One of the most underrated cities in the world in terms of tourism and business is Istanbul. The city is a cultural epicenter that has a ton to uncover for yourself.
Turkey is ranked sixth on the list of international tourist arrivals for a reason. This area of Europe is very unique as it is a mix of ideologies and lifestyles. So, if you are a world traveler or international businessperson, you should absolutely add Istanbul to your bucket list.
However, traveling anywhere in Europe can be expensive. Although Istanbul’s general prices will be lower than those of Paris or London, traveling costs still add up quickly. So, you may need to cut down on certain costs, so you can experience the city in different ways.
So, here are the best cheap hotels in Istanbul!
Hotel Orkide
We will kick off our list with the Hotel Orkide. We will get to how good the hotel itself is, but the physical location is its biggest attribute. Whether this is your first time in Istanbul or not, it is a good idea to stay near the action. This makes it as easy as possible to know the true identity of the city.
Some of the hotspots in the immediate area include a number of well-known mosques, the Column of Constantine, Basilica Cistern and much more. So, you can really experience Istanbul without too much travel effort. If there are some focal points outside of walking distance that you still want to experience, taking a taxi is a cheap way to expand out.
When it comes to the hotel itself, the rooms are pretty modern and spacious. Especially for the price, you are getting a good value out of the stay. There are just four types of rooms and each one is pretty simple. There are no suites, but the biggest room you can go with is the triple room. On the flip side, the economy room will be the cheapest option for up to two people that want to save the most money possible.
Hotel details
Address:
Muhsine Hatun Mahallesi, Fındıkkıran sokak, No:23 İstanbul-Fatih-Kumkapı, Fatih, 34130 Istanbul, Turkey.
Guest rating:
4.8 out of 5
Price per night:
From $23
Hotel Coliseum
Another cheap hotel that focuses on being close to the main attractions is the Hotel Coliseum. Because the hotel itself is nothing special, you make up the value in the location. Some of the top attractions within half a mile from your room include the Blue Mosque, Serpent Column, Arasta Bazaar, and so many other top spots. There are plenty of mosques and cultural focal points right outside your door.
This location also brings a couple of other unique factors. You are right on the Marmara Sea. So, that really cool feature can be accessed with basically no effort required. There is also a solid lineup of restaurants and cafes right down the street to enjoy.
When it comes to the hotel, it is basic and made for the budget traveler. The rooms will be clean and have the basics, which is probably all you need. So, if you need those luxuries that add to the experience, you may need to go to a different hotel.
There are a few different room styles, but they are all basic and hold five people at the most. If you want to save the most money possible, spring for a single or double room and nothing more.
Hotel details
Address:
Küçükayasofya Mahallesi, Aksakal Sok., No:5, Sultanahmet, Fatih, 34122 Istanbul, Turkey.
Guest rating:
4.5 out of 5
Price per night:
From $40
Angel’s Home Hotel
We round out our list with the Angel’s Home Hotel. This is a colorful hotel that has a ton of character. Some budget hotels really lack any sort of identity, but this one is the opposite. With red walls, modern decor, and a ton of color pop.
Although the building is pretty old, the style has been updated. So, from the moment you walk in, you will feel invited and happy about your decision.
A big aspect of staying here is the value found in amenities. Many cheap hotels will not have a list of amenities that cost no extra. You get complimentary hot drinks, a free minibar stocked up with soda and snacks, and even free Netflix. For a low price tag, you can get a room with all of these goodies, which is rare for a hotel of this kind.
This hotel is in the same area as the Hotel Coliseum, so the various Columns and mosques are right next door. One unique factor about the location is the density of restaurants and shops in that area. Whenever you are hungry or just want to get out, there are plenty of options.
Hotel details
Address:
Mimar Mehmet Aga Cad. Amiral Tafdil Sk. No: 26 Sultanahmet , Fatih, 34400 Istanbul, Turkey.
Guest rating:
4.5 out of 5
Price per night:
From $47
About our budget hotel recommendations in Istanbul
We are a travel research company. Our team helps you discover the best cheap hotels in Istanbul by researching the internet for you. We have also visited some of these places. Hence, it’s not just our opinion, it’s the opinion of thousands of travelers who have been there before you. We make it easy for you to find out about the best budget hotels in the city.
Please note, we only list hotels that have an aggregated guest review rating of at least 4.0 out of 5. We aggregate all reviews from different booking sites and other unbiased review websites. Any hotel listed here should have a price of $50 or less per night. Hence, you can be certain all hotels listed above offer you a great and affordable stay in Istanbul.
Lowest price guarantee
We collaborate with Hotels.com and Booking.com. These booking sites guarantee the lowest prices, ensuring you always get the best deals for the hotels mentioned above.
If you find a better rate elsewhere, simply contact the booking website. They’ll promptly refund the difference. You can match prices up until the day before your check-in date.
Other smart ways to cut hotel costs
Check out these ideas to help you save money when booking your next hotel stay:
- Pick your spot carefully: staying downtown cuts travel costs, while suburban hotels are often cheaper but require spending on city transport
- Use our hotel rate tracker: we monitor your hotel’s price and alert you to rate drops, potentially saving you big bucks
- Visit in slow seasons: travel outside busy times if possible
- Grab a refundable room early: if you see a good price, book it; best rates often come 3 to 6 weeks ahead
- Look for last-minute bargains
- Review all booking fees: are taxes and extra charges included?
- Sign up for hotel rewards: most big chains now offer loyalty perks and discounts
- Think about which days: Sunday nights tend to be cheapest for hotel rooms
- Look at hostel private rooms: cheaper than hotels with similar comforts
- Break up your stay: book a budget spot first, then end your trip at a fancier place
- Pack your own breakfast
Get more advice in our guide on cutting hotel booking costs. It’s packed with tips on the best booking times, useful tools, and other tricks to find your ideal hotel without breaking the bank.
Top 3 budget hotels in Istanbul
Let’s summarize this affordable travel guide. Based on thousands of guest reviews, these are the best budget hotels in Istanbul:
More Istanbul guides
Get to know the city even better by reading our other articles about Istanbul:
Best boutique hotels in Istanbul