The Yasmak Sultan Hotel is situated in a six-floor beige building with white accents and an elegant curved corner where the entrance resides. The building dates back to 1955, but a renovation of the property was finished in early 2015. Simple, sophisticated interiors feature a subdued color palette and understated decor. The lobby has a beige tiled floor, wood columns, and white walls, while the lounge area is furnished with square and round wooden tables surrounded by beige and white chairs. Guests particularly enjoy the glass-walled rooftop restaurant, which offers views of the river and city. The hotel's location near both the waterfront and tourist attractions in the Old City draws mainly tourists wishing to sightsee.

The Yasmak Sultan Hotel is situated on a pedestrian-only cobblestone street full of touristy shops and restaurants. Its location in the historic Old City and near the waterfront makes for easy access to major tourist attractions. The Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, and the Hippodrome are all within a 10- to 15-minute walk. For sights farther out, the hotel is well connected to the city via public transportation. The nearest tram station, Gülhane, and the Istanbul Terminal (Sirkeci Terminal) are both a short walk away. Several ferries stop near Galata Bridge, which is also in walking distance.

• Two-minute walk to Gülhane tram station
• Six-minute walk to Istanbul Terminal (Sirkeci Terminal)
• Nine-minute walk to Basilica Cistern
• 10-minute walk to the Hagia Sophia
• 10-minute walk to the Spice Market
• 12-minute walk to the Blue Mosque
• 13-minute walk to the Hippodrome and obelisks
• 14-minute walk to Topkapi Palace
• 14-minute walk to the Galata Bridge and the ferry stops
• 17-minute walk to the Grand Bazaar
• 12-minute drive to hip Beyoglu neighborhood (without traffic)
• 30-minute drive to Ataturk International Airport (without traffic)

Yasmak Sultan's guest rooms are simple and sophisticated, with gray wall-to-wall carpeting, white walls, and beige accents. Patterned tray ceilings, damask drapes, and velvety settees help to create a stylish luxury feel while staying understated. Bathrooms are usually tiled in neutral colors and include a vanity, toilet, and shower stall.

Most rooms are small -- not unusual for the touristy city center -- measuring between 200 to 260 square feet. Entry-level single rooms can be even smaller, measuring as little as 160 square feet (Family Rooms are larger, at over 350 square feet). In-set wardrobes and wall-mounted flat-screen TVs make good use of limited space. Rooms have central air-conditioning, minibars, coffee and tea facilities, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms have hairdryers and free individual toiletries. The Sultan Suite adds stylish details and extras like wood floors, bathtubs, and sitting areas, while Deluxe Corner Rooms add bay windows.

The hotel has an array of amenities aimed at relaxation. A highlight is the rooftop Olive Restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests enjoy the food and rave about the views of the Bosphorus and Old City attractions, not to mention the free breakfast buffet, which features an extensive array of options like an egg and waffle station with made-to-order options. There's also a small lobby bar and lounge that serves Turkish coffee, alcoholic drinks, and small plates. There is often lemonade or fresh fruit available in the lobby, free of charge. Room service is available 24-hours.

The hotel's wellness center includes an indoor lap pool as well as a small Himalayan salt pool. These are located in a nice but windowless room, also home to a relaxation area with loungers and a small gym with cardio and weight lifting equipment. The hotel has two treatment rooms and offers massages and other body treatments. There's also a classic marble Turkish hammam and a sauna, but these cost an extra fee (the pool and gym are free for guest use).

The hotel has three meeting rooms, the largest of which can host up to 50 guests. A computer and printer are available in the lobby for guest use, and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The hotel has a concierge that can arrange tours, car rentals, or reservations. Guests go out of their way to comment on the exceptional staff. Airport transfers and valet parking are available for extra fees. The hotel can provide laundry or dry-cleaning service. For guests traveling with children, cribs are available and childcare can be arranged.