A carefully restored Ottoman building houses the well situated Ambassador Hotel.
There are just 20 rooms, each with their own bathroom, some with spa baths, and all benefiting from air-conditioning, central heating, hairdryers, direct dial telephones, radio and satellite TV and minibars. Its 'piece de resistance' is the terrace restaurant with stunning panoramic views over St Sophia and the Sea of Marmara.
The Arena was elegantly restored by the current owner from the family home of her birth. The overall effect is stylish but faithful to the traditional materials and furnishings of an Ottoman stone house.
It now has just 27 rooms and 4 suites all furnished in classic Turkish style but with the addition of modern facilities and creature comforts such as air-conditioning and heating, hairdryers, cable TV, minibars, direct-dial telephones, laundry service and personal safes.
There are both indoor and garden restaurants, each seating just 30 diners and a domed Turkish Bath complete with cooling-down room and Vitamin Bar.
The Celal Sultan is another of our favourite converted Ottoman buildings in the heart of the old Sultanahmet district.
All 34 rooms have private bathrooms, air-conditioning, direct-dial telephones, music and cable TV, minibars, hairdryers and safety deposit boxes.
The service is attentive but discreet making it an ideal base for a relaxed city break.
