"Owned by three charismatic brothers, this place is bright, spacious and friendly and resists the pressure to go all modern or faux-Ottoman."

"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."

"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."

"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

"Travelers looking for somewhere to stay in Istanbul on a budget can't go wrong with the Side Hotel and Pension." Full review