We stayed at the Orient Express for 4 nights at the end of November. After the easy and very reasonable trip by train and tram from the airport we were delighted to discover that a tram stop was a minute walk away from our hotel and that the Blue Mosque was just a 5 minute walk away, plus many of the other tourist attractions of Sultanahmet.

We arrived late in the evening; the Reception staff were so welcoming and friendly and our room, though small, was perfect for a short break, spotlessly clean, quiet, though facing the main road and the complementary Turkish Delight was indeed a delight!

After a good night's sleep in our no-smoking room, the breakfast was fantastic - so much choice and the waiting staff were as friendly as the reception 'boys'.

We had a very good meal in the rooftop restaurant with a view of the Topkapi Palace and a few very enjoyable swims in the lovely basement pool to ease our sightseeing-weary bods.

Ask at Reception about good places to eat - for my birthday they recommended a great place, off the tourist trail, which was very reasonable, with great food and not another tourist in sight. On our return the reception staff presented me with a birthday gift souvenir of Istanbul.

For a friendly, good value, central hotel in Istanbul, don't hesitate to book the Orient Express! We will be back.

I was in Istanbul for business, which was interupted by a week long national holiday. Rather than return home to England, I decided to say the week in Istanbul. I chose the Orient Express because of its closeness to the sights and also the transport links (Train and ferry). I was not dissapointed.

The things that made my stay great were as follows:
the friendliness and helpfulness of staff;
the cleanliness of the room;
a nice swimming pool, which I seemed to be the only person using whenever I went;
The breakfasts were fantastic;
The complementary apple tea on arival was appreciated, as was the free eats during happy hour in the Bar;
there was also a good range of TV channels to watch and free WiFi Internet (signal could have been a little stronger).

Next time I go to Istanbul, I will take my wife and we will definitely stay at the Orient Express.

A small hotel, very well run and conveniently situated within easy walking distance of most of the major attractions. The easy access to the tram and the ferry was a big plus. I liked the friendly welcome on arrival and the excellent briefing by the charming and efficient Guest Relations Manager, Ceren Cipa, who was ever helpful and good humoured despite my constant stream of questions ! All the staff were polite and cooperative, and were pleased to organise the highly interesting excursion to Gallipoli. The breakfast was fine and the waiting and bar staff carried out their duties in an exemplary manner. The view from the rooftop restaurant was first class and the dinners were top notch. The bedroom was smallish but comfortable and clean. The swimming pool walls needed a lick of paint. The price was very reasonable and, in view of the high grade service and outstanding friendliness, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this hotel.

Perfectly located (just a few minutes walk to the Blue Mosque etc.) and incredibly friendly, helpful staff.

The room we stayed in wasn't the most tastefully decorated, but was very clean and the bathroom was fine. Breakfast was buffet style and fantastic - just what you need to set you up for full days of sightseeing.

Didn't use the pool but it looked inviting. The bar is good and had some cheap drinks deals on when we were there.

Would definitely recommend this place - it is as well located as any of the big-name international hotels (and much better located than some of them) at a fraction of the cost. Save your money and stay here.