Küçük Ayasofya ("Little Hagia Sophia") is the ancient Byzantine Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus converted to a mosque. It's down the hill to the south of the Blue Mosque (map).
You reach this area by walking downhill from the southeast corner of the Hippodrome along Nakilbent Sokak, or behind the Blue Mosque, through the Arasta Bazaar, and down Küçük Ayasofya Caddesi which runs downhill to the Küçük Ayasofya Mosque.
Along Küçük Ayasofya Caddesi, and to the left and right on side streets, are numerous hotels in a variety of styles and price ranges. From most, it's only a few minutes' walk uphill to the southwestern end of the Hippodrome, and a few more minutes to Ayasofya and Topkapı Palace.
Not all hotels in this neighborhood are recommendable. Some suffer from street noise. Those described below are not on busy streets.
Many of the hotels here have roof terraces and even roof restaurants with views of the Bosphorus, Sea of Marmara and Princes Islands.
Dersaadet Hotel
Lots of dark wood and bright smiles at this carefully restored and maintained 17-room inn in a quiet location with sweeping sea views from the rooftop terrace. More...
Sultan's Inn
A long-standing popular choice among Istanbul hotels, it's hidden off Küçük Ayasofya Caddesi which runs straight up a gentle slope to the main sights of Sultanahmet. More...
Deniz Houses
An inviting small Istanbul hotel tucked into a side street away from the main hustle of Sultanahmet but just a pleasant ten-minute stroll from the main sights. More...
Yunus Emre Hotel
Family-run, quiet, convenient to restaurants and very close to the Hippodrome and all its sights, the Yunus Emre offers both hotel rooms and hostel beds, both value-for-money. More...
Hotel Tashkonak
A comfortable hotel on a quiet street convenient to Sultanahmet, with a good variety of room types, helpful staff, and a pleasant secret terrace-garden—a great place to stay. More...
Sultan's Royal Hotel
Designed by the experienced hoteliers of the Hotel Tashkonak, Sultan's Royal is newer, just as well located, comfortable and welcoming, with a similar variety of room types to fit your needs. More...
—by Tom Brosnahan
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