We stayed 2 nights at the Antik after our cruise. The staff were friendly and helpful and the upstairs restaurant was amazing and very romantic. Although the rooms are small having been on a ship for 4 weeks they were fine. Having a bathtub as well as a shower was a bonus. This hotel is within walking distance (5 minutes) of the Grand Bazaar and Blue Mosque. The power cards are sometimes temperamental but the staff are more than willing to replace the cards or fix the outlet. The only problem we had was with a recommended tour. It was horrible. It was a half day tour that was supposed to take us into the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia and then the Grand Bazaar. We spent most of the time on the bus getting to the embarkation and disembarkation point. We did not get into the Blue Mosque as our guide said it would take too long. If he had been on time there would not have been a problem . We were then dumped at the main gate of the grand bazaar and told to find our own way back. The hotel said they would deal with them however and we trust that they will do so to ensure that no other client is stuck with this same tour. All and all we would definitely book into the Antik again on our return to Istanbul.
Antik hotel was a very pleasant base for a 4 day break in this bustling city. The new tram system is a great way to access the main sights of Istanbul and it is just minutes from the hotel, though both the 'Blue Mosque' and the Grand Bazaar are within easy walking distance. Staff in the hotel were unfailingly friendly and helpful, the rooms are spacious, modern and spotless. The roof-top restaurant, with views over the Bosphorus, was a wonderful place to watch the October sun rise, whilst having breakfast. Istanbul is an incredible, vibrant, welcoming city, we were on the go from dawn to dusk and only scratched the surface in 4 days. The Antik hotel provided a welcome haven in the evening, offering all we expect in a keenly priced hotel. Perhaps the only drawback is the initial appearance of the end of the street which has a large boarded up building, clearly outwith the control of the hotel itself.