Where to stay in Istanbul: Best hotels and accommodation for Aston Villa fans

Aston Villa's fans are getting ready for their first European final since they famously lifted the Champions League trophy in 1982 after a win over Bayern Munich in the final.

Once again, Aston Villa's road to European glory leads through a German team, but this time it will be Freiburg in the Europa League final that will be played in Istanbul, at Besiktas' Tupras Stadium, on May 20.

Villa's fans who decide to travel to Istanbul later this month will have to figure out accommodation as soon as possible.

With that in mind, we have done our research to help you out and prepared a list of the best hotels and accommodations for Aston Villa fans in Istanbul.

Where to stay near the Tupras Stadium for Aston Villa fans

The Turpas Stadium is located in Istanbul's Besiktas district, a modern district located on the European shore of the Bosphorus.

The Besiktas district is close to both Taksim Square (approx. 2.5 km), the modern city centre of Istanbul, and Sultanahmet (around 9 km), which is the city's historic centre.

In any case, whether you decide to stay in the Besiktas district itself or around Sultanahmet, you will have easy access to everything important since these parts of Istanbul are all well-connected by buses, minibuses (dolmus), and even ferries.

Cheap option: Besiktas Konuk Evi Hotel

Located around 1.7 km from the Tupras Stadium, Besiktas Konuk Evi Hotel is one of the closest accommodation options to the stadium itself. You can even take a brisk 20-min walk to the stadium on matchday and avoid dealing with any transportation.

When it comes to the hotel amenities, the biggest advantage in addition to it's location is the cheap price.

The rooms are still comfortable enough and have their own bathrooms. Free Wi-Fi is included, along with tea/coffee makers in all rooms.

Price for two nights (19-21 May): £122-140

Affordable option: Dedeman Istanbul

While Dedeman Istanbul isn't as close to the Turpas Stadium as some other picks on our list (approx. 3.5 km), it is one of the more affordable options. Located close to the Gayrettepe Metro Station and Zorlu Center, it is still only 10 minutes away from the stadium by car or around 20 mins by public transport.

Dedeman is a large, 5-star hotel that offers many nice amenities, including a roof bar with panoramic views of Istanbul, an indoor pool, and a spa.

Price for two nights (19-21 May): £175-250

Mid-range option: Ciragan Hotel Bosphorus

This luxury hotel offers a few different room options, which range significantly in prices, but even their most affordable option offers all the amenities and includes a breakfast buffet with both local and international delicacies.

Ciragan Hotel Bosphorus is a stylish and streamlined property, with rooms that are equally impressive. It is equally close (approx. 2 km) to both the stadium and Dolmabahce Palace, a 19th-century imperial palace that's worth a visit.

Price for two nights (19-21 May): £430-650

High-end option: Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus

If you're looking for luxury while staying within walking distance of the Turpas Stadium, you can't go wrong with the award-winning Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus.

This hotel has 3 tennis courts, a renovated spa and wellness centre, a non-stop fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pools, and a Turkish hammam.

There are also multiple dining options on site, including the most recent option in Monteverdi Ristorante, which offers fine-dining Italian cuisine.

Price for two nights (19-21 May): £860-1,000+

Best hotels in the centre of Istanbul for Aston Villa fans

Cheap option: Bona Sera Hotel

For the ridiculously low price, Bona Sera Hotel offers plenty of good things. The rooms are comfortable, clean, with free Wi-Fi, air conditioning and private bathrooms. You can also opt for a solid, hearty breakfast buffet for as low as £5 per person.

The hotel's location is not strictly in the heart of Sultanahmet, but it's within walking distance of it.

Price for two nights (19-21 May): £50-70

Affordable option: Hotel 1207 Special Class Sultanahmet

Nestled in the heart of Sultanahmet, the 1207 Hotel Special Class offers a blend of historic charm and modern comfort in a beautifully restored 100-year-old townhouse. From its rooftop terrace, guests enjoy stunning views of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

The hotel's elegant rooms are clean, comfortable, and equipped with all the modern amenities, including air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and coffee/tea makers.

Price for two nights (19-21 May): £165-185

Mid-range option: Cronton Design Hotel

Perfectly situated in the heart of Istanbul, this elegant hotel features a spacious terrace, a stylish bar, and a world-class restaurant and complimentary Wi-Fi in all public areas.

The rooms are comfortable and modern, with stunning city views, private bathrooms, air conditioning, and all other necessary amenities.

Price for two nights (19-21 May): £330-380

High-end option: AJWA Sultanahmet – Preferred Hotels LVX Collection

This hotel opened in 2017 and it is the most luxurious option on our list, especially in Istanbul’s historic Sultanahmet district. The stunning Ottoman-style décor jumps immediately, making you feel like you're in a completely different era.

Meanwhile, the rooms offer supreme comfort thanks to underfloor heating, electronic curtains, slow-motion beds, and hand-painted tiles in the bathrooms.

The guests can enjoy the spa, fitness centre, indoor pool, and dining at a renowned Zeferan Restaurant, which boasts astonishing views of the Marmara Sea and Princes’ Islands.

Price for two nights (19-21 May): £650-1,000+

FGG says: Plenty of options in Istanbul

The number of good accommodation options in Istanbul is immense, both in the Besiktas district and the historical city centre of Sultanahmet.

This is a city famous for tourism, so it's not a surprise that it is so well-equipped to take on a lot of people, which is good news for Aston Villa fans hoping to be there for the team's historic European night.