A comprehensive selection of affordable boutique stays in Istanbul for those who are a bit on a budget —but who still want to stay in a beautiful place!
So you’re thinking of visiting Istanbul?
Firstly, brilliant choice. Between the four seasons throughout the year, spectacular architecture, Instagram-worthy sites, and the hustle and bustle, there are plenty of reasons to visit the City on Seven Hills. But to truly make the most of your stay (and tick off the must-do items), you simply have to stay in a place that has some sort of Istanbul allure— not just about comfortability and location but also pleasing in the eyes, one that you look forward to coming back to after a day’s worth of exploring the bustling Istanbul. Sure, there are fancy resorts and exquisitely restored Ottoman palaces and mansions, but nothing quite beats the experience of waking up in one of these beautiful traditional rich with history buildings.
With more than 500 boutique hotels and accommodations in Istanbul, the difficult bit will be finding and selecting the right one. Especially when you’re sort of on a budget but don’t mind stretching it a bit in the name of quality comfort, service, and aesthetics. The accommodations featured in this post are for a duration of 6 nights and suitable for two to three people.
If you have four days to a week to spare, and if you want to be centrally located closer to all the attractions, it is best to look for accommodation in Karakoy, Cihangir, or the Galata Tower areas.
The other option would be to stay in Sultahnamet —Istanbul’s Old Town.
Greystone Apartment
Budget accommodation in Beyoglu
What’s to Love | I may be biased with this one (after all, this is where my friend and I stayed during our one-week visit to Istanbul), but Greystone Apartment is a fairly decent choice. It’s located right in the heart of Bohemian Beyoglu and is equipped with a nice living room, one bedroom (fits up to 4 guests), and a tastefully designed kitchenette with a washer to do your laundry. Although, this is a place I’d recommend (price wise), however, I don’t recommend it to anyone who plan on bringing huge luggage. The stairs are narrow and there is no lift.
In addition to the narrow staircase, during our stay we experienced some sort of political gathering just outside our apartment on a Saturday! There was a lady giving an enthusiastic speech for close to an hour too. It was, in all honesty, a bit scary because police in rally armour were lined up, as if getting ready for a full-blown take-over. We all remember the bloodiest coup attempt that took place in both Istanbul and Ankara in 2016. Even though our host assured us that it happens occasionally, with nothing to worry about, it’s definitely something worth taking note of, should you decide to stay here.
On the plus side, just next door, are two convenient stores that also sell fresh vegetables and fruits. The Taxim Square and metro stops are just a 5-minute walk and getting to Istiklal Street was easy.
Price | Double RM 195 per night, per pax.
For more information, and to check prices and availability, see here.
Armel Homes Galata
Budget boutique near Galata Tower
What’s to love | If I had the opportunity to visit Istanbul again, this would be a place I would stay in. Armel Homes Galata is a new apartment and a genuinely wonderful choice with warm and welcoming interiors. It’s located right next to the Galata Tower and has a lovely garden. Similar to Greystone Apartment, it too has a narrow staircase and not recommended for those of you planning on bringing huge luggage.
Price | Doubles from RM 127 per night, per pax
For more information, and to check prices and availability, see here.
Mayer Select Residence
Budget boutique with a view
What’s to love | Pared-back luxury with a stunning view of the Bosphorous. The location of this place is an added bonus because you can walk up the hill for 5 minutes to the Galata Tower, and just a 10-minute walk down the hill to the Galataport. It also comes with a terrace for a nice evening to enjoy dinner with a view of the night city.
This is also a good place to stay, as it is one of the affordable stays I could find which is not exactly near to Taksim Square but can be reached in 17 minutes if walking is not an issue.
Price | Doubles from RM 138 per night, per pax
For more information, and to check prices and availability, see here.
Union Hotel Port
Mid-budget boutique near the Galata Port
What’s to love | Union Hotel Port is an affordable hotel in Istanbul near Taksim Square. If there’s one thing that will make you happy about this place, is its the large terrace where you can spend your evenings and mornings outside soaking in the atmosphere. Top reviewers also love the warm and welcoming staff, who are excellent at creating a familial experience for each guest.
Price | Doubles from RM 139 per night, per pax
For more information, and to check prices and availability, see here.
Hotel MOLA Galata
Historic affordable stay on the Asian side
What’s to love | Terrace, garden and balcony that has an old-world charm with modern Scandinavian interiors. Located just 600 meters from Galata Tower, Hotel Mola Galata is close to all the local attractions but still able to provide a splendid respite with a view of the beautiful Bosphorous. You’ll likely be torn between exploring and sinking in your bed and reading a book.
Price | Doubles from RM 139 per night, per pax
For more information, and to check prices and availability, see here.
Hotel Des Art Galata
Mid-budget boutique on the Asian side
What’s to love | Located just meters away from the famous Galata Tower, this hotel is not just unique but by staying here, know that you help by giving back to the street animals that call the surrounding area home. Hotel Des Galata was one of my top picks when I was planning my Istanbul trip. It’s a retro-themed boutique hotel designed to exude the timeless elegance in each of their rooms. You’ll feel rather nostalgic when you stay here.
It’s also very centric with the train station being just two blocks away and points of interest (in addition to the Galata Tower) such as the Spice Bazaar and Istiklal Street are all close by.
Price | Doubles from RM 184 per night, per pax
For more information, and to check prices and availability, see here.
DeCamondo Galata, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Upscale boutique, yet reasonably priced.
What’s to love | Upscale yet reasonably priced. DeCamondo Galata is a Tribute Portfolio Hotel which is also part of the International Marriott Bonvoy portfolio. It’s independently owned with its own design and character in its interiors but with Mariott Bonvoy service standards. Good news for those who travel with your furry companion, this place welcomes cats and dogs.
Price | Doubles from RM295 per night, per pax
For more information, and to check prices and availability, see here.
Blu Macel Hotel & Suites: Old City Sultanahmet
High-end boutique in Old Town
What’s to love | All the usual amenities one would expect from a boutique hotel in the old city of Sultahnamet. But Blu Macel’s crowning glory is its old charm breakfast terrace replete, combining eastern and western interiors plus lovely loungers. Guests staying at Blu Macel can enjoy an à la carte or a halal breakfast.
This is one of the picks that if you have the capacity to stretch your budget, this could be ideal accommodation as it has everything —best location with the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and so much more being just a walking distance. And if you’re up for a nice Hammam, the Hurrem Sultan Hammam is close by.
Price | Doubles from RM 255 per night per pax
For more information, and to check prices and availability, see here.
World House Boutique Hotel
Luxury boutique hotel in Galata
What’s to love | Okay, so this definitely comes at the top end of my cut-off ‘affordability’, but it’s so damn gorgeous! Warm, bright and welcoming. World House Boutique hotel is a modern design accommodation in a 130-year-old building and surrounded by designer shops, popular restaurants, museums, and art galleries. There are only 15 spacious rooms, each meticulously designed with wooden floors, exposed brick walls and high ceilings (typical for Istanbul).
Price | Double RM 389 per night, per pax
For more information, and to check prices and availability, see here.
Where to Next?
10 Wonderful Things to Do in Istanbul
A Guide to Exploring Buyukada (coming soon)
4 Things to Do In Ortakoy (coming soon)
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