The Blue Mosque is probably Istanbul’s most famous monument, a masterpiece and high water mark of 16th century Ottoman architecture. The Ibrahim Pasha is some 100 metres away tucked in a quiet back street. Not bad for starters.
Of course, location alone doesn’t make for a special place to stay, but in all other  respects this boutique Istanbul hotel is also a winner. Formed by merging two early 20th century Ottoman homes, it is a combination of contemporary western elegance and traditional Ottoman style, much like Istanbul itself. This means a fantastic mix of hues, textures, marbles, gold and even a spiral staircase made from marble. Put together at the Ibrahim Pasha, it is all very well done and tasteful and not at all kitsch.
Rooms, all twenty four of them, carry on this vein and don’t lack for anything in terms of comfort. Plus it is all very friendly in that home from home way, except that this home is a very exotic one.
But we end where we started, notwithstanding the hotel’s physical attributes, the location is one of the Ibrahim Pasha’s true plus points being positioned some 50m from the Hippodrome and 15 minute away from the Grand Bazaar and other major landmarks (and have we mentioned the Blue Mosque?).
To get an idea of the Ibrahim Pasha’s great location, just take a peak from the hotel’s roof terrace. Old Istanbul and the Marmara Sea spread out in front of our very own eyes. And believe us when we say it is an inspiring sight.
Getting there: You can make use of the hotel's private transfer or take a taxi at the Airport yourself. You can also go from Atatürk Airport to the hotel by public transportation. There is a light metro connection between airport and the Sultanahmet area. Take the metro at the airport, make a change at the "Zeytinburnu" station and get off when you reach the Sultanahmet station (100 m from the hotel).