Wanders traveling to Istanbul, Turkey, should consider sleeping by the Blue Mosque at the Hotel Sultan Hill.

Just off the south end of the Hippodrome and literally in the shadow of the Blue Mosque, the hotel is also walking distance from the Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace and the underground cistern. The Sultanahmet tram stop, which provides easy access to the Galata Bridge and a quick connection to the airport metro, is a short walk away.

Our room was spacious, clean and adequately appointed. The staff we encountered were friendly and eager to help. The hotel’s breakfast offering was standard European fare; cold cuts, breads, boiled eggs and the like. The hotel’s rooftop terrace provides great views of the Blue Mosque, especially at night when the towering minarets are bathed in light. There are also numerous restaurant choices just a few streets away.

My only note of caution would be to request a room away from the street, especially on the lower floors. Traffic noise might just be enough to bother a light sleeper.

Blue Mosque from the rooftop terrace