The Hotel Amira Istanbul is a perfect city retreat for shopping and sightseeing. Located in Istanbul's historic Sultanahmet district, it lies close to the Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. It is a romantic and refined boutique hotel with truly lovely staff, and offers great value-for-money for an Istanbul city break.

The facilities

There's no restaurant (though no shortage of dining options in the surrounding streets) but an extensive breakfast spread is provided each morning. The Amira boasts a "wellness area", complete with Jacuzzi tub, sauna and gym; massages can be arranged with the concierge. There's also a well-appointed business centre with an iMac as well as complimentary wifi throughout.

The rooms

Each of Hotel Amira Istanbul's 32 guestrooms is contemporary in style, in keeping with its communal areas. All have been thoughtfully put together, with luxury touches like iPod docking stations and Visco mattresses; ceilings have been hand-painted by local artists and all are generously proportioned.