Hi there,

I'm going to be spending a week in Istanbul next summer and am interested in staying at Hotel Seven Hills in Sultanhamet. It gets rave reviews in every travel guide and magazine I've read, but I haven't found that much in terms of first hand accounts.

Has anyone stayed there? Any input about the hotel's rooms, views, service, etc would be really appreciated.

Thanks,
Tania

Tania- stayed a 7 Hills, Fall '03. Delightful hotel! We had a "superior" room - very large and "L" shaped - almost a suite. Bathroom was of moderate size but had a Jacuzzi. Very pleasant and accomodating management. The highlight, however, was the rooftop terrace. Our first night there we went up for dinner and enjoyed the spectacle of the Aya Sophia and Blue Mosque bathed in flood lights, against a backdrop of boats cruising the Bosporus and the lights of Asia in the distance. It became our routine to return every evening for a night cap. The dinner served on the terrace was OK, but there is better food to be had around town. All in all a truly delightful hotel in a truly magical city. Enjoy!

Hi Charlie,
Thanks for the reply. A question, though. I'm interested in staying in what they call the "deluxe suite". They also have the presidential suite, which is a step above. Was it the presidential suite you were in? At their website, it's the only room on their i-pix virtual tour that appears L-shaped.
Two more questions: How's their breakfast?
Also, I'll be travelling alone and would have piece of mind if the street it's on and the streets near it are well-lit and safe, in the event that I walk to dinner in the close vicinity. Is it? (I would hope so if it's right next to the Four Seasons!)

Tania - I am pretty sure we stayed in a deluxe suite - definitely not the presidential. As for breakfast, I don't remember too much - therefore must have been perfectly adequate. I do remember the delicious melons, however. My wife and I felt perfectly safe all over Istanbul. You are right, the 4-Seasons is just across the street and the entrance is well lit and attended by a doorman all night. In addition, just as you enter the side street to the hotel there is a taxi stand which seemed fairly well populated most of the night. It's an easy walk from the Hippodrome area and the tram to the Hotel.

Thanks SO much for the info, Charlie. I really appreciate it.