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Side Hotel vs Raffles Istanbul

Both hotels are endorsed by writers. On balance, Raffles Istanbul is the choice of most professionals compared to Side Hotel and Pension. Raffles Istanbul ranks #14 in Istanbul with recommendations from 6 publications like Condé Nast Traveler, Jetsetter and Wallpaper.

Side Hotel
Side Hotel
7 / 10
Utangac Sok. No 20, Istanbul 34400, Turkey
From $108 /night
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Free Internet
  • Free Breakfast
  • Smoking Rooms
  • Air Conditioning
  • Breakfast included
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Rough Guide Rough Guide
"Owned by three charismatic brothers, this place is bright, spacious and friendly and resists the pressure to go all modern or faux-Ottoman."
Lonely Planet Lonely Planet
"A sprawling place that has a long-standing reputation for cheap, clean and comfortable accommodation, the Side has overpriced hotel rooms with TV, air-con and en suite."
DK Eyewitness DK Eyewitness
"This family run establishment combines a pension for budget-conscious guests and also a ritzier hotel. Pension prices are cheaper and facilities are fewer, with no air conditioning in rooms."
Frommer's Frommer's
"This place has been offering good-value, spotlessly clean, well-managed accommodation in the heart of the old city since 1989." Full review
The Telegraph The Telegraph
8.0
"Superbly located within a few minutes' walk of the old city's top sights, the Side is understandably the budget travellers' accommodation of choice in central Istanbul." Full review
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Raffles Istanbul
Raffles Istanbul
8 / 10
Zorlu Center | Besiktas, Istanbul 34340, Turkey
From $217 /night
  • Pet Friendly
  • Bar/Lounge
  • Hot Tub
  • Free Internet
  • Room Service
  • Laundry Service
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Condé Nast Traveler Condé Nast Traveler
"Channels the city’s Byzantine charm and mystery with gorgeous views from almost every room and lush Turkish textiles." Full review
Star Service Star Service
" With facilities catering to business travelers, families, couples, and VIPs, the 11th member of the international Raffles chain of luxury hotels has broad appeal." Full review
Wallpaper Wallpaper
"All rooms feature a balcony with the best views overlooking the Bosphorus and the Princes’ Islands." Full review
Oyster Oyster
Kid-Friendly
"Raffles Istanbul is a five-pearl property with dramatic, art-filled interiors situated in an upscale mall and residential complex, about a 30-minute drive from the top tourist sights." Full review
The Telegraph The Telegraph
9.0
"Unlike the majority of luxury hotels in Istanbul, Raffles does not pay homage to the city’s bygone Byzantine and Ottoman eras, but stands instead as a symbol of a modern, self-confident Turkey." Full review
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