Istanbul Old City Colorful Houses Balat PETRION Hotel

PETRION stands on the waterfront road in Fener, a few minutes' walk from the Ecumenical Patriarchate and round the corner from Balat's colourful houses, vintage shops, cafés and traditional restaurants. The Fener tram stop is just across the road and the ferry pier about five minutes away, putting Eminönü and the Old City within easy reach in around 20 minutes.

The hotel has a clean, minimal design and a warm, personal welcome, with staff who often single guests out by name. A ground-floor café is a relaxed place for a coffee before exploring the neighbourhood.

Rooms are modern and furnished, with good beds and double glazing to block out the busy road outside. Some are compact, while the best, including the junior suite, overlook the Golden Horn and can take up to 4 guests.

The rooftop restaurant is the hotel's highlight, serving a buffet breakfast with a different hot dish each morning and a creative dinner menu, with far-reaching views across the Golden Horn to Galata Tower.