Crowne Plaza - Old City, an IHG Hotel in Istanbul

Hotel is big, nice and clean. I travelled from IST airport by HVL-1 bus and get off at Aksaray and walked to the hotel which took me about 14 mins, very convenient. There are many restaurants nearby and close to many attractions in walkable distance.

Close to the grand bazaar so perfect for people visiting the blue mosque. Staff were excellent. Unfortunately at one point the area was closed off from cars entering at a crucial time for me. This ruined the experience for me but otherwise amazing

The location is a bit out of the way, not near the bustling Hagia Sophia or Istiklal Avenue. The main issue was that we arrived at 3 AM. During check-in, we confirmed with the front desk that we needed a smoking room. However, after the lobby boy led us to the room, he told us smoking wasn't allowed. We had to call the front desk again to clarify, wasting another 15 minutes in back-and-forth communication. Ultimately, we had to compromise and switch rooms. Plus, my parents' room wasn't even on the same floor as mine.

However, I'm very grateful for the bellhop's help and detailed explanations. It's a shame we arrived at the airport too late that day and didn't have cash for a tip.

The two single beds pushed together worked perfectly for our family of three. The hotel's location is excellent, right in the old city, just a few tram stops from Hagia Sophia and the Basilica Cistern. My husband even used points to upgrade our room, which was a bit more spacious. The hotel also gifted us some desserts – Turkish desserts are truly amazing! The decor has a very opulent, vintage palace style, great for photos. If you love a grand, luxurious aesthetic, you should definitely check this place out.

Highly recommend, better than expected! The lobby is grand and stylish, and the location is excellent, within walking distance to Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. The room facilities aren't modern, but they are well-maintained. The AC temperature control, shower water temperature, and pressure were all perfect. A special shout-out to Murat at the front desk for being polite and friendly; he managed to check us in without much delay (possibly due to it being the off-season). Every evening, the front desk would proactively call to ask if we needed any assistance or supplies, and when we requested more mineral water, housekeeping quickly delivered it. I also highly recommend including breakfast, otherwise, it's genuinely hard to find diverse breakfast options outside.

Great location in old city. Tram station is 100 meter away. Room is dated but clean n comfortable. Staff are friendly too. Easy to get around with many food options around hotel.

Crowne Plaza Istanbul – Old City: Refined Comfort and Remarkable Service (Room 3219)
As someone who travels frequently for both professional and personal reasons, often staying in dozens of hotels across different countries each year, I’m not easily impressed. Yet, my recent stay at the Crowne Plaza Istanbul – Old City genuinely stood out. It’s a property that masterfully combines thoughtful design, polished service, and a location that captures the very essence of Istanbul’s history and rhythm.
An Experience Worth Remembering
Location & Access
Situated in the heart of the city’s historic core, this hotel makes exploration effortless. From here, it’s just a short walk to the Grand Bazaar, Sultanahmet, and several key transport links. The setting feels authentic and lively; ideal for guests who want proximity without sacrificing comfort.
Room 3219 – Exceptional Comfort
The room offered a superb balance of functionality and elegance. It was impeccably clean, featuring plush bedding, perfect lighting for reading or work, and a surprisingly quiet HVAC system, a rarity in city hotels. Small details, like the scent of fresh linen and a spotless bathroom, reinforced the sense of care behind the housekeeping standards.
Service & Staff
The staff are the heartbeat of this property. Every interaction, from check-in to checkout, reflected professionalism anchored in genuine warmth. They anticipated needs before being asked, making the experience feel personal rather than procedural. This consistency across teams’ front desk, dining, and housekeeping speaks volumes about the culture of service within the hotel.
Dining Experience
Breakfast was both indulgent and efficient. The buffet selection was diverse, featuring beautifully presented dishes that catered to both international and local palates. The staff handled the morning rush with grace and precision, maintaining quality and attentiveness without any sense of haste.
Facilities & Ambience
Public areas were spotless and aesthetically cohesive. The fitness and spa areas were well-maintained, creating a serene environment ideal for unwinding after long days in the city. The lounge and lobby were comfortable enough to double as workspaces, a feature that frequent travelers will appreciate.
The One Minor Quirk
I noticed some early-morning noise, mostly the seagulls, a distant metro vibration, and a faint scratchy sound around 6 a.m. While this didn’t detract from the overall stay, it’s worth noting for lighter sleepers. It’s a subtle reminder that even in the most refined settings, Istanbul’s energy has its own morning rhythm.
Final Thoughts
What defines the Crowne Plaza Istanbul – Old City isn’t just its luxury—it’s the consistency of experience. Every aspect feels considered and intentional. Having stayed at countless hotels across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, it’s rare to find one that strikes this balance of local charm and international polish.
I often recommend property to colleagues who travel as frequently as I do, and this one has already made it to the top of that list. It leaves one wondering: how might the experience differ in another season, on a higher floor, or in one of the suites overlooking the skyline? Would the same quiet elegance and seamless service hold up under different conditions?
Those are questions I find myself curious to explore again, perhaps sooner than I planned.

Extremely satisfied! I've stayed here three times and already reviewed it previously, but I want to highly recommend this hotel again. The location is excellent, within walking distance to the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque.

It was unexpectedly good, I was upgraded to a junior suite on arrival, which was very spacious and nice. I enjoyed the spa aswell. Breakfast had a variety. I think I will come back.
What annoyed me when I was ordering room service i asked them whether it came with an extra charge and they said no, but upon checkout I was charged 130 lira more for room service. That wasn’t good