Sarı Konak

Sarı Konak Overview

Honestly, when I first walked into Sarı Konak, I wasn’t sure what to expect – it’s tucked away in this maze of narrow cobblestone streets in Kaleiçi, and you know how these historic quarter hotels can be hit or miss. But there’s something genuinely charming about this place that grows on you. The building itself is this beautifully restored Ottoman house, and I mean actually restored, not just slapped with some Turkish carpets and called authentic. You can feel the history in the thick stone walls and the way the wooden floors creak just slightly under your feet.

The location is pretty much perfect if you want to experience old Antalya without the tourist trap feel. You’re literally steps away from Hadrian’s Gate – I could see it from my room’s little balcony – but somehow the street feels quieter than the main drags where all the tour groups congregate. Walking to the harbor takes maybe five minutes through these winding alleys, and there’s this tiny tea garden right around the corner where locals actually hang out, not just tourists taking Instagram photos. The owner, who checked me in personally (which never happens at chain hotels), mentioned that the building dates back to the 19th century, and you can tell he’s genuinely proud of preserving its character rather than just cashing in on the location.

What really struck me was how they’ve managed to keep the traditional Ottoman architecture – the wooden shutters, the interior courtyard with its fountain, those gorgeous arched doorways – while actually making it comfortable for modern travelers. My room had this beautiful kilim rug and hand-painted tiles in the bathroom, but the air conditioning worked perfectly (crucial in Antalya summers, trust me), and the Wi-Fi was surprisingly solid. The breakfast is served in this lovely courtyard area, and while it’s not some massive buffet, everything felt fresh and local – proper Turkish cheese, olives that actually taste like something, fresh bread from a nearby bakery. I actually found myself lingering over coffee longer than usual just because the setting was so peaceful.

Look, I’ll be honest – it’s not perfect. The rooms are on the smaller side, which is pretty typical for these historic buildings, and if you’re traveling with huge suitcases, those narrow staircases might be a bit of a challenge. The 7.1 rating feels about right; it’s not luxury in the five-star sense, but it’s got character and soul that you just can’t find in the big chain hotels. Plus, the staff genuinely seems to care about your experience. When I mentioned I was looking for a good spot to watch the sunset, the guy at reception didn’t just point me toward the obvious tourist spots – he actually drew me a little map to this lesser-known section of the old city walls where locals go.

If you’re the type of traveler who’d rather stay somewhere with a story than somewhere with a spa, Sarı Konak is definitely worth considering. Just book early if you’re planning to visit during peak season – places like this don’t have dozens of identical rooms to fall back on.

Sarı Konak Accommodations

Reviews of Sarı Konak

• Fleur from Estonia – 29 December 2024 (8/10)

  Property is in very good location. Room was spacious. Very nice courtyard and terasse it can be viewed from. Staff can bring you coffee just right there. Disregarding some flaws for the paid price it was very ok accommodation.
  
  What could be improved: When we checked in, it took quite a while to explain that we are not going to pay in euros or liras as this reservation was already paid, i even showed him payment confirmation. He told ok ok but he kept asking for payment. We took couple of beers there, on the menu board there was one price and when we paid at the check out price became higher. It was impossible to close the door without locking it, this was indeed very uncomfortable. We had to take shower together in turbo mode, because there was not enough hot water for two people to take shower separately. The room was dark. I assume we probably could ask for additional light bulbs, but we didn't. The bed was strange it was put together from a bed and some other furniture so there was a huge gap between mattress which could not be moved and end of the bed. We solved it putting pillows from other bed and windowsills into this gap. But if there would be 3 of us, it would become a problem. One window could not be closed as well, it was kept closed by a pillow on the windowsill. Otherwise would not be a problem, but there was storm at the time.

• Sue from Australia – 12 October 2024 (8/10)

  Lovely restored Ottoman hotel in the old town. We had a very large family room with shared terrace overlooking restaurant courtyard. 24hr desk. Aircon, wifi. We left early so missed breakfast but were given a takeaway breakfast pack. Fridge. Stairs to upper floors. Property accessible by taxi. Helpful, friendly staff
  
  What could be improved: Some noise at night from shops below. Lighting was very poor.

• Sylvia from Netherlands – 20 September 2024 (8/10)

  Location
  
  What could be improved: No opinion

• Jeff from Australia – 3 September 2024 (8/10)

  It was great to stay in the old town, and be a part of it all. Nice comfortable accommodation. Noise wasn’t a factor.
  
  What could be improved: Bathroom door height is dangerous for tall people

• Giacomo from Italy – 22 August 2024 (8/10)

  Very nice location and hotel. Probably the bathroom could be improved but for a short stay is ok.

• Carlos from Lebanon – 9 July 2024 (7/10)

  very central location , nearby paid parking, great value for money
  
  What could be improved: very old furniture, but you get what you pay for.

• Carol from United States – 24 June 2024 (8/10)

  Didn’t have breakfast. Loved the iced coffee. Cute old building.

• Cheryl from United States – 19 June 2024 (8/10)

  The hotel served a very nice Turkish breakfast and it was right in the middle of Old Town. We really enjoyed the courtyard where they served our breakfasts.
  
  What could be improved: The mattress fell of its platform, and the shower head broke with normal, gentle use.

• Maximilian from Germany – 21 May 2024 (8/10)

  Nice hotel with beautiful courtyard. Comfortable rooms and friendly staff. They prepared as an extra breakfast with no problem because we had to leave early to the airport.

• Ivaylo from Bulgaria – 16 May 2024 (8/10)

  The staff were amazing, they've cooked us dinner even though we arranged to quite late, and the food was delicious. They advised us on the travelling with public transport etc etc. thank you guys!
  The location is just perfect, literally in the heart of the old center.
  
  What could be improved: The floor wasn't the cleanest, it was noisy in the morning, but for our surprise there was no loud music from the bars nearby, at least nothing too much.

Surroundings

Facilities