GUEST COMMENTS

"Since I discovered your hotel 4 years ago, we have returned annually to enjoy your warm hospitality and friendship and the unique location of the old, beautiful building. I had first intended the hotel to be our special secret in Istanbul, but now I have to admit that nothing gives us a greater pleasure than to share Sari Konak with our special friends. Few things can compete with the magic atmosphere at sunset watching the Blue Mosque and Bosporus from your roof terrace! I would like to thank you again for making my wife’s birthday so special this year. We are looking forward to stay with you on our next holiday..."

Kari and Per Oscar Bremer ( Oslo , Norway )

"Quite simply, Sari Konak is my home away from home when I am visiting Istanbul. Managed by brothers Murat and Umit Okan, the friendly and unobtrusive staff exemplify the inherent hospitality of the Turkish people. Tucked away on a small street, the beautifully restored Ottoman mansion is strategically located in the heart of Sultanahmet, just a short walk from dozens of key historic landmarks.

When I return to Sari Konak after a busy day of sightseeing and shopping, the cozy atmosphere offers a quiet refuge from the hustle and bustle of the city. Subtly showcasing the arts and handicrafts of Turkey, the interior decoration transports the guest to another time. And few rooftop views can rival this charming hotel’s panorama of the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara. But for me, the exquisite garden with its archeological artifacts, trickling fountain, and beautiful flowers may be one of the best features of Sari Konak. Nestled within a tall stone wall, this retreat presents a wonderful ambience for a savory Turkish breakfast or an afternoon cup of tea.

Time after time, I return to Sari Konak—and always will—because the hotel provides soothing comfort to reinvigorate the weary traveler."

Judith A. Bowers ( Houston, Texas)

"I had planned to visit Turkey with 18 friends in late September of 2001. Unfortunately, everyone dropped out of the trip after September 11, but I needed a vacation so I decided to go alone. The staff and the feeling of comfort and "home" at the Istanbul Hotel Sari Konak made my trip an unforgettable experience. From the lovely, comfortable room to the beautiful breakfast each morning, the friendliness of the staff, the owner and his family, to the lovely evenings spent on the rooftop terrace enjoying the view of the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara, I could not have asked for a nicer place to stay. When I ventured out of Istanbul, the staff was very helpful in making arrangements and giving me advice, calling cabs or suggesting places not to miss. I can't wait to return to the Hotel Sari Konak and Istanbul.
My trip was the experience of a lifetime..."

June Shafer ( California - USA ) shaferj@hotmail.com

"As a journalist i have travelled to many countries and stayed in many hotels. During one of my trip to Istanbul for the International Film Festival , I discovered a beautiful hotel which is run by a family. What struck me about this lovely Istanbul hotel is not the glamour, but exceptionally warm hospitality and homelike environment of the hotel. The rooms are very clean and cozy, the breakfast is served in a dreamlike patio enclosed by an ancient Byzantine wall .
The decoration is pleasing not overwhelming. The father and his two sons who run the hotel make sure that the guests feel at home. The highlight of my stay in the hotel was the time i spent on the magnificent rooftop of the hotel decorated in white canvas with Turkish tiles. The view of the rooftop is a different story, in front of you, you have the incredible, breathtakingly beautiful Blue Mosque and on the other side the Marmara Sea. At sunset the mosque is artfully lit and the call for the prayer complete the whole picture. Hotel Sari Konak is not a kind of place that you pay your bill and say goodbye, there is something magical about this people and the owners that keep you coming back or stay in touch. Hotel Sari Konak indeed is The Home ."

Katayoun Beglari ( Washington DC / USA)

" This is our third visit to this lovely Istanbul hotel. It was recommended to us by our American friends, regular guests, and it exceeded our expectations. Ideal position, stylish and authentic decor, homely and friendly atmosphere, delicious and healthy breakfasts will make one's stay truly a memorable affair. Should you need anything including where to eat or what to buy, just ask.
Nothing is too difficult for Mr Okan and his staff . Going back to Sari Konak Hotel is like going to visit an old friend. Looking forward to seeing you again soon..."

Lida & Jacques Boribond ( Sarajevo )

"We cannot say enough about the comfort and convenience of the
Istanbul Hotel Sari Konak. We first "discovered" this boutique hotel in 1997. Since then we have stayed at the Hotel Sari Konak each time we have visited Istanbul. The location in Sultanahmet is unbeatable. Better still is the fact that the Hotel Sari Konak does not have an institutional feel - it is one of the most "homelike" hotels we have ever stayed in. We feel like part of an extended family in a very comfortable home, a home that just happens to have extraordinary rooftop views of the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara."

John and Diane Grabowski ( USA ) jjg4@po.cwru.edu

"Dear Umit and all the staff at the Hotel Sari Konak,
Your city of Istanbul is beautiful and the people are especially friendly !
We have had a wonderful stay in your hotel... Hotel Sari Konak is superb !!! Your service was the best we have ever experienced at a hotel anywhere...!!!
We will recommend you to everyone...Please visit us in Australia one day..! "

Benjamin & Rebecca & Kirsty (Sidney - Australia)

"… an address providing the fine tastes that the wanderers seek.
A perfect, magnificent, real pension; everything was taken into consideration for the customer to feel comfortable… Service is extraordinary… How pleasing it is to have a drink in the perfectly designed rooftop with a view of the Marmara Sea and the Sultanahmet Mosque!
Saying farewell to Hotel Sari Konak is wishing to return once again as soon as possible."

Francine Landry & Mario Bolduc ( Montreal - Canada)

"Recently I visited Istanbul with my family. We thoroughly enjoyed the city but must add it was made extra special by our stay at the Istanbul Hotel Sari Konak. We all appreciated the personal touch of the staff and owner, the charming and tasteful decor, the proximity to historic sites, the beautiful roof top terrace complete with a bar and a fantastic view of the Bosphorus and Blue Mosque. Additionally the hotel itself is a historic site with a remaining ancient wall in its courtyard where delicious buffet breakfasts are served.
A return to Istanbul would most definitely take us back to the Sari Konak Hotel..."

Lisa Sward (Cleveland - USA ) lisasward@aol.com

Willy and Rolf Eerens ( The Netherlands )

When I first walked up the steps, I knew my stay at Hotel Sari Konak would be cozy,welcoming and relaxing. I loved the yellow gelatti ice cream walls, the crisp cotton throws across the benches downstairs and the stark marble stairs...
I thank you for all the little touches that made my time with you so memorable.
I came to Istanbul as a single 31 year old woman circumspect of how I would be treated in a city not known for the weak.I left with a contended and rejuvenated soul...

Sarah S. McCue (Geneva - Switzerland)

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Mimar Mehmet Aga Cad. No:42/46
Sultanahmet • Istanbul • Turkey
Tel: +90 (212) 638 62 58 Fax: +90 (212) 517 86 35
E-mail: sarikonak@superonline.com