Vakif Mektebi St. No.1, Yavuz Sultan Selim Dist, Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey | (888) 252-1244
Balat location in an area full of colorful historic buildings
Historic Kucuk Mustafa Pasa Haman is a one-minute walk
Rooms feature electric kettles, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs
Hot-and-cold breakfast buffet with Turkish and Western items
Free 24-hour coffee and tea
Lobby computer and TV
Free Wi-Fi throughout
A bit far from major Istanbul attractions
Fee for breakfast
No parking, restaurant, or elevator
Bathrooms and showers are small, with limited counter space around the sink
The two-pearl Lotus Hotel Istanbul is a clean and affordable hotel in the historic Balat neighborhood. There are a few attractions, like the historic Kucuk Mustafa Pasa Hamam and Bulgarian St. Stephen Church, within walking distance, but Istanbul’s major sights like the Hagia Sophia and Grand Bazaar are about a half-hour away by public transportation. The hotel has a hot-and-cold breakfast buffet (for a fee) and free coffee and tea, but few other property features. The 20 rooms are clean and moderately stylish and come with electric kettles, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs. Bathrooms are a bit small, and rooms are only accessible by stairs. Travelers who want an affordable (but slightly higher rates) hotel closer to the Hagia Sophia might consider the Yazar Hotel, which also features a rooftop terrace and free breakfast buffet.
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Scene
Moderately charming and affordable tourist hotel with breakfast buffet
Lotus Hotel Istanbul is a simple budget hotel with few decorative frills. Guests are greeted with a treat of Turkish delight candy at check-in. The lobby doubles as the hotel’s simple breakfast area, and with its bright red banquettes and Turkish art and photography, it has the feel of a typical Istanbul cafe. A winding staircase leads up to the four floors of rooms. The atmosphere at the Lotus is that of a quiet retreat away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The hotel draws leisure travelers (mostly couples) seeking affordable rates, who don’t mind staying a considerable distance from Istanbul’s main attractions. Note that the hotel has no elevator and rooms are on the top four floors of a five-story building. The stairs are winding and a bit steep, so it can be a bit of a challenge getting up them with luggage.
Location
Balat location is a one-minute walk from Kucuk Mustafa Pasa Hamam and 30 minutes away from Hagia Sophia
Lotus Hotel Istanbul is in Balat, the traditional Jewish quarter in the Fatih District of Istanbul, on the northern shore of the Golden Horn. The area is known for its colorful historic buildings, narrow streets, and numerous cafes, restaurants, and shops. The hotel is a two-minute stroll from the Kucukmustafapasa bus stop, and a 10-minute walk from Fener terminal with its ferries across the Bosphorus. Kucuk Mustafa Pasa Hamam was built in 1477 and is one of the oldest hamams in Istanbul -- it’s a one-minute walk from the hotel. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate and Bulgarian St. Stephen Church (billed as the world’s only church constructed of cast iron) are both about 10 minutes on foot from the Lotus. The 19th-century Eyup Sultan Mosque and Chora Church with its surviving Byzantine mosaics and frescoes are both about 20 minutes away by bus. The hotel is not in a good location for access to the major city attractions: the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, and Hagia Sophia are all about 30 minutes away by a combination of bus, tram, and walking. Istanbul Ataturk Airport is a 30-minute drive or a little less than an hour by bus and metro. Sabiha Gokcen International Airport is a little more than an hour by car, or an hour and 45 minutes by a combination of bus and train from the Lotus.
Rooms
Simply decorated rooms feature electric kettles, mini-fridges, free Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs
Guest rooms at Lotus Hotel Istanbul have a simple look with floral-patterned wallpaper, wood furniture, upholstered headboards, and glossy gold-colored decorative throws and curtains combine to create visual appeal. The amenities in the 20 rooms are extensive for a budget hotel. They include: flat-screen TVs with English-language channels, safes, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. The largest room sleeps four guests in twin-size beds. All bathrooms are en suite, and come with small showers and hairdryers. Views are of the surrounding buildings.
Features
Limited facilities, hot-and-cold breakfast with Western and Turkish items, free lobby coffee and tea
The Lotus has a limited set of property features. It serves a breakfast buffet (for a fee) that has earned kudos from previous guests for its spread of hot eggs, potatoes, and an assortment of cold Turkish and Western items. Free coffee and tea is available in the hotel lobby throughout the day. The hotel has a lobby computer and TV, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-Fi throughout. There is no parking on-site, and the nearest public parking lot is about a five-minute drive away.
