Go Green with these Budget Istanbul Hotels

Travel has a big impact on our environment. If you’re concerned with preserving the natural beauty of the world as you visit it, take heart. Staying in green hotels isn’t always an option, but it’s much easier to find them now than ever before! Help care for this lush, green, and welcoming city: be a responsible traveler by staying with one of these eco-friendly hotels in Istanbul.

The President by Best Western is Leading the Way for Green Hotels

The Best Western Plus The President was Istanbul’s first hotel to be awarded a Green Star by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism. Cutting down their electrical and water usages by over 18 and 40 percent, respectively, and educating their staff monthly on environmental issues are just some of the steps they have taken to preserve the City on Seven Hills. The President is proof that responsible hotels don’t skimp on services or have sky-high prices. With four restaurants, a steam room, and fitness facilities, you’d be hard pressed to find any amenity missing. Prices start as low as $90 for a double room with sea view.

Bourgeoisie on a Budget at the Sarnic Premier Hotel

A former Ottoman mansion-turned-hotel, The Sarnic Premier hotel welcomes you with decadent touches of royal navy blue contrasting against stark white linens and furniture. The rooms are classic and elegant, tailored with thoughtful touches: for example, you’ll sleep like a baby on memory foam mattresses and awake right in the heart of Istanbul’s Sultanahmet neighborhood.

Rooms on higher floors boast the best views of the Blue Mosque day or night, but if you can’t get one, don’t worry – the restaurant is open all day and offers reasonably priced, great tasting food with a breathtaking view of the city.

The Sarnic Premier is another Istanbul hotel which takes the environmental issues of our day seriously: they use eco-friendly products, towel changing must be requested, and they ask each guest to be conscious of their energy usage.

Image courtesy of Matthias Rhomberg – Flickr

Find Freedom in Your Own Flat Near Taksim Square

When privacy and self-catering are high on your list, think of using Airbnb as an alternative to traditional accommodation. Renting out this flat near Taksim square means you get the whole place to yourself, while still enjoying hotel-quality amenities such as complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, towels, and free Wi-Fi. Staying in your own place means you’re in control of how much environmental impact you want to have: monitoring your own air-conditioning, water, and electric usage.

The central location means you don’t need public transportation to explore the city’s highlights and you can stop at home for lunch during the day, saving you even more money! The rate for the flat starts at $75 per night including the Airbnb service fee. An unbeatable price for exclusive accommodation in Istanbul.

Now you know where to stay, it’s time to dig into the background of the world’s favorite pastime : coffee. Trace the Turkish Coffee trail with this handcrafted tour that also includes Turkish Delight tasting.