Sari Konak by Vanessa Kaoukji

A lot of thought has been put into this simple family-fun b&b. A five minute walk from the Blue Mosque, the position on a small cul-de-sac ensures a quiet stay. The Okan family have run the Sari Konak since 1996 – Mrs Okan overseeing the décor and her sons Umit and Murat managing the hotel.

The overall style of the hotel is simple and pleasant; country farmhouse blended with occasional anqtiques. And although many rooms along with the breakfast area are to be refurbished this winter, its unlikely the hotel will loose its unique calm and friendly atmosphere. An enclosed patio on the ground floor makes a pretty setting for breakfast surrounded by geraniums and large earthenware jugs. Mrs Okan is clearly adept at making the best of small spaces.

The hotel has less than 20 rooms which overlook the little patio or the street, both aspects are equally quiet. At the time of reviewing there was one deluxe room which was larger than the rest, with a bay window seating area and pleasingly decorated. Standard rooms are a good size and come with telephones and air-conditioning. Decoration and atmosphere is more European than Turkish which comes as a welcome break after the intoxication of sightseeing. Prints of whirling dervishes and dancing girls in the bedrooms are the only hint touch of old Istanbul to be found. Rooms are distinctly green with hand painted wooden furniture and stencilling. Bathrooms are surprisingly modern.

Rooftop terraces may seem to be two-a-penny in Istanbul, but the top of the Sari Konak is worth seeing. This is the most elegant part of the hotel. Cool white awnings hang above the few wooden tables and cushioned stone benches make for perfect lounging whilst looking out to the sea of Marmara. And to top all of this – the hotel has a lift which is a rare bonus in Istanbul.

This winter (2004-2005) the hotel is undergoing extensive renovations to the rooms and breakfast area. 3 Standard rooms will be converted into Deluxe rooms (there will be 4 in total) and the remaining rooms are to be made more ‘Turkish’. The rooms are due for an update and the renovations will bring up the standard of the hotel a great deal, but there will be no changes to the roof terrace – the Okan family are savvy enough to retain the atmosphere than brings back repeat guests time and time again.