Avicenna Hotel Special Class

Loved this hotel for many reasons: very central location, clean rooms, hospitable staff, and very good functioning air conditioning!! Our room faced the inner courtyard and was very quiet. The rooms were big enough for a long weekend, the breakfasts were simple, but good, and even the hotel restaurant cooked up great food and even colder drinks. The staff and quality of service was excellent. We appreciated how helpful the reception staff was with our requests and really felt comfortable for our entire stay. Would definitely book again!

Charming and Traditional Hotel in a Prime Location I recently stayed at the Avicenna Hotel in Istanbul and found it to be a beautiful little hotel with a charming, homely atmosphere and traditional decor. It's located in a very convenient spot—just about a 10-minute walk to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, with plenty of restaurants in every nearby alley, making it ideal for exploring the local area. The hotel staff were very welcoming, and the reception team was particularly helpful with directions and local information. I truly appreciated their hospitality. That said, I was a bit disappointed with the room situation. I had booked a balcony room with a sea view, but was instead given a standard balcony room. Upon inquiring, I was told that sea view rooms only accommodate a double bed and therefore aren’t suitable for three guests. I was moved to a more spacious room, which was appreciated, but I do think the booking information should be clearer so guests know what to expect. That was a significant letdown for me. Another thing worth noting is that not all staff members spoke English, which occasionally made communication a bit challenging. Also, it seemed there weren’t enough AC remotes available for all rooms, which could be inconvenient for some. The rooms themselves are quite small, as are the bathrooms—so if you're after a spacious or luxurious stay, this might not be the best fit. Breakfast offered limited options, but considering it's a small hotel, the traditional Turkish breakfast served was pleasant enough. All in all, the hotel is really pretty and in a fantastic location close to major sights and tram access. While there were a few drawbacks, especially around room expectations, it served well as a base to rest and freshen up while enjoying all that Istanbul has to offer.

Update 11/06 : Spoke too soon, I believe. We came back after 3 nights in other cities for 3 more nights and were put in even smaller rooms. One even in the basement. I even communicated with them this time before coming. Looks like the reply was not sincere at all. Original: Even though the rooms are a bit smaller to my likings, the location and service is excellent. Look for Mohammed. Exceptional guy!!