friendly options available.

Getting around

City Centre
Istanbul 10 min · 2700 ft
Airports
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International (SAW) 66 min · 27.0 mi
Istanbul (IST) 76 min · 31.3 mi
Train
Sultanahmet Tram Station 5 min · 1400 ft
Underground
Vezneciler 22 min · 1.1 mi
Halic 27 min · 1.4 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 13:30-23:59

Check-out

until 11 am

Guest Parking

Private parking is possible on site for free.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Breakfast

You can start your day with a full breakfast, which costs EUR 5.0 per person.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Languages

English, German, Turkish, Arabic

Number of rooms:

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about Side Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

Side Hotel enjoys a brilliant location, steps away from landmarks like Aya Sofia and the Blue Mosque, with many historical sites within easy reach. Guests appreciate the spacious rooms, especially the triple rooms, and the cleanliness, along with amenities like effective air conditioning. While some have noted that breakfast is basic, many find it adequate to start the day, and the 24/7 complimentary tea and coffee are a plus; bear in mind that a few guests experienced smaller rooms or outdated bathrooms in certain areas of the hotel. Overall, it's considered a comfy and charming base for exploring Istanbul's historical center.

Review score

Based on 3 verified reviews

8.3 /10

Great

100 %

Recommend

Location

9.8/10

Staff

9.6/10

Facilities

8.5/10

Free Wi-Fi

8.5/10

Pros

Perfect location

Helpful staff

Clean rooms

Cons

No elevator

Daniela from Brazil

Single

Double Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: February 08, 2026

9.7/10

Great Location and Service!

excellent location helpful staff tram directions good food variety

The location is excellent. It's very close to many popular places. The staff helped me with directions for trams. They also gave me details about a local barber. Breakfast had a good variety of food.

The bathroom fan was broken and quite loud.

Facilities

9/10

The premises were clean. Excellent WiFi was available. There was reserved parking because I traveled by car. It was warm and cozy inside .

Location

10/10

The hotel's location is sensational. It is practically next door to a major landmark. The hotel is near many other tourist spots. Public transportation is easily accessible.

Service

10/10

The staff was very friendly and polite! They were always ready to help with advice. Registration and check-out was super efficient. The staff was always very attentive to our needs.

0 Helpful

Andrei from Romania

Family with children

Triple Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 06, 2026

6/10

small room missing towels

The hotel's location was acceptable. It is close to main attractions.

My triple room was small. Walking around was difficult. on one day, the staff forgot to clean my room at all. i only received three washcloths for showering one evening. They failed to provide regular towels.

0 Helpful

Helena from Portugal

Family with children

Double Room

4 nights in August 2026

Reviewed: November 05, 2025

9.3/10

Amazing Location and Friendly Staff!

central location helpful staff modern bathroom

I really liked the location. It was close to major attractions! The staff helped us with bookings and transport. The rooms were clean and modern. the bathrooms were great. The staff were always happy to help. I found them accommodating.

The breakfast was basic though, it had everything I needed.

Location

10/10

The hotel is very close to the main attractions, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Basilica Cistern. A nearby tram station provides good connections for easy travel. There are many restaurants in the area.

Service

9/10

The staff were friendly and helpful with everything from food recommendations to directions. They arranged a private transfer to the airport and it went smoothly. I was greeted in a very warm and cute manner when I arrived.

Facilities

9/10

Breakfast is available and includes a great view on a sunny day. The rooms are clean and spacious. I found them very comfortable. The bathrooms are modern. Every morning, the cleaning service made sure everything was perfect.

0 Helpful

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Questions of the users

About Side Hotel

Is it possible to check in at unusual times, such as late at night?

5 December 2024

The reception is open 24/7, allowing for check-ins at any hour, including late arrivals.

Can a reservation be made for someone else who will pay in cash upon arrival?

15 January 2025

Yes, it's possible to make a reservation for another guest. However, credit card information must be provided to secure the booking, even if payment is made in cash at check-in.

Are there elevators available in the hotel for guests who may have difficulty with stairs?

27 February 2025

Unfortunately, the hotel does not have elevators.

Can guests choose to book a room without breakfast included in the rate?

10 March 2025

All room prices come with breakfast as part of the package and cannot be booked without it.

What types of rooms are available at this hotel and how many guests do they accommodate?

20 April 2025

The hotel offers various types of rooms, including economy and family rooms. The economy rooms can accommodate 2 people, while larger options can accommodate up to 3 guests.

Is there a service to help with airport transfers, and what are the costs?

5 May 2025

Yes, the hotel provides VIP airport transfer services. The cost is 65 EUR one way for 1-3 people from New Istanbul Airport. From Sabiha Gokcen Airport, the cost is 70 EUR for the same number of passengers.

What breakfast options are available for guests at this hotel?

15 June 2025

Guests can enjoy a continental breakfast served daily, with the option to dine on the terrace for a lovely view.

Are there any specific measures taken for sustainability at the hotel?

22 July 2025

Yes, the hotel prioritizes sustainable practices, such as minimizing waste, using environmentally friendly products, and implementing energy-efficient measures.

What is the proximity of the hotel to major historical landmarks?

30 August 2025

The hotel is ideally located in the historical peninsula of Istanbul, just a short walk from famous sites like Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

Can guests access free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel?

10 September 2025

Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel for all guests, ensuring connectivity during your stay.