Grand Hotel de Londres, known in Turkish as Büyük Londra Oteli, opened in 1892 on Meşrutiyet Caddesi in the Pera district. It was built to host travellers arriving in Constantinople by ship and by the Orient Express, and it stands a few doors from the Pera Palace Hotel.
It has kept much of its period character: an antique-furnished lobby, a stained-wood bar, a grand staircase and a tiny elevator that leads to a rooftop terrace with views of the Golden Horn.
Quick Facts
| Address | Asmalımescit Mahallesi, Meşrutiyet Caddesi No: 53, Tepebaşı, Beyoğlu, İstanbul |
|---|---|
| District | Beyoğlu |
| Metro | Şişhane (M2, About 9 minutes on foot, according to a booking listing; confirm on a map app) |
| Best time to visit | Spring and autumn for walking in Pera, and late afternoon for the rooftop bar before sunset. |
| Recommended duration | 1 to 3 nights, or a drink on the terrace |
Booking and Check-In at Grand Hotel de Londres
Book rooms ahead, especially in spring and autumn.
- Check-in: from 14:00; check-out until 12:00.
- Minimum check-in age: 18.
- Pets: listings say they are not allowed.
- Phone: +90 212 245 0670 is listed in a travel directory.
Check with the hotel directly for current details.
Why Visit Grand Hotel de Londres?
Most Istanbul hotels today are polished and modern. Grand Hotel de Londres offers the opposite: a faded, authentic piece of old Pera, which is exactly why it draws so many photographers and writers.
It is more of an atmosphere than a luxury stay, and works for travellers who value character over polish and who want to be steps from İstiklal Avenue.
Highlights of Grand Hotel de Londres
A hotel from 1892
The hotel was built in 1892 by the Glavani family and was once considered the most prestigious address in Pera. It has been open for more than a hundred years.
It remains one of the few late nineteenth-century European-style hotels in the neighbourhood.
Tip: Look at the old photographs and furniture in the lobby.
The lobby and the bar
The lobby is filled with antique furniture, and a stained-wood bar stands at the rear. Writers and artists have long used it as a meeting place, and a city guide mentions the link with Ernest Hemingway.
The mood is nostalgic and slightly faded.
Tip: Have a drink at the lobby bar in the evening.
The grand staircase
A grand staircase connects the floors and is a favourite spot for photographs. The elegant, old-fashioned staircase fits the period character of the building.
A small elevator also serves the upper floors.
Tip: Take the stairs down when you leave the roof for the full effect.
The rooftop terrace
A tiny elevator carries visitors to a rooftop bar with views of the Golden Horn and the Old City. A city guide calls it scenic without being a scene, with a simple menu.
Arrive before sunset to hear the call to prayer echo across the streets.
Tip: Go before sunset for the best light and sounds.
A central Pera location
The hotel is a short walk from İstiklal Avenue, the Pera Museum and the Pera Palace Hotel, with Galata Tower about 11 minutes away on foot.
Şişhane metro station is about 9 minutes away.
Tip: Use the metro to Şişhane and walk through the Pera streets.
Honest period charm
A travel guide describes the hotel as an authentic period piece with worn woodwork and creaky floors, friendly and good value for the area. Some rooms have been renovated, while others keep a worn look.
Do not expect modern luxury.
Tip: Check recent room photos and ask for a renovated room.
Atmosphere
The hotel feels like a living museum: faded, quiet and unhurried, with an old-fashioned lobby and a slightly bohemian crowd of artists and writers. The mood is informal and friendly.
It is not polished or modern, and some guests find the rooms worn.
History of Grand Hotel de Londres
The Glavani family built the hotel in 1892 as the Büyük Londra Oteli, one year after the Pera Palace opened nearby. Both were designed to host European travellers arriving by ship and by the Orient Express.
The Pera Palace was later restored extensively, while Grand Hotel de Londres kept much of its original character and has been open for well over a century.
How to Get to Grand Hotel de Londres
The hotel is on Meşrutiyet Caddesi in the Tepebaşı quarter of Pera, near the Pera Palace Hotel and the Pera Museum.
- Metro: take the M2 to Şişhane, about 9 minutes on foot (booking listing).
- On foot: İstiklal Avenue is about 5 minutes away and Galata Tower about 11 minutes.
- Taxi: the simplest way from the airports.
Use a map app for the final stretch.
Food Nearby
Meşrutiyet Caddesi and the Asmalımescit streets have many restaurants and bars, and Pera Museum has a cafe nearby.
What to Bring
A camera, comfortable shoes for the Pera hills and low expectations of modern comfort.
Family Suitability
The hotel is old and quiet. Check the room types and facilities with the hotel if you travel with children.
Istanbul Vibes Tips
- Ask for a renovated room and check recent photos.
- Visit the rooftop bar before sunset.
- Take the grand staircase down for photographs.
- Walk to İstiklal Avenue and the Pera Museum from the door.
- Do not expect modern luxury; the appeal is the period character.
- Confirm Wi-Fi and amenities with the hotel before arrival.
Explore Nearby Grand Hotel de Londres
Metro stations near Grand Hotel de Londres
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FAQ: Grand Hotel de Londres
What is Grand Hotel de Londres?
A historic hotel from 1892 in Pera, also called Büyük Londra Oteli, with 54 rooms and a rooftop bar.
Where is it?
On Meşrutiyet Caddesi in the Tepebaşı quarter of Beyoğlu, near the Pera Palace Hotel.
Can I visit the rooftop bar?
Yes, the rooftop terrace bar serves visitors; check the opening hours.
What are the check-in times?
From 14:00, with check-out until 12:00.
Is it luxurious?
No, it is an authentic period piece with worn charm rather than a modern luxury hotel.
How far is the metro?
About 9 minutes on foot to Şişhane, according to a booking listing.
Are pets allowed?
Booking listings say no.
Is it expensive?
It is in a modest price range (₺₺) for the area.
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This guide is created with the help of AI and is based on official sources where available. Mistakes can still happen. Opening hours, prices, rules and other details are given to the best of our knowledge as of the date shown and can change without notice. It offers general recommendations only, not professional, legal or travel advice. Please confirm important details with the official source before you travel; you are responsible for your own plans and decisions.
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