Orient Occident Hotel Review: Affordable luxury in Istanbul
One day, we’ll spend more than 19 hours in Istanbul, but that day isn’t today. We had a layover in one of the world’s more fascinating cities and decided to lay our weary heads to rest in the old city before our flight to Casablanca. Now, if you're looking for a stylish and centrally located hotel in Istanbul, you should stay where we stayed: the Orient Occident Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection. It’s a fairly new hotel and a hidden gem worth considering. Here’s a full breakdown of our experience.
First impressions & location
The hotel arranged an airport transfer in a Mercedes-Benz Vito for €50, which was more affordable than our original Black Lane reservation. However, travelers should note that due to road access regulations in the Old City, direct drop-off may not always be possible via regular taxi so be sure to arrange your car service with the hotel or inquire about your options.
From the outside, the hotel doesn’t stand out very much (it’s the one that’s lit up in the photo below). It’s tucked away on a narrow one-way road off the main strip. But stepping into the high-ceilinged lobby immediately sets a luxurious tone. You’ll wonder why it’s so cheap.
The decor features wall moldings, leather chairs, and modern chandeliers, creating a welcoming ambiance. The check-in process was seamless, with friendly front desk staff, one of whom even took the time to chat with me in Russian (she’s from Pyatigorsk). As a thoughtful touch, we received a handwritten note from the manager and a selection of Turkish Delight in our room, I assume thanks to my Bonvoy Titanium Elite status.
One of the hotel’s biggest advantages is its prime location in the Old City, making it perfect for sightseeing. Within walking distance, you’ll find:
Hagia Sophia (15-minute walk)
Blue Mosque/Sultan Ahmed Mosque (15-minute walk)
Topkapi Palace (15-minute walk)
Golden Horn / Haliç (5-minute walk)
New Mosque (Yeni Cami) (5-minute walk)
After dinner, we took a scenic walk across the Galata Bridge, where we enjoyed breathtaking nighttime views of the Golden Horn, illuminated mosques, and the bustling waterfront. The bridge is one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, spanning the Golden Horn and connecting the historic peninsula with the modern Beyoğlu district. It’s not only a crucial transportation link but also a cultural hotspot, where local fishermen line the railings, and restaurants beneath the bridge serve fresh seafood with stunning waterfront views. There was definitely a karaoke night happening at one of the larger restaurants. The bridge offers a unique perspective of Istanbul’s skyline, with the silhouettes of mosques and minarets visible at sunset.
We also got to see the New Mosque up close, with its grand architecture and intricate details standing out beautifully under the city lights. Known as Yeni Cami in Turkish, it’s an architectural masterpiece located near the Spice Bazaar, just steps from the Golden Horn and 5-minutes walk from the hotel. It was commissioned in the 17th century by Safiye Sultan and blends Ottoman and Islamic architectural styles, featuring a grand courtyard, intricate tilework, and a striking central dome. Its serene interior is adorned with blue, green, and white Iznik tiles, creating a tranquil space for worshippers and visitors alike. The mosque’s location, overlooking the bustling waterfront, makes it a must-visit site for those exploring Istanbul’s historic heart.
We also explored Eminönü Square, where we soaked in the vibrant street atmosphere, complete with food vendors, local shops, and the lively energy of Istanbul’s evening crowds.
Room & comfort
We stayed in a Superior Room (now called Deluxe), featuring a city view which was really just a view of the road and building immediately adjacent to the hotel. It’s a tight squeeze in the Old City. The interior felt truly decadent, with forest green walls, intricate moldings, a tan leather headboard, and crisp white linens. The gold accents throughout the space, combined with the dim lighting from a modern chandelier, created a warm, intimate ambiance. A plush, striped bedspread added to the cozy yet elegant feel of the room.
Our corner room had windows on two sides, offering potential for great natural light—though we arrived after sunset and left before sunrise. The floor-to-ceiling curtains provided excellent blackout coverage, perfect for those needing uninterrupted rest. However, early in the morning, we did hear the call to prayer from a nearby mosque, which added a lovely cultural touch to the stay.
Noise: Generally quiet, but when we opened the window for fresh air, a truck backing up in an alley at 1 AM disrupted our sleep. No big deal; we simply shut the window and tried to go back to sleep.
Bed Comfort: Extremely comfortable, with plush linens and supportive pillows.
Toiletries: Provided by Nerolinn, a Turkish brand known for high-quality bath products.
Minibar Surprise: Stocked with the usual drinks and snacks, but also… condoms in the fridge; an unexpected hilarious touch!
Dining experience at Roof Mezze 360
For dinner, we dined at Roof Mezze 360, a restaurant with a beautiful rooftop view of the city. The meal was a delightful mix of traditional Turkish flavors and fresh ingredients. We enjoyed beyti (grilled meat wrapped in lavash), mushroom caps filled with cheese, and Zahter salad, a refreshing mix of parsley, spring onion, mint, spices, and pomegranate. We also had a beef dish, the name of which escapes us, but it was incredibly flavorful. Our waiter kindly treated us to Turkish Halwa and tea, a lovely gesture.
However, towards the end of our meal, a nearby table lit a cigarette, which quickly dampened our appetite, and we found ourselves making a swift exit. Despite this, the food and service were excellent, making it a memorable meal.
Dining & amenities
Breakfast: Served à la carte and included for Bonvoy Titanium Elite members. We had cheesy scrambled eggs on a croissant with pomegranate juice and coffee—simple but delicious.
Wi-Fi: Fast and reliable, with free high-speed service as part of Bonvoy benefits.
Concierge Service: Prompt and helpful, assisting with a restaurant reservation for dinner.
Hotel Facilities: No time to explore additional features, but the hotel offers discounts at its sister property, Orient Bank Autograph Collection, a short walk away.
Value for money
We redeemed 32,000 Bonvoy points for this stay, which was a great deal considering the cash price was €250 per night. Given the high-end feel, excellent service, and prime location, the hotel offers affordable luxury—ideal for travelers who want a VIP experience without breaking the bank.
No unexpected fees were added, and the exclusive dining and drink discounts at their sister hotel were a nice perk.
Pros & Cons
✅ Luxurious decor & comfortable rooms
✅ Walking distance to major attractions
✅ Excellent service & personal touches
✅ Great value when booked with Bonvoy points
✅ Airport transfer service available at a reasonable cost
❌ Limited road access may cause minor transport inconvenience
❌ Noise from outside if windows are open
Final verdict: would we stay again?
Absolutely! While we might try a different property next time just for variety, this hotel is an easy recommendation for couples and solo travelers looking for style, comfort, and convenience. If you're visiting Istanbul and want a blend of modern luxury and historical charm, this is a fantastic option.
Final tips for future guests
Book through the Marriott Bonvoy website and, if you aren’t already a member, sign up for potential elite benefits. You can also book through Expedia.com.
Side note on Bonvoy, I take advantage of two Bonvoy credit cards for additional perks (Chase Bonvoy Boundless and American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business)
Arrange an airport transfer through the hotel for a hassle-free arrival and likely lower cost
Be prepared for early morning call to prayer if you're a light sleeper
Check out the nearby Hafiz Mustafa for amazing Turkish sweets
Would you stay at the Orient Occident Hotel Istanbul, Autograph Collection? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
