Nordstern Hotel Galata

Not one to sing praises but the Galata was the perfect hotel for us. The location couldn't have been better being next to the tram which easily connects to the historic sites and other parts of the city. Also easily walkable to the historic sites if you were so inclined The hotel was small and intimate and though others complained about street noise we found the double paned windows to have perfectly blocked out the street sounds. The staff were very friendly, attentive, and always greeted us with a smile. The rooms were clean and quite spacious and rather grand. Quite the boudoir and we felt rather elegant. The rooftop breakfast was wonderful and it was a good way to see the comings and going of the ferries and trams.

The staff were friendly and welcoming at all hours. I was a solo female traveler so this always means a lot. Location was perfect. It's so easy to walk across the bridge to the main sights, or up the hill to Galata, or wander around Karakoy (the food was definitely cheaper in Karakoy than Sultanahmet btw!). It's also easy to get picked up by tour vans, taxis, and to take public transport. The view was stunning! I enjoyed sitting in the top floor in the evening, reading a looking out. The breakfast was delicious and fresh. Having stayed in old buildings - I appreciated the character of this place while having a modern bathroom and shower! Tips if you choose here: I only learned 2 days in that there were tunnels underneath the streets and metro lines! These are so much easier to use than crossing the roads. Also, because it's a little further from the mosques, while you can hear them, you won't get woken up by the calls to prayer. Which is good if you like to sleep in ;) and you can hear them from outside if you want to. But you wont be saved the car horns which are probably the same (constant) all over Istanbul. They do seem to stop eventually, but bring earplugs if a light sleeper.

The staff were incredibly helpful and we were RIGHT next to the tram stop that takes you directly to Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque - like 3-4 stops away, and Galata Bridge is great - easy walk across to the spice market :) Also loved that's it's RIGHT next to Karakoy ferry stop - we were able to take a ferry directly to Buyukada (Princes Islands). We also left my husband's wedding band in the room and the staff kept it safely locked away until we got back from Buyukada a couple days later - so so grateful to them ❤️ I also loved breakfast on the roof and their espresso machine - I'd make a latte every morning.

Nice hotel in the best area of Istanbul. The rooms are quite different. There are both terribly neglected rooms with peeling plaster, and ideal rooms at the same time. The view from the rooftop is stunning.

First the location e excellent walking distance to the most histolical monuments. Connection with public transportation is also excellent. Next to the Galata Bridge and all Fish restaurants inside the bridge. Across the street is new almost renovated Karakoy with its new look, new renovated Penninsula Hotel and famous Galataport. The staff is extremly polite, helpful and friendly. The rooms are so wide and bright with high floors and with decoration like the whole hotel in a old historic way. At the top its the restaurant for breakfast with the very nice view of Bosphorus. WORTH FOR THE MONEY, STRONGLY RECOMMENDABLE 👏👏👏