Budget Hotels Istanbul

Three great budget hotels in Istanbul

Many people have no idea that Istanbul can be enjoyed just as much by staying at one of the cheap hotels in Istanbul as it can be when staying in a luxury hotel. There is a mythological belief that the only decent hotels in Istanbul are the luxury ones. While the luxury hotels are nice and offer great service, restaurants and that extra “je ne sais quoi”, the budget hotels in Istanbul are fairly decent and worth the price and value for dollar. Aside from the difference in price and décor between the budget and luxury hotels, there are no other big differences. A small budget hotel may be owned independently by a family and many will bend over backwards in providing you assistance to make your holiday memorable.  So if you do not care if your room furniture is from the Ottoman Empire, or that you do not have a view of the hanging gardens of Babylon, go for a budget hotel.

Overall most budget hotels in Istanbul fall in the range of $50-$90, currently this year. Prices are down for hotel rooms worldwide because of the recession.  Some of the recommended budget hotels in Istanbul that are worth staying include the Fuar Hotel. Located right in the heart of Istanbul in the district of Laleli, the Fuar hotel is next to everything essential that you need for a comfortable stay. Within walking distance are the historical sites like the Blue mosque and the Hagia Sophia. Although you won’t find a swimming pool at the hotel, the Fuar Hotel offers all the other amenities including WiFI. There is a 24 hour reception, a restaurant and bar in the hotel.  Breakfast is included in the cost of your room – a breakfast you can enjoy on the hotel terrace.  A single night at the Fuar Hotel costs between $50-$70, depending on the season.

The Grand Gulsoy Hotel is similarly located in the heart of Sultanahmet district and offers all the comforts of a 4 star hotel. The rooms have nice furniture and classical Turkish décor.  Full amenities can be expected at this hotel, including 24 hour room service, air conditioning, Cable/Satellite TV, mini bar, direct dial phones, 24 hour hot water and no smoking rooms are available.  Outside the hotel are some great outdoor door cafes. All of the important tourist sites of Istanbul such as the Grand Bazaar for shopping, the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia Museum, and Topkapı Palace, are within walking distance.  The hotel does not permit pets, but it does offer everything else including a swimming pool. The Gulsoy Hotel costs between $50-$70 a night, again depending on the time of season you plan to travel.

The Hali Hotel is a 3 star hotel located in the center of Istanbul’s rich historic district. This nice cozy hotel within a few minutes of all the attractions is perhaps the best place for the budget traveler. At a cost of $60 a night, it even offers breakfast in their terrace restaurant with super views of the waters and skyline of Istanbul.  Other amenities offered to their guests include tastefully decorated rooms, central heating and air conditioning, telephone, laundry service, safety boxes, ,wifi and a lobby bar to saveur a drink.

One thing all visitors need to remember is that unlike most other countries, Istanbul is very safe, both inside and outside the hotel. In any case, all travelers should be practice security awareness when traveling anywhere. Every now and then someone may lose their camera or laptop – this is not a reflection of Istanbul, it is a universal problem all over the globe. So with this in mind, Istanbul is still a beautiful city with great food, a rich culture and easy going people, proud of their country and all it has to offer.