The Blue Tuana was a gem of a find in a lovely district of Istanbul. Tucked at the feet of the Blue Mosque and Haga Sophia, you'll find dozens of great restaurants and sights just minutes from your room - and the neighborhood is easily among the most affordable in Istanbul (a very affordable city to begin with).

The staff were attentive and highly responsive, and the included breakfast was always filling a wonderful benefit of staying here.

I'm an early riser but to those who wish to sleep past 6AM, be aware that there is a mosque just across the railroad tracks and he will call believers to prayer at 6:30AM as is his duty; he may call you from sleep as well. But you get used to it. The trains may occasionally rouse you from sleep but nothing terrible for those already living in major cities.

Wifi is excellent and reliable.

I had several postcards that the kindly fellow at the desk offered to mail for me - an excellent example of their overall friendliness and hospitality here at the Blue Tuana.