Excellent location Million dollar view from the room Helpfull staff Comfortable bed

No sound isolation at all. We got very noisy room on first floor, we couldn't sleep because of the noise comming from the bar downstairs, we complained to reception and we got room change next morrning. The new room that we got was on fourth floor, in general it was better but still no sound isolation at all, you can hear elevator or people talking from the other rooms. Also, no written house rules about allowed or forbidden behaviour.

First, the location. You can't find a more central place in the city, next to the Gulhane park, a short walk to St. Sophia and the tour boats/ferries. The Sirekci metro is very close, as is the tram stop. Then the staff. Very courteous, helpful and resourceful. I needed to meet my 90 y.o. mother, flying in from the US, at the sprawling new airport. They explained to me how they meet their customers, so it was all easy. Most speak good English, and some speak Russian as well. Would not be surprised if some spoke other languages. The breakfast. It may be almost the same every day, but it is very good, and you can even ask for a Turkish coffee. The amenities. Everything was functional, clean, and comfortable.

There are two things they can't fix, which you have to be aware of. Firstly, the noise from the street. This is a street full of hotels and restaurants, so, until pretty late, there is noise outside. Not just in this street, but, probably, in the whole quarter. Ironically, a neighbouring hotel is named The Quietness Hotel, or something like that, which it can't be. If you have probelms with noise at night, find a hotel at some other location. If you can bear it, Ethnica Old City is great for you. Secondly, the rooms are small. If you have lots of luggage, you'll have trouble putting them somewhere. A couple suitcases are not a problem at all.

We had a great time in this hotel! Clean and cosy room with daily cleaning. The view was indifferent, but who cares, when you are abroad all day? However we were enjoying in bed the sound of seagulls and boats. The funny, gentle and helpful stuff makes us feel more familiarity. The location was ideal for our family vacations. We didn't care to be closed to stores and bars in the crowdy center of the modern part of Istanbul. We preferred to live in the history of the city and closed to the sea. Plenty of transportations around us: busses, tram, metro, boats.

Maybe breakfast should have more variety (maybe different breakfast day by day?)

The location is great because it is very well connected to all types of public transport. It’s a bit noisy because the restaurants are there, but that’s to be expected for a location that’s close to attractions. The room was small but clean and stuff were kind and friendly. The first day we were accommodated in a nearby hotel that had comfortable beds but was not very clean. But the staff gave us a free breakfast next morning. The hotel has also arranged us a taxi transport from and to the airport for fair price.

We booked a triple room but it had one double bed and a sofa. The sofa was not that comfortable but enough for short stay. One day there was a lack of towels but they solved it the next day.

if you like old city, this is the place to stay. it is behind or next to many landmarks such as Topkapi Palace, National Archeology Museum, Ayasofya, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Bus Station, Tram Station, plenty of restaurants etc about the hotel? strategic location, clean, affordable, friendly staff.

I liked it all. From location, to amazing staff to food and service. I had difficult time choosing hotel for my first trip to Istanbul. I am so glad I chose this one. It's close to all transport. Within walking distance from all major attractions. Good food in hotel's restaurant. We loved Katmere. We bought SIM cards there at check in. They can provide you with anything you might need. Salin was amazing, we enjoyed his service and humor, Ibrahim and girl who served breakfast I forgot name..we are thankful for experince and attention they gave us. We had room with a view to Galata tower. In the evening we would open the curtains, turn off the light and enjoyed the view over Golden horn and boats passing. Rooms are small, bathroom even smaller but it was enough for us, it's not like you are spending lot of time there really. Rooms are cleaned daily, towels , toiletries , water and instant coffee are provided daily. For breakfast we ate the same but it was enough. Omlelette is tasty and fresh. Turkish coffee was really good. They woulld always gave us chai no matter time of day. Very polite and proffesional guy at breakfast and reception. They all speak english really well...I could go on and on. I would come back again for staff and location. It's warm, it's cozy I was sad to leave the place.

More hangers in wardrobe would be suggestion. Our room didn't have a safe to put our valuables, but we didn't even ask for it because we felt safe enough. There was minor issue with another guest being loud when we were trying to sleep but that was resolved with one call to reception. Other than that we were very satisfied and fully enjoyed local experience. I brought my own hairdryer and slippers but I do that wherever I go. PS if you have problem with old infrastructure you might not like this hotel, but all of that is less important than amazing and caring staff.

Ethnica Hotel Old City was the best place to stay in Istanbul. I want you to know that both the hotel manager and the entire staff were very, very nice. We booked a single room and got more than that: a big room with a sea view. The food, cleanliness, location were extremely good. The room was cleaned every day, we booked with breakfast included and the internet worked very well. The hotel is located in an area easily accessible both by walking and public transport and is very close to all the tourist attractions. The metro is right behind the hotel and all the staff were very helpful in explaining how the metro works. Because at the end of my stay, I had a problem with my check out ticket, the manager got involved and helped me resolve the issue. I highly recommend this hotel, you will not be disappointed, I assure you. Istanbul will always stay in my heart, it was a wonderful experience! I made friends for life. Thank you, Ethnica Hotel Old City!

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Breakfast was excellent and ample , location was the best with tram , ferry , tube and bus stops near by and also all major attractions near by like Hagia Sofia, Grand Bazar, Blue Mosque, Spice Bazar, Topkapi Palace, Cistern Museum plus many more, staff was very polite and always happy to help, rooms were clean and fragrant with bedsheet and towels fresh clean every day, I’ve been to many hotels in Turkey but this one was a hidden gem, outstanding experience overall.

The shower mixer some times needs to be set for right water temperature otherwise all good

The location of the Ethnica hotel old city is excellent-close to a metro station and tram stops. Breakfast was typical Turkish, the same every morning, but we didn’t mind. The restaurant offers very delicious food.The boys who work in the hotel and the restaurant are trying hard to make their customers happy. The rooms are cleaned very thoroughly every day. The hotel offers authentic experience.

My only complaint is the noise during the night since the hotel is on a busy street. But also that’s the vibe of the old city.

The staff and food were fantastic. The staff could not have been more helpful for our first few days in Istanbul with recommendations of what to do and every time we sat down even to wait for a ride tea would appear in front of us. Breakfast was delicious and a wonderful start to every morning. The air conditioning worked well and while the room was small it was comfortable. The sound proofing was great and noise from the restaurants below was almost non-existent with the window closed despite being only on the first floor.

Whilst everything was clean the toilet had been installed slightly crooked on the wall making it an experience to be beheld. The bathroom door handle was loud and sticky and only once i thought i was going to be trapped in there forever.