Hagia Sofia Mansions is a unique stay in Istanbul, literally adjoining Hagia Sofia and the Topkapi Palace, in historic buildings renovated to pristine condition by Hilton. Rooms are spacious and luxurious, with gorgeous traditional decor combined with all the modern amenities. The staff are all efficient and well trained. The cistern jacuzzi is a special treat, but you can take a Turkish bath at any of the nearby hamams for a third of the price of the hotel spa. A few caveats, this is not an accessible option for elderly or disabled travelers, as almost all rooms require stairs due to the age of the buildings. The immediate streets around Hagia Sofia are closed to traffic, so guests must walk to the taxi stand or use the hotel’s golf carts. Also, anyone visiting the old town of Istanbul needs to be comfortable with the many stray cats in the streets that do come in and out of restaurants and shops too. That said, this is the perfect choice for seeing the main tourist sites of the city.
