Ottoman Hotel Imperial - Special Class

On a recent 3-night Istanbul stopover I stayed at this comfortable hotel in the most perfect location. My corner room looked out over the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque next to Topkapi Palace with views into the tree tops on the other side. I was there in mid-April and found that by sleeping with windows open I had a lovely cross breeze and didn't require any air-conditioning or heating. I woke each morning to the Hodja's call to prayer, a magical Istanbul soundtrack. Situated in the pedestrianised area around Sultan Ahment Mosque (a.k.a. The Blue Mosque near Ayasofya), Ottoman Hotel Imperial is walking distance to everything I want to see (and almost everywhere I want to eat) in Istanbul. Being a pedestrianised zone, they provide a handy electric cart service to and from where your taxi or hire car can drop you off and pick you up. Service is friendly and efficient and the breakfast buffet includes classics like burgu peynir (braided white cheese) and olives, tomatoes, cucumbers and simit to assemble your own classic Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı). And the friendly breakfast hostess made me Turkish coffee on request. Breakfast is served in the Matbah restaurant, which at night becomes one of Istanbul's best dining venues. Here chef Kadir Yilmaz specialises in the royal Ottoman cuisine of the Sultans. Floor to ceiling windows mean you can watch the light change over the skyline while feasting on excellent mezze and unusual traditional dishes like 'Sailor’s Börek' a rolled börek that originated next door in Topkapi Palace and is filled with 7 different cheeses and served with a drizzle of raisin honey. Maitre d' Muharrem Güldemir speaks excellent English and does a great job of guiding guests through the menu and wine list which features Turkish varietals. I recommend Ottoman Hotel Imperial for a comfortable and authentic Turkish stay in Istanbul (request a corner room overlooking the mosque as long as you don't mind the sunrise wake-up call).