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From40US$ /night
Check-in
15Jan2026Select date
Check-out
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Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Kucuk Ayasofya Mah., Istanbul, Tr, Istanbul, Turkey
-
Close to historic sites
Great
8.1
/10
4.6
/5

Rooms and Amenities

Walnut Shell Hotel features rooms with up-to-date amenities, including automatic lighting, a hair dryer, a refrigerator, and a remote-control flat-screen TV with cable channels. All air-conditioned rooms include a LED TV, minibar, and electric kettle. Tea and coffee-making facilities are available. Guests will find free toiletries, a safety deposit box, and parquet floors. Daily housekeeping is provided. Some rooms include a balcony and sea views. Guests staying three or more nights receive a complimentary bottle of wine and a fruit basket.

Dining Options

Guests can enjoy fresh meals for lunch or dinner along with drinks and Turkish coffee. A welcome drink is offered. Onsite restaurants are available.

Leisure and Entertainment

Guests can take kids to child-friendly sites such as the Dolphinarium or the Miniatürk model village. They can also attend a traditional 'sema' Mevlevi dance ceremony at the Hodjapasha Dance Theater in Istanbul. A folklore show is available to give a taste of Anatolian culture. Another option is to attend a floor show featuring live music and belly dancing. Guests can also watch the centuries-old spiritual Mevlevi dance ceremony, featuring graceful choreography, Persian chanting, and traditional Turkish music.

Location and Transportation

Walnut Shell Hotel is situated in the shadow of the Blue Mosque. It provides easy access to The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, the Grand Bazaar, and Spice Market. Landmarks nearby include Gulhane Park (1 km), Topkapi Palace harem (1 km), Suleymaniye Mosque (2.5 km), Walled Obelisk (1 km), Blue Mosque (1 km), Cagaloglu Hamami (1 km), Topkapi Palace (1 km), and TGC Press Media Museum (1 km). The hotel is 1 km from the Sultanahmet Tram stop. Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International is 45 km away. Guests who travel from İstanbul Airport or Sabiha Gökçen Airport may reach the hotel easily by public transport.

Hotel Services

The hotel provides automatic lighting, hair dryer, refrigerator, and remote control flat screen TV. A 24/7 reception desk is available. Room cleaning service is carried out daily.

“This boutique hotel places you steps from Istanbul's most significant historical sites. The friendly staff goes beyond, assisting with everything from airport transfers to restaurant suggestions. Breakfast on the rooftop terrace overlooking the Bosphorus is a particularly nice touch.”
Hotel logo
James DavidEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel
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Select your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Double or Twin Room
2 persons
140 sq. feet 
1 Double bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Suite Balcony Sea View
2 persons
325 sq. feet 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Coffee machine
Connecting Family Room
2 persons
325 sq. feet 
2 Single beds
Shower
Coffee machine

Price and Room Availability Calendar

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free 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
  • Locker room
  • Allergy-free rooms
  • Currency exchange
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Housekeeping
  • Car hire
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Dinner

Business

  • Business centre
  • Fax/Photocopying

Spa & Leisure

  • Live entertainment

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Sitting area
  • Patio
  • Tea and coffee facilities
  • Ironing facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
Show more

Location

Kucuk Ayasofya Mah., Istanbul, Tr, Istanbul, Turkey
Map view
Kucuk Ayasofya Mah., Istanbul, Tr, Istanbul, Turkey
Nearby
Binbirdirek
Walled Obelisk
1100 ft
Restaurants
Rose Garden Mezze
800 ft
Binbirdirek. mah. Peykhane. Cd. no 16 Sultanahmet binbirdirek
Tarihi Cesme
800 ft
Kadirga Liman Cadessi Fatih
Doy Doy Restaurant
900 ft
Sifa Hamami Sok. No: 13 Sultanahmet
Reggae BR
800 ft
Kucuk Ayasofya Mah. Kadirda Limani Cad. No: 147/1
Ezgi
800 ft
Kardiga Liman Cad. No 185 Kucukayasofya-Eminonu/Istanbul
Bad Service Home Food
800 ft
Kucuk Ayasofya Mahallesi
Hunkar Kebap Restaurant
900 ft
Kadirga Limani Caddesi No: 143/A
Loop Garden Cafe Restaurant
1800 ft
Sultanahmet Kennedy Cd. No 44 Kennedy Caddesi no 44
CarsI sultanahmet bufe
1500 ft
49-51 Peykhane Caddesi
Explore Istanbul
Explore Nearby Attractions
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Hagia Sophia Museum
12 minutes' walk
Hagia Sophia, a stunning architectural marvel, showcases a blend of Byzantine and Ottoman design, with free admission on select days.
Blue Mosque
12 minutes' walk
The Blue Mosque, famed for its intricate blue tiles and towering minarets, is a symbol of Istanbul and offers guided tours.
Basilica Cistern
12 minutes' walk
Basilica Cistern, a historical underground water reservoir, features captivating columns and ancient artistry, with an entrance fee.
Topkapi Palace
12 minutes' walk
Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, offers rich history and stunning views, making it a must-visit site.
Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami
12 minutes' walk
Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamami offers a luxurious spa experience with traditional Turkish baths and massages, ideal for relaxation.
Sultanahmet Arkeolojik Park
12 minutes' walk
Sultanahmet Arkeolojik Park provides a serene escape with beautiful greenery and historical artifacts, perfect for a family picnic.
Rose Garden Mezze
3 minutes' walk
Rose Garden Mezze offers vibrant local flavors in a cozy setting. Try their signature mezze platter for a delicious taste.
Tarihi Cesme
3 minutes' walk
Tarihi Cesme features traditional Turkish cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere, known for its kebabs and vegetarian options.
Reggae BR
3 minutes' walk
Reggae BR is a lively bar known for its eclectic music selection and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for evening relaxation.
Doy Doy Restaurant
4 minutes' walk
Doy Doy offers a fun dining experience with live music and a wide array of dishes, ideal for families and group celebrations.
Getting around
City Centre
Istanbul10 min  ·  2700 ft
Airports
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)64 min  ·  26.2 mi
Istanbul Airport (IST)74 min  ·  30.4 mi
Train
Sultanahmet Tram Station9 min  ·  2300 ft
Underground
Vezneciler20 min  ·  1.0 mi
Yenikapi (M1)24 min  ·  1.2 mi
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 12 pm
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby at EUR 10 per day.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Walnut Shell provides visitors with a free full breakfast. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Number of rooms:
10
Former name
walnut shell hotel - old city sultanahmet
Questions of the users
About Walnut Shell Hotel
Are unmarried couples allowed to stay together in the same room?
11 November 2024
No marriage certificate is required for check-in, making it convenient for unmarried couples to book a room together.
What is the cost of a transfer from Istanbul Airport to the hotel for four passengers?
22 January 2025
The airport transfer service is available at a rate of €50 for a private car, which accommodates four people.
Do connected rooms feature separate bathrooms?
15 February 2025
Yes, connected rooms come with two separate bathrooms, each equipped with a shower.
Is early check-in available, and what is the airport transfer cost for a single traveler?
30 March 2025
Early check-in is subject to availability and comes with a fee of €40 for a one-way airport transfer.
Can my girlfriend check in a day earlier than me if I pay for the reservation?
05 April 2025
Yes, she can check in early by simply presenting the reservation details.
Are there any restrictions for a solo female traveler wishing to book a room?
20 April 2025
There are no restrictions for single female travelers, as the hotel prioritizes a safe and welcoming environment.
Is breakfast included with my booking, or can I choose a rate that excludes it?
25 May 2025
Room rates are available both with and without breakfast, allowing guests to select their preference during booking.
Does the hotel have an elevator for guests with mobility concerns?
10 June 2025
The hotel does not have an elevator, so guests should consider this when booking their stay.
Is there an airport transportation service available?
16 July 2025
Yes, transportation to the airport is provided by private car services, with rates starting from €45 depending on the airport.
What is the nearest public transport station to the hotel?
28 August 2025
The nearest tram station, Sultanahmet, is just a 10-minute walk from the hotel, providing easy access to popular attractions.
Do you require a copy of my passport or ID prior to check-in?
12 September 2024
A copy of a passport or ID is required upon check-in for all guests.
Is parking available, and what are the costs associated?
05 October 2025
Parking is available nearby for a fee of 40 Lira for a 24-hour period.

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