This special class hotel is located in the heart of Istanbul's historic peninsula, within walking distance of most major sites such as the Topkapi Palace, Archaeology Museum, St. Irene Church, Sultanahmet Square, Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Bazaar. It is also very close to the Bosphorus promenade.The hotel has several options in the restored part. The Armada Terrace is a beautiful rooftop terrace with spectacular views of the Marmara Sea and the Bosphorus on one side, and the Blue Mosque and St. Sophia on the other. The Terrace is open all summer as a restaurant and bar. There is also the Armada Sera with magnificent views that can also be enjoyed during the winter, since the restaurant is covered by glass. Here you can enjoy traditional Istanbul cuisine in a beautiful setting. The hotel also offers the Ahirkapi Restaurant, which host many local cultural events with its traditional, turn of the century Istanbul design and cuisine. Every weekend you can enjoy live music from an group of musicians playing fasil traditional songs from Istanbul. Every Sunday is Tango Night, when local people come to celebrate, dance, and recapture the spirit of the 1930s, a time when the tango was much loved by Istanbul citizens. There is also the Radio Bar, with its permanent display of 50s and 60s radios, evoking the atmosphere of a bygone era.The all wooden exterior of the hotel is amazing, maintaining the shape and tradition of the old Ottoman houses in Turkey.The lobby is large and wide with the reception on the right. There is a small fountain and also some seating space frequented by locals.This hotel is a good option for all type of travellers. It is good value for money and all the restaurants, location and friendly staff make the stay really comfortable. Recommended. (JMG 11/07)