Charm Hotel: Sultanahmet, about 0.2 km from the Blue Mosque

Charm Hotel is in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, on Mimar Mehmetaga Caddesi in Cankurtaran. Topkapı Palace is about 1 km and Süleymaniye Mosque about 1.8 km, both in a straight line.

For arrivals and departures, Sirkeci railway station is about 1.1 km away in a straight line. Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport is about 30.2 km and Istanbul Airport about 34.7 km, in a straight line. The hotel runs an airport shuttle for a fee, which spares you the question of how to cover that distance with luggage.

The rooms divide into five types, and the differences are size and bedding rather than character. The Double Room is the smallest at 14 m², with one double bed and space for up to 3 guests; the Double Room with Balcony adds a balcony at 16 m² and also sleeps up to 3, and the Deluxe Double Room with Balcony is slightly larger still at 18 m² with the same double bed and the same maximum of 3.

The Deluxe Triple Room, at 19 m², is the only standard room with two beds: one double and one twin, which suits two travellers who want separate beds or a third person sharing.

For a couple on a short stay, the standard Double Room is adequate; if you plan to spend time in the room or want outdoor space, the balcony rooms are worth the step up in size.

The hotel has a spa and a hammam, which is unusual at this size of property in this district and gives you a way to unwind after a day of sightseeing without leaving the building. Dining is covered by a restaurant, a bar and room service, so an evening in is a real option rather than a fallback.

There are family rooms among the room types, and meeting and banquet rooms for anyone travelling for work or planning an event. Parking is paid, as is the airport shuttle.

Check-in is from 15:00 and check-out until 12:30.

Parking is paid, which matters if you are driving; the airport shuttle is also paid. Beyond that, the rules are straightforward: arrive after 15:00, leave by 12:30.

This hotel suits travellers whose trip is built around Sultanahmet's monuments: the mosque, Hagia Sophia and the cistern are all within about half a kilometre in a straight line, and the spa and hammam give the evenings a shape. Families and small groups are well served by the suite with two queen beds and the family rooms, and children are allowed throughout.