Ilkay Hotel
Location: Hudavendigar Cad. No: 44-46 Sultanahmet Sirkeci, Istanbul, tr
Star Rating: 8.5 Stars
Property Type: Hotels
About this Property
Historic Location in Sultanahmet
Ilkay Hotel is nestled in Sultanahmet, Istanbul’s historic district, offering a glimpse into the city's rich past. Just steps away from iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque, guests can immerse themselves in the captivating history of Istanbul.
Charming Rooms and Dining Experience
The hotel's air-conditioned rooms boast a cozy ambiance with wooden furniture and carpeted floors, providing a comfortable retreat after a day of exploration. Indulge in a delightful buffet breakfast featuring fresh ingredients and savor local Turkish delicacies and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Unwind at the Red River Pub, adorned with classic western film memorabilia, while enjoying a refreshing drink.
Convenient Amenities and Excursion Assistance
With a 24-hour reception and a tour desk, Ilkay Hotel ensures a seamless stay for guests. Stay connected with free Wi-Fi in public areas and let the tour desk arrange exciting trips to Istanbul's main attractions, facilitating a memorable and hassle-free experience.
Ready to embark on a journey through Istanbul's captivating history and culture? Book your stay at Ilkay Hotel for a delightful blend of comfort and convenience.
Policies
Check-in: 02:00 PM - 08:30 PM
Check-out: 12:00 PM
Amenities & Facilities
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Restaurant
- Family rooms
- Lift / Elevator
- Luggage storage
- Express check-in/check-out
- Safety deposit box
- Fax/photocopying
- Tour desk
- Soundproof rooms
- Ironing service
- Car hire
- Currency exchange
- Private check-in/check-out
- Shuttle service (additional charge)
- Concierge service
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Guest rooms disinfected between stays
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Physical distancing rules followed
- Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
- Cashless payment available
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kit available
- Sanitized tableware & silverware
- Contactless check-in/check-out
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Smoke alarms
- Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
- Guest room sealed after cleaning
- Property cleaned by professional cleaning companies
- Physical distancing in dining areas
- Key access
- Food delivered to guest room
- CCTV outside property
- Process in place to check health of guests
- Access to health care professionals
- Screens / Barriers between staff and guests for safety
- Face masks for guests available
- Delivered food - securely covered
- Security alarm
- Thermometers for guests provided by property
- Television in common areas
- Front desk (limited hours)
- Express check-in
- Free wired internet
- Airport transportation - pickup (surcharge)
- Airport transportation - drop-off (surcharge)
- Internet access
- Housekeeping on request
- Reception hall
- Accessible shuttle
- No accessible shuttle
- Accessible train station shuttle
- No accessible train station shuttle
Rooms Available
-
Standard Single Room
Approximately 49 ft², this single room features air conditioning, TV with satellite channels, electric kettle, tea/coffee setup, hairdryer, safety box as well as free WiFi.
Max Occupancy: 1 (1 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Toilet
- Heating
- Slippers
- Satellite channels
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Cots
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Hand sanitiser
-
Standard Double Room
Approximately 52 ft², this double room features air conditioning, TV with satellite channels, electric kettle, tea/coffee setup, hairdryer, safety box as well as free WiFi.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Toilet
- Heating
- Slippers
- Satellite channels
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Cots
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Hand sanitiser
-
Standard Triple Room
Approximately 72 ft², this triple room has a double bed and a single bed. It features air conditioning, TV with satellite channels, electric kettle, tea/coffee setup, safety box as well as free WiFi.
Max Occupancy: 3 (3 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Toilet
- Heating
- Slippers
- Satellite channels
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Cots
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Hand sanitiser
-
Twin Room
Approximately 52 ft², this twin room features air conditioning, TV with satellite channels, electric kettle, tea/coffee setup, hairdryer, safety box as well as free WiFi.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Safety deposit box
- TV
- Telephone
- Air conditioning
- Hair dryer
- Toilet
- Heating
- Slippers
- Satellite channels
- Electric kettle
- Wardrobe or closet
- Linen
- Upper floors accessible by elevator
- Clothes rack
- Toilet paper
- Bottle of water
- Trash cans
- Cots
- Shampoo
- Body soap
- Socket near the bed
- Smoke alarm
- Fire extinguisher
- Key access
- Hand sanitiser
Guest Reviews
- bilgic (8/5): - Très bon accueil !
L'emplacement de l'hôtel est très bien
- Wisam (10/5): الموقع رهيب الفندق نظيف يحتاج فقط الاعتناء بل السرير يحتاج تجديد -
- Aysel (10/5): - Персонал Всё было отлично
- Senay (1/5): -
- Nasran (7/5): The experience was fairly good, though the receptionist’s behaviour during our check-out affected ou - Breakfast normal continental
Location good It would be appreciated if the reception could be more helpful and assist guests with their luggage, instead of asking them to carry it themselves.
- Toomas (9/5): -
- Huseyin (8/5): -
- SAMIRA (9/5): Top -
- Dardo Leal (10/5): -
- Bhye (2/5): - Some staff are still very helpful. The potential is there. When you arrive, as if you are entering a military gateway. These people should stay away from the hospitality business because they show no signs to improve. They are doing you a favour to let you in. I am supposed to know there is a merge in between two hotels. I am a 5 star hotelier myself. My arrival was bad, which disturbed my whole stay. The same things happened to my kids 3 weeks earlier.
- Elena (9/5): -
- Peter (10/5): - Excellent location as a base for a visit to Istanbul. Quiet room and all the facilities worked. Close to the historic sites and very convenient for public transport links.
- Kohei (7/5): -
- Uladzimir (9/5): - Чистота, вежливый персонал, расположение Отсутствие холодильника
- Sandra (10/5): Highly Recommend This Hotel - Great Location to get anywhere in the city you need. Easy walking area right out your door - as well as a tram stop close by. Simple hotel but very comfortable and reasonable. And includes a very nice Turkish breakfast in the adjoining restaurant. A great place to stay in Istanbul. All food and shopping right there and at better prices than any of the bazaars.
- norman (8/5): - Really well located hotel with an excellent breakfast. Staff changed our room to the rear of the hotel when we asked a quiet room. I would definitely stay again
Room quite small, but this is to be expected in city centre hotel.
- Kathryn Anne (8/5): - Hello!
I like staying here.
I was very disappointed with the available channels on
the television in my room.
There are no English channels.
I wanted to watch the news once in a while.
I was unable to do so.
Breakfast is good; however, it could be a little more
relaxed for the guests.
One last thing: One day I asked for a wake-up call
and it came about an hour late.
Please check your system.
Thank you,
Kathryn Daley
- Peter John (10/5): - A nice hotel - very well situated, room was very clean, all facilities worked and the staff are friendly and helpful.
- Damir (10/5): Exceptional -
- Mohammad (8/5): Very good -
- Verified traveler (8/5): Comfortable & Convenient - I needed a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located place to stay, as I planned to spend most of my time exploring Istanbul. For this purpose, this hotel was a great choice, and I can see why it receives consistently high ratings.
The room was clean, the bed comfortable, and the bathroom well-equipped. Breakfast was included, and the staff were welcoming and friendly. Gulhane and Sirkeci tram and metro stations are just a short walk away, making it very easy to get around the city.
Although my reservation was for the Ilkay Hotel, I was actually checked into the Lalahan Hotel. This was a bit confusing at first but didn’t impact my stay overall.
A few points for future guests and for management:
The adjoining street is very noisy in the evenings, be sure to close your window if you’re a light sleeper.
The lift didn’t work, not a problem for me being on the first floor but not for those higher up.
The television in my room wasn’t working, though I didn’t really need it.
The sealant in the shower is starting to get mouldy and could use a refresh.
Please consider covering the food in the breakfast buffet. Some of it was left exposed, and I noticed flies around, along with guests coughing nearby.
Overall, my stay was pleasant, and I would definitely recommend this hotel for anyone looking for a central, affordable base in Istanbul.
- Priit (8/5): Very good - Everthing was nice and clean. Breakfast was a bit modest but totally enough. Reception worker was very helpful and gave us some tips and hints where to go.
- Kathryn (6/5): - Hello!
I have stayed at the Ilkay on several past trips.
I was disappointed this last time at the breakfast.
I admit that I get to breakfast during the last 15-20 minutes.
I dislike the way the staff make me feel pressured to hurry.
The staff intends to clean up the area at
exactly 10:30 a.m. and if you are eating, it feels uncomfortable.
I try to hurry.
I want to feel more relaxed on my holiday.
People spend a lot of money to travel, and they don't
want to feel pressure to hurry up and eat their breakfast.
The restaurant staff can clean up without making guests
feel uncomfortable.
The staff at the front desk are very nice as are the cleaning staff.
I like this hotel; just chill out a little at breakfast.
- Roy (9/5): Superb -
- Guldaran (10/5): - Near every where
- Kathryn (8/5): - I like this hotel very much.
The breakfast is good.
I wish they were open a little longer in the morning.
My room was comfortable.
The carpeting needs cleaning.
The staff is very nice.
I like the location.
- Alexey (10/5): Perfect - Clean and comfortable room, no noise from the street, great breakfast.
- Zhifir (9/5): Superb -
- Husnain (6/5): Location is good - Location Room size
- Muhammad (7/5): Good -
- Norma (6/5): Pleasant - Excellent location. Couldn't be better for all the sites.. Staff lovely Furniture and carpets were very gruby. I'm sure they were clean but covered in stains.
I know its a 3 star but need to update its furniture and carpets
Internet hit and miss. Not reliable
- Annemarie (10/5): Fabulous hotel - Hotel situation is excellent. 10 minute walk to the main attractions. Room was spotless and cleaned daily. Reception staff were really helpful with information and directions. The restaurant/pub was so good we ate and had drinks there most nights. Very reasonable prices unlike some others in the area. A great choice for a stay in Istanbul Nothing
- Anonymous (10/5): Exceptional -
- Hristo (10/5): Exceptional - Perfect location, confortable hotel, very kind people. Thank you!
- Kathryn (8/5): - I really enjoyed the breakfast and the breakfast staff.
One of the maids kept taking the toilet paper from my room.
I thought that was rude and strange.
My travel guide had a difficult time speaking to me when he would contact the hotel.
Someone told him that they could not connect him to my room telephone.
This became a problem for me until I was able to fix the problem with one of the front desk employees.
The location is excellent; however, the tram line is extremely noisy into the late-night hours.
The noise also starts early in the morning, and it interrupted my sleep.
- Anastasiia (10/5): - Very nice hotel, enjoyed my stay, convenient location, breakfast is standard and good, the stuff were very friendly and helpful. Did not have any issue in the room. Cleaning was daily too
- Gary (9/5): Superb -
- Ola (10/5): Exceptional - The Staff was friendly. Esp. The Lady at breakfast time.
Location pretty good. Near The mosques and bazaar and ferry
- Russell (9/5): Comfortable and central - Location.
Staff were wonderful. Hairdryer was broken.
- Greg (10/5): Great location and service - Walking distance to all the main attractions such as the blue mosque, Hagia Sophia etc. Also close to transport. Also great beer, food and service at the Red River pub on the ground floor. Leaving
- Blaine (10/5): amazing! - great location! great pub red river next door! very clean
- Tendai (8/5): My First Stay in Istanbul - The breakfast was fantastic, the staff where very friendly and helpful. The lady at the reception is an epitome of honesty and transparency. My wife forgot her handbag with all her valuables and money, outside at the door of the hotel when she was putting on her jacket. The lady picked it up and kept it safe for our restoration. Nothing was missing including the money. Thank you very much for your honesty. We noticed that at times in our room there was a funny smell coming out from the toilet. Maybe there is something wrong with the ventilation system. Television is too small and the picture quality was very poor. Couldn't watch football world cup matches from my room except In the Restaurant.
- Walid (10/5): Exceptional -
- Anonymous (8/5): Very good - the hotel was clean , cozy , feel like home , staff are friendly and helpful..location was near to the tram station -the room was too small and too hot
-unfortunately the AC doesn’t work
-I asked them for late check out as my flight was late and they didn’t accept because it’s booked , but I met the ppl who booked the room and they was arriving at 9 pm !!! so why didn’t they accept to give me late Check out as the room was empty!
- Anton (9/5): Superb -
- Denada (10/5): Exceptional -
- Marty (10/5): Location and Value - Great value and in a good location
- Muhamed (9/5): Superb - great place with great workers, open 0-24h for everything. especially i want to thank a very polite and kind girl on reception Yagmur , but all people was super kind :)
- Audy (8/5): Very good - nice staff good breakfast the bed and the belows wasn’t comfortable, not the best place to sleep at night
- Anonymous (10/5): Great Budget Hotel - Ticked all the boxes
- Khawaja (8/5): Very good -
- Daniel (9/5): Superb -
- Anonymous (10/5): Friendly Staff ,Good Location and Good Breakfast - I love the breakfast there a nice variety between hot and cold .Location is super and staff are very accommodating.
Especially the Female Manager
- Anonymous (10/5): Exceptional -
- Abu (9/5): Superb -
- Paul (9/5): Superb - The location, was great.The food was lovely and staff very helpful. Nothing.
- Abyr (9/5): Superb -
- Anonymous (10/5): Great Value,Great Location,Super Breakfast and Great Manager . - Great location,Great Breakfast and great value for Money as well .
Also Yagmur the manager has been brilliant to deal with ,her English very good and she has made my stay very relaxing .
Anytime I need help she is there between booking taxis or educating me on Turkish life and traditions .
She very friendly .
- Giorgi (7/5): Good - Location and cleanliness კარგი ადგილი და ფასი. სისუფთავეც. პერსონალმა ის ნომერი არ დამახვედრა, რაც მქონდა ნაყიდი. ბევრს მეკამათებოდნენ.
მოკლედ, უსიამოვნო ხალხია
- Ahmad (9/5): Superb -
- Ehab (8/5): Very good -
- Yomna (9/5): Superb - The location is perfect, the staff was very friendly
- Oruc (10/5): The people working in front desk were very nice and knew what they were doing. - Location was perfect for me. Breakfast 9 out of 10 overall its a god hotel. The cleaning lady was cleaning the stairs and the floor was wet. It had no (wet floor) sign and I slipped and almost broke my ankle.
- الشماس (10/5): very recommended - Every things is great , I love this place
Very clean, very kind stuff ,delicious food and best cost Nothing matter but there was some annoying voices from street at night
- Kalin (9/5): Superb -
- Karim (9/5): Superb -
- BENNY (4/5): - I stayed in this hotel for few days.
Will NOT mention names as I follow the RULES and REGULATIONS of EXPEDIA.
My hotel room bed sheets were NOT CHANGED AT ALL for 5 days, even though I REQUESTED FEW TIMES from the 2 cleaning ladies and also told the house keeping and also requested/complained to the lady at the Hotel Reception.
On my last day, I nice house keeping man changed bed sheets.
For 5 days, I HAD TO SLEEP ON DIRTY SHEETS FROM PREVIOUS GUESTS.
- Sven (8/5): the staff makes the difference here. great price value! - very central, great breakfast, clean, simple, super helpful staff. staff noticed i need an extra bed linen instead of the bed cover sheet and provided it without me mentioning it. Noise from the street - Windows need better isulation
- Geoff (8/5): very helpful staff - location
- Amir (6/5): - Location was excellent, no better than that this
Room were ok, abit small, we expected to have a refrigerator in our room,, food was below average
- William (8/5): Istanbul stop over - A 2 night stay before flight home, convenient location, central, on tram line route, clean and comfy, breakfast typical, Red River pub adjoining is great.
- Verified traveler (10/5): - Great staff so friendly
Good location
Room size is bigger than other hotels
- Verified traveler (8/5): Great location - Very good compared to budget
- Verified traveler (8/5): Great location - Great location
- Seyla (10/5): We love this hotel. - Its very convenient to reach around the city.
- Verified traveler (8/5): Very clean room in top location! - Very clean room, with good and kind service in a top location in the middle of the old town. Everything is in walking distance.
- zeynab (10/5): Zeynab Khaled - Very nice hotel and clean tidy verity of breakfast options very helpful poeple and very handy location in Istanbul I highly recommend this hotel .
- saif (8/5): - very good except my AC was leaking water and didnt fix properly
but it doesnt effect my staying as they solve it temporary.
- Seyla (10/5): Our Istanbul home :) - We stay at this hotel every time we go to Istanbul. We love it!
- Adrian (2/5): - Nothing that is shown on your website about this "Hotel" is true.
In fact, it is a hostel or even lower.
- Kara (6/5): Literally on the tram line in Gulhane - Check in was basic WiFi password given keys no porter service. Room was small twin with on suite. It was clean but dated. It was also facing the main tram line so early nights were not an option. Teams run till midnight & start up at 6am.
Breakfast was the most basic we had on our travels in Turkey. On real orange juice some dilute water. There were eggs fresh bread honey cereal but limited hot food. The positive thing with this hotel is it is centrally located near all the main attractions, topkapi 20 mins walk Sultanahmet 10 minutes Bosporus 10 minutes grand bazaar 30-25 minutes.
- Saqib (8/5): Overall pleasant stay - It was nice small comfortable hotel. Rooms were clean and comfortable bed. Location is good.
- Perdana (10/5): Nice Room & perfect Location - Hotel it's really nice & clean, close from Gulhane / sirkeci Metro station. Breakfast was amazing. So many shop near from hotel. Topkapi Palace , Hagia Shopia, Blue Mosque, basilica, just 5 minutes walk from Hotel.
- Hiam (10/5): Enjoyed trip - We are really enjoyed, the hotel is really good such as the location, the staff are friendly ,clean ,quite , good price.
- Seyla (10/5): Our 4. Stay - Very convenient location:)
- Nash (10/5): Nice hotel close to the centre - Good hotel, I like it very much. Clean easy to get to it.
- takeshi (8/5): nice hotel staff - It wa just good for the amount I paid for the room. It is located in nice access to everything!
- Donna (10/5): Hidden Gem in Istanbul - Comfortable, pleasant rooms close to main tourist attractions and on the tram line. Reasonably priced. Staff was great and very accommodating. This was my second stay here and I will continue to stay here each time I visit Istanbul.
- Verified traveler (10/5): Great hotel - Wonderful stay
- Laura J (10/5): Perfect Stay in the Old Town of Istanbul - I did not stay at the Ilkay hotel but in the hotel next door, which is owned by the same company called the Lalahan Hotel.
The Lalahan had just opened in August of 2015 so everything was totally new and in pristine condition. My room was in the rear of the building and was very quiet. The bed was very comfortable, the linens were high quality. The air-conditioning was great. The window did open and provided adequate ventilation. There was complimentary water as well as a kettle for making tea or coffee. Also a small refrigerator was in the room.
The Wifi was free and fast. Also the hotel had an elevator.
The included breakfast had many choices at the buffet. But it was also possible to get freshly made items from the kitchen. The staff brought out a menu with a checklist where you could make your selections and in a few minutes your breakfast was brought out to you. This breakfast was excellent.
The staff at the front desk were very helpful. I was searching for some particular items in Istanbul and the front desk was able to get me pointed in the right direction armed with maps and addresses for finding where I was trying to go. The location is very convenient to the tram T1 line and many of the sights in Istanbul.
I was able to easily take the public transportation from the hotel to Ataturk airport for my flight. The cost was $2 US or the hotel would arrange a private transfer for $30 US.
- Jnk Acme (6/5): Ok, just ok - The location is amazing, and the staff very helpful and friendly, unfortunately this hotel is very old and pretty dirty. It is also very noisy (that is actually the main problem.) I had to change room because of the noise but I had the same problem in the other room also as the main noise wouyld come from the water pipes mainly from the toilet. Very bothering, loud and you could hear it mainly in the early mornings. A bit pricey for what you get.
- Haiss (6/5): Good enough - This hotel is very nice.
the location is near to everything, the historical sites, the marmara station, eminönü(the sea) and of course the famous Hafiz Mustafa (the best sweets shop in Istanbul)
Moreover, the staff are very friendly and helpful, they are ready yo help you whatever you ask for a location or a restaurant or how to get to a place...
The price is also acceptable... Dont expect to get a super hotel, it's a 3 stars hotel... and you will get exactly what you paid.
Haiss
- haiq l. (10/5): Excellent Family Holiday - Location of hotel was brillant it was amazing on your right side you had the ferry port and the station which was a 5 min walk to the station and 10 min to the ferry port. On the left side you have the Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace and Museum and the blue mosque. Also a short distance you have the Grand Bazaar. Hotel was clean and tidy and the staff spoke English and were friendly.
- gigi (6/5): Visit to monuments - Return trip with my son to visit historical monuments in Istanbul. Situated in the old center of the town, near Aya Sofia and Sultanahmed, it is a good place for visits. However the access to the hotel is difficult. The space in the room is minimal. If, instead of three beds, we had only two, some place for a table and chairs wood have been welcome.
- Venus L. (4/5): Misleading - 1. The walls are paper thin, so you hear the plumbing, doors closing, and any footsteps.
2. The nice pictures are of the renovated rooms. Unfortunately, we had an un-renovated one and it was old and dirty.
3. Our window faced a brick wall. Literally.
4.The location is conveniently close to the tram and sultanahment.
5. Breakfast is ok.
6. We had a double bedded room and it was just two twins pushed together.
- Asma (10/5): Charming hotel in an ideal location - Great location, great staff, amazing facility, comfortable stay, very clean, home away from home, will come back.
Stayed with my sister for 2 weeks and had the best time ever.
Staff is very nice: servers, receptionists, maids....
- Luke F. (10/5): Nice hotel - Nice hotel with easy access to all attraction and a good bar on site
- James (6/5): Solid Hotel - Solid Hotel in a great location. Great access to public transportation and ideally located for walking. Ok breakfast. My only issue was that I had asked for a room on a higher floor and was placed directly over the bar. Only realized that I was over the bar when I came in after a day of walking and tried to get some sleep.
- Tarek (8/5): Excellent choice for limited budget - - Staff very helpfull and very friendly
- double room somehow small but comfy and very clean
- very close to tram stations and touristic sites, 2 min walk
- breakfast does not offer many options
- excellent choice for limited budget
- Eve-Lynn (8/5): Comfortable stay in wonderful area of the city - We very much enjoyed our stay in Istanbul. Great walking city and the hotel was in a great area, close to so many of the city's attractions such as the Palace, beautiful park, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia. The breakfast buffet at the hotel is also very good, with a large assortment of bread, olives, cheese and sliced meats. The manager of the hotel was always very helpful and made our stay at the hotel very easy and comfortable.
Photos