One of the Sultanahmet area’s first design-led hotels, and named after a type of silk, the Sura is set in a gorgeous, classic-looking and immaculately kept four-story block with imposing architecture and intricate balcony railings. This is a popular spot among couples, and the glitzy, romantic and busily designed, almost-over-the-top lobby has shiny modern gray ceiling beams, and wide-striped black-and-white marble flooring. A catwalk-like strip of gray carpet leads to simple but elegant white-marble island reception desks. Black horse sculptures are a nod to the original use of Constantinople’s Sultanahmet Square as a horse-racing venue in Byzantine times. Other design elements like cream, cocoon-like statement armchairs and bright yellow curtains make the space feel like an extravagant nightclub. Artificial open fires on a rock-design accent wall add a fantastical feel, but glass cabinets filled with objets d’art, souvenirs, and clothing for sale look tacky. Most of the guests are couples on vacation, along with the occasional business traveler.

The Sura’s location, on a quaint road that can nevertheless become congested, is one of its best features. In the Sultanahmet part of Istanbul’s old city, it’s within easy walking distance of tourist attractions and the tram.

• Two-minute walk to the Sultanahmet tram stop and the Basilica Cistern
• Four-minute walk to Sultanahmet Square
• Five-minute walk to the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
• Six-minute walk to the Hagia Sophia Museum
• Nine-minute walk to the Istanbul Archaeology Museums
• 10-minute walk to the Topkapi Palace
• 12-minute walk to the Grand Bazaar
• 15-minute walk to the Spice Bazaar
• 13 minutes to the Golden Horn by car (28 minutes by public transportation)
• 14 minutes to Ataturk Airport by car (24 minutes by public transportation)
• 73 minutes to Sabiha Gokcen Airport by car (101 minutes by public transportation)

The rooms pay homage to different precious gemstones: lapis, turquoise, silver, and amber. Quiet air-conditioned and heated rooms sport stylish decor via gray walls, busy gray-striped carpets with more colorful accent notes, and striking magenta, navy blue, or pale-blue lounge chairs. There are small, modern, almost bongo-shaped bedside tables. Some rooms have cream leather button-effect wraparound headboards, while others have shiny, backlit accent walls that serve as a headboard. Rooms also feature full-length mirrors, elegant floor lamps, and decent-sized desks, plus smart gray floor-to-ceiling curtains. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, phones, free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, safes, minibars (though these lack alcoholic drinks), coffeemakers, coffee- and tea-making facilities, robes, and slippers. Triple and connecting rooms are available.

The cheapest rooms, with sloping ceilings, have only small windows and lack much natural light. Other rooms have accented ceilings and larger windows, and small but pleasant balconies, some with attractive garden views.

Busy bathrooms have glass walls to bedrooms (with blinds for privacy), gray marble floors and walls, and metal-framed vanities with white-, silver-, or brass-effect metal-lined countertop sinks. There are large walk-in showers with rainfall and power showerheads, and an extensive selection of miniature toiletries. The priciest Sura Sultan Suites have gorgeous in-room slipper bathtubs placed next to the beds. 

Note that decor in some rooms is showing its age, and that there are some reports of maintenance and housekeeping issues.

The Sura offers little in the way of features on-site, but guests can access its sister property across the road for free use of the outdoor pool, well-equipped gym, and hammam spa (costs extra). On-site, The Sura Grill restaurant -- complete with an open kitchen -- serves Turkish and international cuisine. Sura Cafe offers hot drinks and pastries, and the hotel provides free daily afternoon tea service. The breakfast buffet (not always included) also gets good reviews for its extensive variety and regular live music. There are meeting rooms available, Wi-Fi is free throughout, and there’s free parking.