Saltanahmet district is a tourist designation due to the attractions and can be way more expensive than anticipated. Be prepared to spend money and have many encounters.

The wallnut shell is an adorable and quaint little hotel in the heart of the old city district. Walking distance to many major attractions. The staff at the hotel were very kind and accommodating. Breakfast, which is served next door at the Harmony Hotel, was a delicious spread and a great way to start the day.

Stayed in May 2025

Not for elderly people - 4th floor, no lift, narrow stairs. Breakfast could be better.

Very good location, nice balcony, kind staff.

Stayed in March 2025

For senior folks it might be a consideration going up the stairs if staying in the upper level (4th floor). The stairs are steep.

Excellent staff. Kadir is very kind and professional. The room was very comfortable and has a big balcony. The hotel is very close to the main attractions, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and so on. Many restaurants and shops around the place.

Stayed in February 2025

Stairs to the fourth floor are very steep and narrow, so passing through is not comfortable. But that's building disposition, so if you require full comfort, choose Harmony hotel beside, which is the same owner

Kadir, the owner and his family are very pleasant, kind and helpful. Upper room has a balcony with good view to the sea and hotel is located very close to all great sightseeings of Istanbul

Stayed in January 2025

41 steps up to room up narrow spiral staircase then 50 in the hotel next door for breakfast. I should have thought about that. Rooms quite small unless you get the top floor suite - no table and chair

Handy for old town. Good breakfast with french fries in hotel next door. Clean.

Stayed in November 2024

Not having AC in the space next to the balcony made it difficult to deal with the heat.

Location is the best about this property. Staff is also very friendly and helpful. The property is cleaned daily.

Stayed in July 2024

Quite old hotel, needs repairment. Breakfast in the next door hotel was aberage

Perfect location, pleasant staff

Stayed in June 2024

Was fine for us, but no lifts. So walking up stairs could be a problem for some people.

Well located for the main tourist attractions on this side of Istanbul. Great staff, always helpful.

Stayed in July 2024

Small things added up: The toilet seat wasn't attached. We had a great hot shower at night but cold water in the morning. Our room overlooked a yard full of trash. The staff helped us with the luggage--much appreciated because of the narrow spiral staircase with no banister.

We slept well in our clean and surprisingly quiet room. It's an easy walk to Haga Sofia and other renowned buildings in this UNESCO Heritage Site. The hotel sent use to the Harmony Hotel for breakfast, which we ate on a rooftop terrace overlooking the Bosphorus.

Stayed in July 2024

The air con in our initial room didn't work and we had an awfully sweaty first night with no sleep. After reporting it they told us they had checked and it was fine. It wasn't, and once we'd told them again they were super helpful and moved us to a new room. The 1st room's decor was tatty, it had a broken toilet seat and the bathroom light was on a sensor that switched off after 30 seconds. The 2nd room was less tatty and everything worked, except from an exposed wire on the kettle. It would have been useful to have signs on the breakfast food indicating what everything was as we couldn't tell, as well as instructions on how to use the tea machine!

The hotel staff were very helpful and kind. They gave us great information about the city on arrival and were very quick to solve the issues that we had. The breakfast was next door at the sister hotel, which had a lovely sea view.

Stayed in June 2024

The location is great

Stayed in May 2024

The room is a little tight for two people, but overall, it was very comfortable.

The staff was very nice, always willing to help and answer questions. Breakfast was good and with a nice view.

Stayed in May 2024

The sheets. I could tell they were not cleaned; white sheets are not supposed to be dingy.

The staff was very welcoming and went above and beyond to assist me. Walnut Shell is also very centrally located to a lot of major landmarks.

Stayed in May 2024

The room was too small and everything was quite outdated.

Location and the staff are excellent.

Stayed in May 2024

Amazing location in Old Istanbul. Great value for money. Excellent choice if you are looking for something to just sleep in. The rooms are compact but bearable. Not luxurious but comfortable and was great for a base after our busy days.

Stayed in March 2024

The receptionist was accommodating. He went the extra mile to help us when we had an issue with the shopping we did for some clothes. Overall, all the staff were very nice and friendly. The room is cleaned every day and whenever you return to the hotel, you find the room well prepared as the first day.

Stayed in February 2024

Friendly staff, great location and great value for money!

Stayed in November 2023

Spiral staircase was a bit of a challenge, but that does not detract from a good stay

Great location being central to old town Manager and staff very pleasant and helpful

Stayed in September 2023

One notable downside was the thin doors, which resulted in excessive noise from neighboring guests, impacting overall comfort. Additionally, the photos on the website presented a more appealing image of the hotel compared to the reality of the stay. A concerning aspect was the presence of black mold in the bathroom floor, indicating a need for improved cleanliness and maintenance. These factors slightly diminished the overall impression of the hotel.

This hotel boasts a convenient location, making it easy to access nearby attractions. The staff were generally friendly and accommodating during my stay. The bed was comfortable enough for a decent night's rest. The internet service was reliable, meeting basic connectivity needs. The breakfast was average, not exceeding expectations. Despite minor drawbacks, the hotel's location and amenities made for an overall satisfactory experience.

Stayed in October 2023

Good location close to the main attractions.

Stayed in July 2023

A lovely little gem near the old city. Close to everything with a wonderful host.

Stayed in July 2023

Great location and very helpful staff, rooms are adequate for the price.

Stayed in July 2023

No lift and very tiny stairs

Location, nice rooms

Stayed in July 2023

the room inside is not very clean

did not have any

Stayed in July 2023