Hotels on and very near the Hippodrome (At Meydanı) in Sultanahmet, are at the very heart of historic Istanbul(map), as are those in the area of Ayasofya.
You can't get any closer to the city's major sights. All are within a few minutes' easy walk.
The Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque, on the Hippodrome's southeast side, is the major landmark. Many hotels in this area have views of the mosque or of Ayasofya(Hagia Sophia) just across the park.
However, the sound of the 100+ loudspeakers on the Sulanahmet (Blue) Mosque at the early morning call to prayer (about 1.5 hours before dawn) must be kept in mind. It is tempered somewhat by double-glazed windows which soften the noise, and air conditioners so you can have the windows closed on warm days, but 100 loudspeakers is a lot of decibels.
All in all, the Hippodrome (map) is an excellent place to use as your hotel base in Istanbul.
Mavi Ev (Blue House) Hotel
Among the best places to stay in Sultanahmet, this family-run hotel right across from the Blue Mosque has friendly, professional staff, spectacular views from rooms and roof restaurant, and a supremely convenient location on Dalbastı Sokak (No. 14) at Utangaç Sokak. More...
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—by Tom Brosnahan
Dinner in the rooftop restaurant of the Mavi Ev (Blue House) Hotel: you sure know where you are!
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