Istanbul’s Boutique Hotel Views

National Geographic Traveler contributing writer Don Webster is almost always on the road. Today he sends a dispatch about his favorite boutique hotel in Istanbul.

While I’m a long-time fan of Istanbul‘s boutique hotels (a decade-old trend that just seems to keep improving), there’s a new favorite on the horizon.

As a rule, these places are usually reasonably priced, very comfortable, accommodating, and are well located in the city’s oldest quarter, Sultanahmet.

Though the Hotel Empress Zoe–located in the shadow of the Hagia Sofia–has been a perennial front-runner, with the Hotel Nomade surging in second place, my new favorite is the Hotel Ambassador.

A sleek neighbor to the Nomade, The Ambassador is centrally located, has an amazingly friendly and helpful staff, wireless internet throughout, and, at 100 Euros a night, is a steal. Still, the best part about it is its amazing rooftop terrace: with free morning guest breakfasts and a bar for afternoons and evenings. The view alone is worth it.

Here’s a glimpse…..

For more on Istanbul, check out our 48 Hours trip planner as well as our city guide on National Geographic’s Travel and Cultures site.

Photo: Don Webster