Hotel Alilass: adults-only hotel 0.3 km from Hagia Sophia

Hotel Alilass is an independent hotel in Istanbul, in the 34122 postcode area. Its position is its defining feature: Hagia Sophia is about 0.3 km away in a straight line, and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is about 0.3 km. The Basilica Cistern is about 0.4 km away, Hagia Irene about 0.5 km, Topkapı Palace about 0.9 km and Sirkeci railway station about 1.1 km. Of these landmarks, the Süleymaniye Mosque is the farthest, at about 1.8 km.

For arrivals by air, Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) is about 30.1 km away in a straight line and Istanbul Airport (IST) about 34.7 km. Both are more than 30 km from the hotel, whichever airport a flight uses.

All four room types sleep up to three guests, so the real choice is between size and bedding rather than capacity. The Standard Double Room and the Standard Twin Room form the compact pair at 13 m² each. The Standard Double has one double bed and suits a couple; the Standard Twin has two twin beds and suits two travellers who would rather not share. At 13 m², either room is snug, and a full party of three would feel it.

Above them sit the two larger rooms. The Superior Double or Twin Room measures 20 m² and has two twin beds, combining separate beds with more space than the standard twin. The Deluxe Double Room is the largest in the hotel at 25 m², with one double bed; it gives a couple the most room of any option here.

For three adults sharing one room, the twin-bedded types are the practical choice, since they provide two separate beds; the double-bedded types offer a single double bed however many guests occupy them. The Superior, at 20 m², best balances space and separate beds for a group of three.

Capacity is uniform across the range: every type, from the 13 m² Standard Double to the 25 m² Deluxe, sleeps up to three, and none sleeps more. A party of four cannot share a single room and would need two.

The practical rules are short and firm, and two of them shape the guest list more than anything else about the hotel. Check-in is from 14:00 and check-out until 12:00. Children are not allowed, and pets are not allowed, which makes Hotel Alilass an adults-only property with no animals.

• Check-in from 14:00.
• Check-out until 12:00.
• Children are not allowed.
• Pets are not allowed.

The hotel suits couples, solo travellers and groups of up to three adults who put the landmarks first: Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque are each about 0.3 km away in a straight line, the Basilica Cistern about 0.4 km, Hagia Irene about 0.5 km and Topkapı Palace about 0.9 km. Sirkeci railway station is about 1.1 km away, and the Süleymaniye Mosque about 1.8 km.

It does not suit families with children, who are not allowed, or anyone travelling with a pet, which is equally barred. Travellers who dislike compact rooms should skip the 13 m² standards and take the 20 m² Superior or the 25 m² Deluxe. The hotel is independent, not part of a chain.

For travellers who plan long days out and use the room mainly for sleeping, the 13 m² standards are adequate; anyone who wants space to spread out should move up to the Superior or the Deluxe.