Hotels in Laleli, Istanbul: staying near the wholesale markets

Hotel Istanbul Trend, Oran Hotel, Istanbul Town Hotel: when people in Algeria search for an Istanbul hotel by name, the result is almost always in the same place, Laleli and the neighbouring district of Aksaray. There is a simple reason. Many Algerian travellers go to Istanbul to shop, whether for their own store, a wedding or the family, and Laleli is the city's wholesale clothing district. Here is how the area works, how to get around and what to check before you book.

At a glance

• Who is it for? Travellers whose trip is mainly about shopping, wholesale or for the family.
• Where? In the old city, on the European side, between Beyazıt and Aksaray.
• Getting around: the tram along Ordu Avenue, the metro at Aksaray.
• Most searched hotels from Algeria: Hotel Istanbul Trend, Oran Hotel, Istanbul Town Hotel.

Laleli, the wholesale district

Laleli is part of the Fatih district, in Istanbul's old city on the European shore, and lies between Beyazıt and Aksaray. It is known for its wholesale textile trade: clothing for women, men and children, shoes and accessories. Large stores often bring several brands together under one roof, and part of the goods is shipped abroad.

At the heart of the area stands the Laleli Mosque, built in the 1760s under Sultan Mustafa III. Shops now fill the spaces beneath its terrace, a fitting picture of a district where heritage and trade sit side by side. Faculties of Istanbul University are close by, which explains the name of the local tram stop, Laleli-University.

Aksaray, next door

Aksaray continues Laleli to the west and is above all a transport hub. Aksaray station on metro line M1 runs to Yenikapı, a major interchange with metro line M2 and the Marmaray, the rail line that links both sides of the city through a tunnel under the sea. Hotel Istanbul Trend, one of the names most searched from Algeria, is on this side of the area.

Getting around from Laleli

Tram line T1 runs along Ordu Avenue, the area's main street. Heading east, it passes Beyazıt and the Grand Bazaar, then Sultanahmet and Eminönü, before reaching Kabataş, so the old city's monuments are only a few stops away. Get an Istanbulkart, the rechargeable public transport card valid on trams, the metro, buses and ferries.

The hotels people search for from Algeria

In searches made from Algeria, three hotels in Laleli and Aksaray come up more often than the rest:

• Hotel Istanbul Trend: on Gazi Mustafa Kemal Paşa Avenue, on the Aksaray side.
• Oran Hotel: in the Balabanağa area of Laleli. Not to be confused with hotels in the Algerian city of Oran: it is an Istanbul hotel.
• Istanbul Town Hotel: on Kalaycı Şevki Street, in the Mimar Kemalettin area of Laleli.

To see offers for your dates, type their name or "Laleli" into the Istanbul hotel search. The area has many other hotels too, so compare them on the same criteria before choosing.

Before you book in Laleli: a checklist

• Recent reviews: read the latest ones, especially on cleanliness, air conditioning and service.
• The room: size, actual number of beds, and whether the window faces the street or a courtyard. Shopping streets are very busy during the day.
• A lift: very useful when you come back loaded with bags.
• Breakfast: included or not.
• Arrival time: if you arrive late at night or very early, let the hotel know.
• Cancellation: the conditions are shown on each offer before you confirm.

If you buy in bulk, ask the seller how goods can be delivered or shipped, and check the customs rules for your return to Algeria before you leave.

Laleli, Sultanahmet or Taksim?

Laleli is the right choice when shopping is the heart of the trip: you sleep in the middle of the stores. If sightseeing comes first, Sultanahmet, a few tram stops away, puts Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque within walking distance. For evenings out, Taksim is livelier. Our guide on where to stay in Istanbul compares all the areas.

Visa: check before you go

In principle, entry conditions to Turkey for Algerian citizens depend in particular on age and on visas already held; check the up-to-date conditions with the Turkish consulate or the official website before you travel. Our article on the Turkey visa for Algerians sums it up. We do not handle visa applications.

Book your Laleli hotel and pay in dinars

On Nreservi you choose your Istanbul hotel online for your dates and send your request without a bank card. Our team confirms availability and price; from Algeria, you then pay in dinars: BaridiMob, bank transfer or cash at our Telemly office. You then receive your booking voucher to show at reception. Living abroad? You can also pay online by bank card, and your voucher is sent to you once the payment is made. The whole process is explained in our guide to booking a hotel without a bank card.

See hotels in Istanbul

Nreservi, online travel agency — 1st floor, 116 boulevard Colonel Krim Belkacem (Telemly), Algiers Centre — +213 540 28 40 40.