The hype
Travelers adore the staff and the location but consistently complain about the tram noise and small room sizes.
Best Western Empire Palace
$90-160/ night
Book this if You want to be within crawling distance of the Hagia Sophia and don't mind the rumble of a tram as your morning alarm.
Why People Love It
- Unbeatable location: 5-10 minute walk to Topkapi, Hagia Sophia, and the Spice Bazaar
- Staff legends: Front desk managers Irfan and Saleem are constantly praised for saving the day
- Authentic Turkish bath (Hammam) and sauna right on-site for post-sightseeing recovery
Quick Take: A perfectly placed, slightly dated launchpad for sightseeing that trades silence for convenience.
Reviewed by @hotelintro: I was shocked by how central this hotel is. For 100 euros, I got a clean room right on the tram line, just a 5-minute walk to Topkapi Palace. The staff were incredibly welcoming, and the free breakfast buffet was a nice bonus. Perfect base for sightseeing.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'Empire' in the name writes a check the dated furniture and tight bathrooms can't quite cash.
- You plan to spend 12+ hours a day exploring and just need a clean bed
- You want to experience a traditional Turkish Hammam without leaving your hotel
- You rely on public transit—the Sirkeci and Gülhane tram stops are practically at your doorstep
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable; staff are praised for tidiness.
- Bathroom hygiene: Generally clean, though some reports of 'smelling bathrooms' (sewer gas issues common in old Istanbul buildings) and yellowish grout.
- Maintenance: A bit tired. Reports of broken window hinges, peeling wallpaper, and worn carpets.
- Linens & towels: Clean and functional, but not luxury thread count. Towels can be a bit scratchy.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells fresh; some hallways have a faint musty or cigarette smoke odor (despite non-smoking policy).
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- T1 Tram line (vibrations and bells)
- Street noise from busy Sirkeci intersection
- Thin walls between rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- Airport transfer is available but costs ~€40-50; a taxi is cheaper but the tram/metro combo is <€5 if you travel light
- Breakfast is included but repetitive—don't expect a changing menu
- The 'gym' is very basic (cardio machines mostly), don't plan a serious workout
What to pack
- High-quality earplugs (essential)
- European Type F power adapter
- Slip-on shoes for the Hammam/Spa area
Room Genie
Best picks
- Top floor (4th/5th) corner rooms for partial Bosphorus views and less street noise
- Rear-facing rooms for better sleep (trade-off: view is likely a wall)
Rooms to avoid
- 1st and 2nd-floor rooms facing the street (tram level)
- Rooms near the elevator (noise bleed)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would appreciate a room on a high floor (4th or 5th), facing away from the tram line if possible. If a street view is necessary, please ensure it is on the highest level.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is there really a swimming pool?
No. Many third-party sites are wrong. There is a spa with a Turkish bath and sauna, but no pool.
How bad is the tram noise?
It's significant. The tram passes every few minutes from early morning until midnight. If you are sensitive, request a back room.
Is the location safe?
Yes, Sirkeci is very safe and bustling with tourists and locals, even late at night.
Does the hotel have parking?
No onsite parking. They offer a valet service or can direct you to a nearby lot for approx €10-15/day.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, a buffet breakfast is standard, though reviews describe it as 'decent but repetitive'.
Can I walk to the Blue Mosque?
Absolutely. It's a flat, easy 10-minute walk (approx 800m) through a historic area.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Ask for 'Irfan' at the front desk—dozens of reviews cite him as the problem-solver who can upgrade rooms or fix issues.
- ✨
The hotel has a 'Terrace Restaurant' with views, but the 'Olive Anatolian' nearby often has better food with similar views.
- ✨
Don't buy the 'airport shuttle' immediately; check the Marmaray train station (Sirkeci) just 2 mins away for a cheaper, faster link to the Asian side or transfer to airport lines.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Queen' beds are often two singles pushed together (common in Turkey, but annoying for couples).
💡The entrance has 6 steps, which is a nightmare if you have heavy luggage and no porter is immediately seen.
💡The 'City View' often just means 'Tram View'.
💡Room service prices are surprisingly reasonable compared to the tourist trap restaurants outside.
💡The sauna and hammam are free for guests, but massages are an extra (and negotiable) cost.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Best Western Empire Palace is located and what's nearby.