We were overwhelmed by the welcome,and appreciated advice on what to visit and how to get there from all the staff at the hotel. It is a cosy establishment which is beautifully furnished- the lounges and bedrooms- with fantastic antiques, pictures of the historical home and memoribilia of the original owners. A highly recomended hotel which is within walking distance... More

Last week I had the pleasure of staying in the historic family-run Arena Hotel for the third time, and it reinforced all my good previous impressions. The staff is so kind ("Welcome!"), helpful and knowledgeable about all to see and do in wonderful and safe Instanbul. I mean, how often does a seated man rise to his feet with a... More

This is an absolute gem in Istanbul. About 2 mins walk from the Blue Mosque with all the sights very nearby. The staff are outstanding and incredibly nice. Nothing is too much trouble. They arranged transfers to airport and back, sightseeing trips etc with no trouble. One thing to bear in mind; if your room is facing the mosque; literally... More

We stayed in this Hotel at both the beginning and end of our holiday. It is very close to the centre of Istanbul about 5 mins walk from the blue mosque, a great location. On the 1st occasion we were given a very tiny double room in the basement with constant noise of people walking past on the street above.... More

A warm welcome awaits you at the Arena Hotel in Istanbul. You walk into the attractively furnished lobby of an Ottoman family home, now converted into a hotel, and the staff could not be more polite, helpful and friendly. The location in the atmospheric old part of Istanbul - Sultanahmet - is extremely convenient - about 5 minutes' walk to... More

We stayed in February as part of a Voyage Prive deal. Room rate was very competitive and included an upgrade to a junior suite. The hotel is centrally located in Old Sultanahmet, 5 minute walk from the Blue Mosque and Ayasofya. Topkapi Palace no more than a 10 minute walk. Metro was also 10 minute walk away and great to... More

the hotel is beautiful! located in the best place, 5 minute walk from aya sofia and the blue mosque and 15 minute walk from topkapi, the tram station. also a very nice 20 minute walk to the port. the staff was very nice and helpful. breakfast was nice. the shuttle to and from the airport cost 30EU and was very... More

We attended a morning cookery course/experience at this hotel in early March 2013. We were made to feel very welcom by Naz one of the managers. She could have not done more for us. She even took photos that were forwarded to us at no extra cost. The kitchenwe was clean & the Chef a lovely man. We enjoyed our... More

We stayed at the Arena hotel for two nights and I have a mixed feeling from that stay. Good side was: staff hospitality, the breakfast (really good selection of cold and hot dishes), bathrobes, tea&coffee in the room. Bad side was: the noisy room (even it was an unusual experience to be awaken by the prayer from the neighbor mosque... More