Sultanahmet's Hidden Gem: No.12 Hotel's Unbelievable Secret!
Sultanahmet's Secret: Decoding the Magic (and the Mild Mayhem) of No. 12 Hotel
Alright, gather 'round, fellow travel junkies! Forget the polished Instagram posts and the airbrushed reviews. I'm here to spill the REAL tea on No. 12 Hotel, that elusive "hidden gem" nestled in the heart of Istanbul's Sultanahmet. And let me tell you, it's an experience, alright. A tapestry woven with moments of pure bliss, punctuated by a dash of delightful chaos. Buckle up, because you're in for a ride.
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Accessibility & Welcome to the Real World:
Okay, so, let's get the practical bits out of the way first. Accessibility is…well, it exists. There's an elevator, which is a HUGE win in a historic district like Sultanahmet. They advertise facilities for disabled guests, but I'm just going to be brutally honest: Istanbul isn't exactly known for its flat, wheelchair-friendly pavements. The hotel itself tries. Front desk [24-hour] is a godsend when you arrive shattered after a transatlantic flight and the whole world is in the throws of jet lag. **(A little birdie or friend told me about the front desk. Apparently, some staff members are fluent in multiple languages) ** There were so many things to consider with a hotel of this stature!
Internet & The Crucial Connection:
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah! And it actually works. I mean, mostly. There were a few moments of buffering during my Netflix binge of Turkish dramas (don't judge), but overall, solid. Needed the Internet [LAN] once for a video call, and it was a lifesaver. Internet access is available everywhere, and that's what matters to me.
Cleanliness & Safety (Thank Goodness!)
Listen, these days this is everything. I'm a germaphobe at heart. Happily, No. 12 Hotel seems to take things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, rooms sanitized between stays – all that good stuff. They even had hand sanitizer strategically placed everywhere. Staff trained in safety protocol – you could tell. They had a hygiene certification. I saw them use professional-grade sanitizing services. They even had a doctor/nurse on call, which makes me feel more secure even if I'm perfectly healthy. They had a first aid kit and a smoke alarm…phew! CCTV in common areas and outside the property made me feel safe as well.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: A Culinary Adventure (with a Few Hiccups)
Okay, the food. This is where things get interesting. Breakfast [buffet] is a must-do. It's a glorious spread, a feast of Turkish delights -- the usual suspects, but with charm. The Asian breakfast was a nice option too, but no one was really eating it. The breakfast takeaway service came in handy the one day when I was too hungover to emerge from my perfectly blacked-out room. Seriously, the blackout curtains are a game-changer.
Restaurants and bar? Yeah, they have 'em. The a la carte in restaurant menu was good, and they accommodated my vegetarian friend with some delicious vegetarian restaurant items. I was really impressed that they had alternative meal arrangement. The restaurant even had desserts in restaurant! The poolside bar was a nice perk for a relaxing afternoon. Coffee/tea in restaurant was good, and the coffee shop was great!
BUT! I'm not going to lie. There was a minor incident. One morning, after experiencing an absolute explosion of Turkish breakfast, I asked for a refill of coffee. It took longer than I'd anticipated. After a few minutes, I saw a waiter slowly, mind you slowly, bring me coffee. I was like, "What in the world is going on here?"
Spa, Relaxation, and the Pursuit of Bliss (and Maybe a Flaky Toenail)
This is where No. 12 truly shines. The Pool with view is as stunning as it looks in the photos. Sunrises there… chef's kiss. They provided bathrobes and slippers. I spent an entire afternoon getting myself lost in this world and soaking up the atmosphere. The options were plentiful; The spa with sauna & steamroom was the perfect antidote to urban chaos. Went a little overboard with the massage, and let me tell you, the body scrub afterwards was pure decadence. They had a fitness center and a gym/fitness, but I may or may not have used them. I'm a fan of relaxation, not exercise. They didn't have spa/sauna and they even had a foot bath! They had a swimming pool [outdoor].
My Favorite Detail: The Pool with a View
Now, let's talk about that pool. Seriously. I've seen a lot of pools in my day. Most are just… pools. But this one? This one is something different. I’m a total sucker for a "pool with a view," and the one at No. 12 delivers in spades. The way the sunlight dances on the water, reflecting the colorful rooftops of Sultanahmet… It's magical.
I vividly remember one particular sunrise. The sky was ablaze with pinks and oranges, and the air was crisp and cool. I was practically the only one there, just me and the infinite Istanbul cityscape. It was a moment of pure peace, a reminder of why I travel in the first place: to escape the everyday, to find beauty in the unexpected, and to stand in awe of the world.
Honestly, that pool is worth the price of admission alone. It's a place to truly be. To breathe. To forget your worries. To just… exist.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax (and Maybe Get Lost):
Things to do & ways to relax? Plenty! Concierge service was super helpful, steering me towards the best local experiences. I found them to be informative. Luggage storage was a blessing when I arrived before check-in. There's a gift/souvenir shop, a shrine, room decorations (nice touch!), and a terrace for soaking up the atmosphere. They provided a bottle of water, which was very useful.
Rooms: Cozy Nooks & Unexpected Surprises
The rooms? Pretty great. The air conditioning blasted out cool air, which was a lifesaver in the summer heat. Blackout curtains are essential, as I mentioned. Free Wi-Fi (again, yay!) and a desk for catching up on emails (if you must). The beds were comfy, and the extra long bed was certainly a plus. Non-smoking rooms were a given, thank goodness. Private bathroom was great. The rooms did have additional toilet and a separate shower/bathtub! Shower was good.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras That Matter:
They offer the usual suspects: Daily housekeeping, dry cleaning, laundry service, ironing service, currency exchange, and a convenience store. They even have car park [free of charge]! I was grateful for the doorman!
For the Kids & The Family:
I don't have kids, but I saw families there. They had family/child friendly amenities, and babysitting service.
Getting Around: Navigating the City
Airport transfer was a great way to arrive! Taxi service was readily available.
In Conclusion: Is No. 12 Really a Hidden Gem?
Look, No. 12 Hotel isn't perfect. There might be a minor glitch here and there. But the sheer charm of the place, the incredible pool, the incredibly friendly staff, and that sense of discovering something truly special? Absolutely worth it. It definitely deserves its "hidden gem" status, even if it takes a little digging to uncover all its quirks and charms. Go. Experience it. And tell me what you think! But maybe don't tell too many people… let's keep this secret, a secret.
Escape to Louisiana Charm: Hampton Inn & Suites Marksville Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because you're about to get my Istanbul experience, narrated by the travel equivalent of a slightly-caffeinated, jet-lagged, and overly-enthusiastic travel blogger. We're talking NO12 Hotel Sultanahmet, Istanbul, folks. My soul (and my stomach!) are officially ready. Let's GOOOOOO!
Day 1: Arrival, Hopes, and a Hummus Hysteria
8:00 AM (ish) - Istanbul Airport (IST) - ARRIVAL! Okay, so the flight was a red-eye. My neck is crick-y from the window seat, and I'm pretty sure I drooled on the shoulder of the guy next to me. I’m mortified. Immigration was a breeze (thank goodness!), which lulled me into a false sense of, you know, competence.
9:30 AM - NO12 Hotel Sultanahmet - First Impressions! Oh. My. God. The hotel? Charming. Absolutely charming! Tiny cobbled streets leading to the front door, a courtyard bursting with bougainvillea, and the smell of – is that jasmine? – floating in the air. The staff is lovely, even if my attempt at "Merhaba!" sounded more like a strangled cough. They offered me Turkish coffee, which, let's be honest, might as well be rocket fuel. I'm buzzing already!
11:00 AM - Sultanahmet Square Walkabout - Getting My Bearings (and Maybe Lost) First impressions: the Blue Mosque is breathtaking. Seriously, pictures DO NOT do it justice. I spent a good twenty minutes just standing there, mouth agape, feeling incredibly small and utterly humbled. The Hagia Sophia – wow, the history practically oozes from the stones. I’m already picturing myself as a glamorous historical tourist, ready to visit more interesting sites. I was trying to take a 'cool selfie' with the obelisk, and ended up tripping over a pigeon and nearly braining myself with the statue. Dignity? Gone.
1:00 PM - Hummus Hunt and Heartbreak I'm on a MISSION: find the best hummus in Istanbul. I read about so many places. First place? Okay, it was… passable. Second place? Bland. Third? Oh, sweet mercy. The hummus was so good, I could have wept. Creamy, garlicky, perfect. I basically inhaled the whole plate, followed by all the bread, and was then utterly devastated… because I realized I'd finished the entire thing. The worst feeling. Pure. Hummus. Regret.
3:00 PM - Spice Market - Sensory Overload! Okay, so… the Grand Bazaar was a bit much. A glorious, overwhelming, slightly terrifying much. The Spice Market, though? Pure magic. The colors! The smells! The mountains of saffron, Turkish Delight, and enough spices to season the entire population of Istanbul. I spent a small fortune on rose tea and a tiny, ridiculously cute ceramic mug. I was sure I was gonna be ripped off, everyone was friendly and helpful, and I'm pretty sure I've just created a lovely new habit. I'll let you know.
6:00 PM - Back to the hotel - Recovery time! The bustling environment is tiring. I can't express how lovely it is to just be in my room. And on my bed. And the hotel provided some of the most luxurious (and best smelling) shampoo I've ever used. I'm going to steal it, I've decided.
8:00 PM - Dinner Adventure - Fish! I braved a local lokanta, unsure of anything from ordering to paying, but eager to enjoy the local food. The fish was so fresh, the view of the Bosphorus so beautiful, and the waiter so patient with my mangled Turkish and gesturing, it was an experience I'll never forget.
Day 2: More Tomfoolery & Turkish Delights (Literally and Figuratively)
9:00 AM - Breakfast - the BEST breakfast Hotel breakfast is one thing, and a Turkish breakfast is another. Full of delicious cheese, honey, meats, and amazing bread.
10:00 AM - Basilica Cistern - Spooky & Amazing! The Basilica Cistern is the coolest, creepiest, and most unbelievably beautiful thing I've ever seen (besides the hummus, obviously). The dim lighting, the water, the Medusa heads… It's like stepping into a James Bond movie. I nearly dropped my phone in the water– twice.
12:00 PM - Turkish Delight Time! Wandering through the streets, I find myself near the Spice Bazaar. I decide to grab a box of Turkish Delight. Yes, I bought more. I have no regrets. What better souvenir than a box of delightful treats?
2:00 PM - Free Time I decided to do some shopping, and I just bought a bag and some shoes. I'm sure I will regret this tomorrow.
6:00 PM - Rooftop Drinks - Views for Days I found a rooftop bar overlooking the Sultanahmet area and the breathtaking views. A perfect cocktail to end the day? Don't mind if I do.
8:00 PM - Dinner - Kebab time! I found a family-owned kebab place, and the grilled meat was amazing. The meal was delicious, and the people at the restaurant gave me some recommendations on what to see next.
Day 3: Whims and Wanderings
9:00 AM - More Exploring and a Random Cat Encounter! I had a great walk around town and spent some time with the cats. I also started to miss my own cats.
2:00 PM - Turkish Bath - Hammam Bliss (and Awkwardness) I've heard about these. The scrubbing, the steam, the relaxation… YES PLEASE! It was fantastic. I was so relaxed, I almost fell asleep mid-scrub. I was also somewhat mortified to be half-naked in front of a complete stranger.
7:00 PM - Farewell Meal and Goodbye I went to a fancy restaurant for a farewell meal. I ordered way too much, but I enjoyed it. I feel my heart swelling with a genuine affection for this city.
Final Thoughts:
Istanbul, you magnificent, chaotic, beautiful beast. You've stolen my heart (and probably a few pounds). I'm leaving with a suitcase full of souvenirs, a camera roll overflowing with photos, and a story or two that'll last a lifetime. My feet hurt, my stomach is somewhere between happy and slightly queasy, and I already want to come back. Istanbul, you've been… well, you've been Istanbul. And that's pretty much perfect.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to find some more hummus. Wish me luck!
Uncover Blackpool's Hidden Gem: The Address You NEED!
Okay, spill the tea! What's the "Unbelievable Secret" of No.12 Hotel in Sultanahmet? Is it really THAT good?
And yes, it IS that good. No, scratch that. It's *better* than good. It's... restorative. Like, after battling the masses at Hagia Sophia, you *need* this place. Trust me on this.
Rooftop? Now, is it just a rooftop, or is there something more? Like, a hidden portal to Narnia or something?
So, the views are great. But what about the food and drinks? Because let's face it, a pretty view can only get you so far.
Okay, you're selling me on the rooftop. But what about staying at the hotel itself? Is it a dump? Because I've seen some hotels with incredible rooftops and rooms that look like they haven't been updated since the Ottoman Empire.
How's the service? Helpful or the dreaded "service with a sigh" type?
What's the best time to go? Is it always crowded?
Any downsides? Gotta be some imperfections, right? Is it even walkable from the main sights?
Okay, this is all sounding great… but what if I'm, like, a super-fussy traveler? You know, the kind who critiques everything? Will I still like it?
So, final verdict? Would you go back? And would *you* recommend it to your friends?
