Travelers to Istanbul have their choice of accommodations. From large luxury chains to tiny independent boutiques to hostels, there’s something for everyone. In fact, close to 1,000 vacation properties of varying sizes, styles, and prices can be found in the historic Sultanahmet district alone. One of my favorites for both location and character is the Kybele Hotel.
Kybele Hotel Highlights
When it comes to location, the Kybele Hotel can’t be beat. The hotel is situated about a block and a half from Sultanahmet Park and the city’s most popular attractions, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern, part of which actually runs beneath the hotel.
For character, it’s one of a kind. The Kybele is housed in a traditional narrow wooden house, similar in design to a rowhouse. But its turquoise facade with lavender and gold trim only hints at the creativity found inside.
The interiors are chock-full with an overabundance of Ottoman antiques, exquisite Turkish rugs and fabrics, artwork, and knickknacks. The owner used to be a carpet salesman and collected the treasures from across Türkiye and the Middle East over many years.
Everywhere you look, there is something new and interesting. Ornate carved dark wood furnishings, a vintage gramophone, gold-framed calligraphy, and clusters of decorative glassware fill every nook and cranny and cover every surface. The walls are cloaked in rich red damask wallpaper, resulting in a romantic, exotic vibe.
But the main attraction is the lamps. The ceilings of every room—public spaces and guest rooms—are decorated with hundreds of colorful hanging glass lamps. Supposedly, there are more than 4,000 throughout the entire hotel. Not all are functional, but the overall effect is visually stunning. It’s fun to lie in bed and marvel at all the different colors and shapes.
Guest Rooms
The Kybele Hotel offers 16 guest rooms. Sizes range from the 151-square-foot single with one semi-double bed and 129-square-foot economic double with one double bed to the 215-square-foot triple with one double and one single bed. The 377-square-foot family room features one double and two single beds.
The rooms are scattered throughout the property, with multiple staircases to access them. If you have mobility issues, this is probably not the hotel for you, as the marble stairs are steep and narrow with tight curves. I liken climbing them to climbing the staircase in a lighthouse. As such, none of the rooms are wheelchair accessible. But on the bright side, the hotel staff brings your bags up and down the stairs, so you don’t need to worry about watching your footing while also carrying heavy suitcases.
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Decor Over Modern Luxury
The rooms do show some age. The wallpaper in our room had some torn and peeling areas. Random wires stuck out from the wall in the bathroom. When we turned on the bathroom exhaust fan, it made a loud rattling noise.
The beds are older, and the mattresses have seen better days. I recently stayed in the standard triple. The double bed was extremely firm, while the single bed’s mattress was thin, and its box spring had lost its springiness. However, the bed linens and pillows are soft and comfy.
Also, amenities are limited. While there is a small fridge and TV, there is no coffee maker or safe in the rooms. Nor is there a Do Not Disturb sign for the door, so expect that your room will be cleaned daily. And outlets are limited.
Bathroom amenities include shampoo, body wash, and a bar of soap. The room is also equipped with a hair dryer. The bathtub in our room was unusual. It was exceptionally deep, at about knee height, requiring a huge step to get in and out of. The inside of the tub was stepped, with the third being a platform for holding toiletries or perhaps for sitting on, and two levels for standing.
Other online photos posted to travel review sites show bathrooms with walk-in showers.
If you’re looking for the latest technology, plush modern decor, and upscale amenities, the Kybele Hotel is not the place for you. But what it lacks in luxury, it makes up for in charm and service.
Dining Options
The Kybele has its own restaurant. Diners are welcome to eat inside or at one of the many outdoor tables that line the sidewalk in front of the property. The on-site café has 4.5 stars on Yelp and Trip Advisor. Rooms can be booked with a “Bed & Breakfast” option.
The menu features classic Turkish dishes, such as meatballs (köfte), pides, lamb casserole, and baklava. Alcoholic beverages are also served.
However, because of its location, the Kybele Hotel is surrounded by numerous restaurants. Directly next door is a coffee shop that serves coffee, tea, juices, and baked goods. Dozens of traditional Turkish eateries, steak houses, historic köfte restaurants, and even Michelin-recognized establishments can be found within a few minutes’ walk.
Staying at the Kybele Hotel
Room prices for the Kybele Hotel are listed in euros. And room rates vary depending on the time of year. During the prime tourist months of spring and summer, rates can run upward of 400 euros per night, and rooms sell out quickly. During the shoulder and winter seasons, they can dip to nearly 100 euros per night.
Also, the hotel offers a shuttle service from Istanbul Airport for an additional fee of 50 euros.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.
For some additional Istanbul hotel options, check out our past reviews of places to stay during your next trip to Türkiye.
