...Location. <UL><LI>The Saint Sophia Hotel is located in Istanbul, Turkey.</LI> <LI>250 metres from the Blue Mosque</LI> <LI>300 metres from the Topkapi Palace</LI> <LI>700 metres from the Grand and Spice Bazaars</LI></UL> Hotel Features. <UL><LI>Housed in an Ottoman mansion</LI> <LI>24-hour front desk</LI> <LI>Complimentary buffet breakfast<LI/> <LI>Wireless Internet access</LI> <LI>Room service</LI> <LI>Currency exchange</LI></UL> Guestrooms. <UL><LI>Private bathrooms</LI> <LI>Wireless Internet access<LI/> <LI>Air-conditioning</LI> <LI>Satellite television<LI/> <LI>Minibars</LI></UL>

Room Types:

Standard Room:   One queen bed and one sofabed. Ottoman-style furniture, with dark blue carpets. Balcony. Air-conditioning, satellite television, direct-dial phone, wireless Internet access, and minibar. Bathroom includes hair dryer.

Deluxe room:   One queen bed and one sofabed. Ottoman-style furniture, with dark blue carpets. Balcony. Air-conditioning, satellite television, direct-dial phone, wireless Internet access, and minibar. Bathroom includes hair dryer.

Driving Directions: From Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST): Distance to Saint Sophia Hotel is 17 kilometres, approximately 25 minutes' drive.

Getting there. Both airport terminals are connected to the metro system, which runs to the city centre. Single tickets cost approximately 1.50 TRY. Alight at Sultanahmet tram station, 100 metres from the hotel. The Havas Airport bus departs every 30 minutes for the main bus terminal and Taksim Square, in central Istanbul. Journey time is approximately 30 minutes. Bus number 96 runs between the airport and the city centre, and a shuttle bus runs to the port. Taxis wait outside Arrivals; fixed prices are in place and the fare to the city centre should be approximately 25-35 TRY. At night, there is a 50 per cent surcharge. Alternatively, the hotel offers a transfer service (surcharge). Prices are subject to change.

Getting around. Scooter rentals are available nearby the hotel. Istanbul's extensive public transport system includes buses, metros (underground trains), trains, trams, sea buses, and ferries. Tickets can be purchased from main stops, stations, or kiosks prior to boarding. Istanbul's yellow taxis are reasonably priced, but travellers should ensure the meter is used. A cheaper alternative is to use a dolmus (minibus or shared taxi). Driving is not advised for visitors.

Driving directions. Depart Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Turn right, and take the road signposted Yesilyurt. Continue along the road for approximately 2 kilometres. Turn left at the sign for Sahilyolu. Take a left again at the traffic lights towards Sultanahmet. Hagia Sophia Museum is on the BW Saint Square. Saint Sophia Hotel is next to the museum.

Room Amenities:

• Cable/satellite TV • Complimentary toiletries • Window opens • Bottled water in room (complim • Direct-dial phone • Electronic/magnetic keys • Internet access - complimentar • Makeup mirror 

Underground Cistern: 10 metres| Hagia Sophia Museum: 20 metres| Hippodrome Square: 100 metres| Gulhane Park: 100 metres| Blue Mosque: 250 metres| Topkapi Palace: 300 metres| Grand Bazaar: 700 metres| Spice Bazaar: 700 metres| Galata tower: 2 km| Istanbul Modern Museum: 3 km|