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From42US$ /night
Check-in
19Dec2025Select date
Check-out
20Dec2025Select date
Rooms and Guests2 Guests, 1 Room
Key details

About the Hotel

Sehit Mehmet Pasa Yokusu Ucler Hamam Sok. No:13-15 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey, 34400
-
Close to the historic old town
Great
8.7
/10
4.1
/5

Arena Hotel - Special Class, rated 8.6/10 by Booking.com, features a blend of Ottoman elegance and modern comforts, offering 40 rooms, including 16 suites. Guests can enjoy amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a restaurant, and a bar. Positioned alongside the Sphendone wall of the Byzantine Hippodrome, it contributes to the rich historical context of its surroundings.

Rooms & Amenities

Each room at Arena Hotel - Special Class displays soft pastel colors typical of Ottoman design, complemented by handmade carpets and traditional artwork. Room types include the Elegant Classic Double Room, Corner Triple Room, and luxurious Imperial Suite, which offers a jacuzzi and views of the Old City.

Dining & Culinary Experience

The hotel's Delight Restaurant serves an open buffet breakfast, featuring fresh ingredients and traditional Turkish dishes. Guests can also participate in cooking classes to explore and craft Turkish cuisine firsthand.

Leisure & Local Context

Arena Hotel offers various wellness services including massages, such as hot stone therapy and reflexology. The Sirkeci district provides access to historical landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, empowering guests with opportunities for exploration.

Services & Transportation

For added convenience, services such as airport transfers, car rentals, and a 24-hour reception desk are available. Public transport options include the nearby Sirkeci train station and several bus stops accessible within walking distance.

“Arena Hotel distinguishes itself with authentic cultural experiences, most notably its hands-on Turkish cooking classes and on-site Turkish bath. Its Sultanahmet location is ideal for exploring Istanbul's historical heart, including Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. In my opinion, this hotel's blend of cultural immersion and strategic positioning makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a richer Istanbul visit.”
Hotel logo
Sophia TurnerEditorial Director at Spahotels
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Choose your room type

The hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals
Superior Double Room Sea View
2 persons
20 m² 
1 King-size bed
Shower
Heating
Classic Double or Twin Room
2 persons
18 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Corner Double or Triple Room
2 persons
28 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
Economy Double or Twin Room Basement Floor
2 persons
16 m² 
1 Double bed
Shower
Heating
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Price and Room Availability

Check availability and prices for your dates now!

Facilities

The hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

General

  • No smoking on site
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Car park
  • Off-site car park
  • Safe deposit box
  • 24-hour reception
  • VIP check-in/ -out
  • Express check-in/ -out
  • No pets allowed
  • 24-hour security
  • Luggage storage
  • Locker room
  • Lift
  • Currency exchange
  • Smoke detectors
  • Fire extinguishers
  • Key card access
  • Key access

Guest Parking

  • Electric kettle

Services

  • Paid airport shuttle
  • Pet amenities available
  • Room service
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Dry cleaning
  • Tours/Ticket assistance
  • Welcome drink

Dining

  • Bar/ Lounge area
  • Outdoor dining area
  • Dinner

Business

  • Business centre
  • Meeting/ Banquet facilities
  • Fax/Photocopying

Children

  • Cots
  • Playpen

Spa & Leisure

  • Leisure/ TV room
  • Spa & wellness centre
  • Sauna
  • Turkish bath
  • Body scrub
  • Facial
  • Treatment room
  • Massage
  • Public Bath

Room features

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating
  • Mini-bar
  • Soundproofed rooms
  • Sitting area
  • Tea and coffee facilities

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Sink

Self-catering

  • Electric kettle

Media

  • Flat-screen TV
  • AM/FM alarm clock

Room decor

  • Parquet floor
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Location

Sehit Mehmet Pasa Yokusu Ucler Hamam Sok. No:13-15 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey, 34400
Map view
Sehit Mehmet Pasa Yokusu Ucler Hamam Sok. No:13-15 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey, 34400
Nearby
Mosque
Blue Mosque
270 m
Mosque
Little Hagia Sophia
230 m
Binbirdirek Mah. Divanyolu Cad. No:84 Sultanahmet
TGC Press Media Museum
510 m
Mosque
Sokollu Mehmet Pasa Mosque
150 m
Monument
Serpent Column
320 m
Torun Sok.
Mosaic Museum
550 m
Binbirdirek
Walled Obelisk
210 m
Divan Yolu Caddesi
Column of Constantine
290 m
Museum
Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
320 m
Merkez Beyazit
Mausoleum of Mahmud II
450 m
Kabasakal Cad. No:2 Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi
Tomb of Sultan Ahmet
480 m
Sultanahmet Meydani
Obelisk of Theodosius
540 m
Restaurants
Ziya Baba Turk Mutfagi
180 m
KadIrga LimanI Cd. No:136 Küçük Ayasofya Mah
Tarihi Cesme
150 m
Kadirga Liman Cadessi Fatih
Reggae BR
160 m
Kucuk Ayasofya Mah. Kadirda Limani Cad. No: 147/1
Hunkar Kebap Restaurant
190 m
Kadirga Limani Caddesi No: 143/A
Ezgi
170 m
Kardiga Liman Cad. No 185 Kucukayasofya-Eminonu/Istanbul
Doy Doy Restaurant
370 m
Sifa Hamami Sok. No: 13 Sultanahmet
Ortaklar Kebap Lahmacun
380 m
Peykhane Cad. No: 27 Fatih
Hanzade Terrace Restaurant
390 m
Emin Sinan Mah. Piyer Loti Cad. No: 35 Sultanahmet
Yabaci
220 m
Peykhane Sk. Servet Han #41,Cemberlitas
Explore Istanbul
Explore Istanbul's Wonders
Top Attractions
Activities
Dining
Entertainment
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque
4 minutes' walk
An iconic mosque known for its stunning blue tiles and grandeur. Free entry, though donations are appreciated.
Hagia Sophia Museum
Hagia Sophia Museum
10 minutes' walk
A masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, now a museum. Worth a visit for its breathtaking mosaics and historical significance.
Basilica Cistern
Basilica Cistern
9 minutes' walk
An ancient underground water reservoir with stunning columns. A unique atmosphere perfect for photography lovers.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace
20 minutes' walk
The opulent former palace of Ottoman sultans. Offers guided tours showcasing its rich history and beautiful gardens.
Yoga at Gulhane Park
11 minutes' walk
Relaxing outdoor yoga sessions in a beautiful park setting. Perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
Turkish Bath Experience at Cagaloglu Hamami
10 minutes' walk
Revitalizing traditional bath experience with luxury treatments. Ideal for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Street Food Walking Tour
10 minutes' walk
Indulge in Istanbul's vibrant street food scene with local guides. A tasting adventure not to be missed.
Hunkar Kebap Restaurant
Hunkar Kebap Restaurant
3 minutes' walk
Casual setting famed for its delicious kebabs and authentic Turkish dishes. Reservations recommended during peak hours.
Ziya Baba Turk Mutfagi
Ziya Baba Turk Mutfagi
3 minutes' walk
Relaxed ambiance with specialties such as pide and kebabs. Vegetarian options are available.
Reggae BR
Reggae BR
2 minutes' walk
A vibrant restaurant with Caribbean-inspired cuisine, known for its lively atmosphere and themed nights.
Babylon Bomonti
10 minutes' drive
A popular music venue hosting local and international acts. Offers an energetic atmosphere with a diverse lineup.
Sirkeci Train Station
8 minutes' walk
Historic train station known for its architecture and special events. Family-friendly with occasional performances.

Getting around
City Centre
Istanbul8 min  ·  600 m
Airports
Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)64 min  ·  42.6 km
Istanbul Airport (IST)73 min  ·  48.6 km
Train
Sultanahmet Tram Station6 min  ·  500 m
Underground
Vezneciler18 min  ·  1.5 km
Yenikapi (M1)23 min  ·  1.9 km

Reviews and Ratings

Reviews from guests about their experience.
Guest reviews
5.0/10
based on 5 reviews
4.5/5 based on 632 reviews
8.7
8.7/10 based on 1650 reviews
#260 of 2,402 hotels in Istanbul based on Tripadvisor
Ava
United Kingdom, March  2025
7.4/10

I had a mixed experience at Arena Hotel during my stay. The location was fantastic, being close to attractions like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, which allowed for easy exploration. However, the room was quite small, and I encountered issues with cleanliness and service from management. While some staff were friendly and the breakfast spread was good, the overall experience left much to be desired.

Rooms
5.0
My room was quite small and not very clean. It lacked proper maintenance, with sockets loose from the wall and inadequate air conditioning.
Service
5.0
I found the front desk staff to be quite pleasant, but management was rude and dismissive when I raised concerns. This impacted my overall satisfaction.
Location
10.0
The hotel's location is a strong point, being within walking distance of major sites like the Palace and St. Sophia. It was convenient for exploring the old city.
Dining
10.0
Breakfast offered a generous selection, with fresh fruits and home-made pastries, making it a highlight of my stay.
Facilities
5.0
The hotel did have nice facilities like a Turkish bath, but maintenance issues detracted from my comfort.
Daniel
United Kingdom, March  2025
6.0/10

I had a pretty decent stay at Arena Hotel, thanks to its perfect location near major attractions like the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The warm reception I received was a highlight, and I found the breakfast options to be adequate. However, my room did have a few quirks, like limited natural light and a somewhat outdated vibe, which slightly dulled the experience. Overall, it's a nice spot if you're looking for easy access to Istanbul's iconic sites.

Rooms
7.0
The room was small and cozy, equipped with the essentials, but had poor lighting and an outdated feel. My bathroom was decent, which was a plus.
Service
8.0
The staff were generally friendly and helpful, especially the woman who checked me in. However, I encountered some coldness from another staff member, which was a bit off-putting.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location was key, being just a short walk from major tourist spots, which made exploring the city super easy.
Dining
7.0
The breakfast spread was limited but decent, offering enough variety to start the day. Though I wished it had a bit more character to it.
Facilities
6.0
While the hotel offers several facilities like laundry and airport shuttles, I found some aspects, like the lack of toiletries replenishment, a bit lacking.
Owen
United Kingdom, January  2025
7.2/10

My stay at Arena Hotel was a mix of ups and downs. The location was fantastic, just a short walk to the Blue Mosque and other historic spots. However, I faced some issues with room comfort and staff service which left me a bit disappointed. Overall, the hotel has a charming history, but improvements are definitely needed.

Rooms
6.0
The room I had was cozy, but it could've been better. It was clean, which is a plus, but some amenities, like the air conditioning, weren't functioning well.
Service
5.0
While some staff were welcoming, I did encounter rudeness from others when I raised issues about the room. It's frustrating when that happens.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location was perfect for exploring the Sultanahmet area. I loved being so close to the major sights, making it easy to walk everywhere.
Dining
7.0
The breakfast had a decent variety, although I expected more freshness. A few more options would have made it more enjoyable.
Facilities
7.0
I didn't have time to use the Turkish bath, but heard good things about it. They do offer a range of services, but nothing super special.
Andrew
United Kingdom, November  2024
7.2/10

My stay at Arena Hotel was quite pleasant, enjoying the warm atmosphere and attentive staff. The breakfast buffet was generous, featuring a nice variety that kept me satisfied throughout my mornings. However, I did encounter some issues with room maintenance, particularly in the showers, which detracted from the overall quality of my experience.

Rooms
7.0
While my room was spacious and comfortable, I did notice some wear and tear in the shower fittings, which needs addressing. Overall, the room offered good views and was clean, but could benefit from a refresh.
Service
8.0
The staff were incredibly friendly and attentive, genuinely making me feel at home. Their willingness to assist with my needs was commendable, although I noticed some disparities in service at night when the reception was less welcoming.
Location
9.0
Arena Hotel is perfectly situated just minutes away from iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, making it very convenient for exploring the historic areas of Istanbul on foot.
Dining
8.0
The breakfast was a highlight, offering a good mix of Turkish and continental dishes. Although it was satisfying, a bit more variety from day to day would have been appreciated.
Facilities
7.0
The hotel offered several facilities, including a cozy lobby area where I enjoyed relaxing with tea. However, I found that the spa services could be more accessible without prior booking, limiting spontaneous visits.
Emerson
United Kingdom, October  2024
7.0/10

During my stay at Arena Hotel - Special Class, I experienced a mix of positives and negatives. While I enjoyed the excellent location near major attractions and the warm service from a few staff members, I faced significant disappointments regarding room size and amenities, as well as poor Wi-Fi connectivity. Breakfast options were limited, and overall, I felt the hotel didn't meet my expectations based on its online presence.

Rooms
6.0
My room was disappointingly small, barely fitting the essentials, and the bathroom didn't resemble what was shown on the website. The lack of functionality and comfort definitely detracted from my stay.
Service
7.0
The staff was friendly and tried to be helpful, but the overall management seemed disorganized. There were instances where I felt my requests weren't adequately addressed.
Location
9.0
The hotel's location is a strong point, just a short walk from iconic sites like the Blue Mosque. It provided easy access to the heart of the city's rich history.
Dining
6.0
Breakfast was decent but lacked variety, especially for guests from different culinary backgrounds. I was hoping for more fresh options, especially juices.
Facilities
5.0
Facilities were standard, but the Wi-Fi was almost non-existent in my room, which severely affected my ability to stay connected during my stay.
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Property information and rules
Check-in
from 14:00-23:59
Check-out
until 12 pm
Guest Parking
Public parking is possible at a location nearby at EUR 8 per day.
Internet
is available in for free.
Breakfast
The hotel Arena - Special Class serves a full breakfast for free. 
Children & extra beds
Maximum capacity of extra beds in a room is 1. 
Pets
Pets are not allowed.
Languages
Russian, Turkish
Year renovated:
2006
Number of floors:
4
Number of rooms:
43
FAQs
About Arena Hotel - Special Class
What is the check-in and check-out time at Arena Hotel - Special Class?
Check-in is at 14:00 and check-out is at 12:00.
What are the distances to major landmarks from Arena Hotel - Special Class?
Arena Hotel is located 0.5 km from the Blue Mosque, 0.5 km from Hagia Sophia, and 1 km from Topkapi Palace.
Is airport transport available from Arena Hotel - Special Class?
Paid airport shuttle services are available with prior arrangement.
What dining options are available at Arena Hotel - Special Class?
The hotel features an on-site restaurant called Delight, which serves a buffet breakfast.
Are there any nearby restaurants to Arena Hotel - Special Class?
Nearby restaurants include The Han Restaurant, Vaha Cafe & Restaurant, Sokullu Restaurant, and Istanbul Anatolian Cuisine, all within 0.5 km.
What room amenities does Arena Hotel - Special Class offer?
Rooms include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, a mini-fridge-bar, air conditioning, and sound-proofed windows.
What wellness services are provided at Arena Hotel - Special Class?
The hotel offers a Turkish bath, spa treatments, hot stone massages, and beauty services.
Is parking available at Arena Hotel - Special Class?
Public parking is available nearby for 8 EUR per day with no reservation needed.
Does Arena Hotel - Special Class have any amenities for families?
The hotel provides cribs and baby safety gates for families with children.
What languages are spoken by the staff at Arena Hotel - Special Class?
The staff speaks multiple languages to accommodate guests.

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