The center of Bursa has several smaller hotels, but most hotels are either in the nearby hot-springs spa of Çekirge, or between Bursa and Çekirge.
If you plan to stay in Bursa just one or two nights to see the city, you probably want to stay in the center. If you’re coming for a longer stay to “take the water,” Çekirge is the place. Çekirge hotels tend to be more expensive because of their thermal spa facilities.
The traditional favorite small, inexpensive hotel in the center is the Hotel Çeşmeli, Gümüşçeken Caddesi No: 6, tel +90 (224) 224 15 11, just off Cumhuriyet Alanı (the main square with the Atatürk statue), with simple plain rooms, private bathrooms, and an elevator/lift. It’s within walking distance of most of Bursa’s important sights, restaurants, and shopping.
The Hotel Safran, Ortapazar Caddesi, Arka Sokak No: 4, Tophane, tel +90 (224) 224 72 16, is a restored Ottomanhouse in the Hisar district very near the tombs of Osman Gazi and Orhan Gazi, not too long a walk (uphill) from the Ulu Cami (Great Mosque) and city center.
Dowager empress of Bursa/Çekirge spa hotels is the Hotel Çelik Palas Thermal Spa, Çekirge Caddesi No: 79, between Bursa and Çekirge. Though among Bursa’s oldest hotels, it has been renovated and modernized, yet retains its status as the upscale place to take the waters. (King Idris of Libya was doing just that on September 1, 1969 when he was overthrown by Colonel Moammar Khadafi.)
Bursa and Çekirge have lots more hotels in all price ranges. Use this handy Hotel Search Box to check on room rates, facilities and availability:
—by Tom Brosnahan
Central Bursa |