The Best Budget Hotels in Ankara, Turkey

A few blocks west of Kizilay Square and its adjoining fountain-filled park, the Otto’s modern five-storey apartment block offers a range of suites and apartments catering to solo travellers and families. Most are fairly spacious and have balconies – or, in the case of the top-floor suite, a terrace – and all have modest, though fully equipped, kitchenettes and washing machines. It’s in a quiet neighbourhood, just a few minutes’ walk from the Anitkabir hilltop, Atatürk’s grand colonnaded tomb, and several government ministries.

Barely 100m from Ankara’s landmark Kocatepe Mosque, the Anatolia occupies a modest-looking building that could easily be taken for a small apartment block. It’s a quiet, friendly and unpretentious place; interiors are neat, modern and functional with a few eccentric touches in fabric-covered walls and faux-brickwork wallpaper. Most rooms have small fridges, some have balconies and there’s free on-street parking.

Traditional timber-frame walls and interior galleries distinguish the Çukurhan, an elegant 17th-century caravanserai now impeccably restored as a hotel. Antelope, bear and zebra heads overlook the courtyard and water feature, while potted shrubbery softens the museum-like look and atmosphere. Rooms have an eccentric vintage style, ranging from Ottoman detailing and sepia prints to south Asian statuary and formal portraits of Chinese nobles. The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations is moments away.

Close to Tunali Hilmi, one of Ankara’s most popular and vibrant commercial streets, the Aldino resembles a modern mansion with large windows and wrought iron railings. Rooms are particularly large for this class of hotel and their herringbone parquet floors and mock brick walls have an almost boutique feel; suites have well-equipped kitchenettes and terraces. There’s a modest restaurant with a handful of outside tables in summer, and free on-site parking if you happen to be driving.

Out on the city’s southern fringes, the Atli stands out with vertical neon lighting framing its windows. You’re unlikely to miss its equine statue rearing outside; atli means equestrian, and such motifs grace the decor and artwork throughout. Twin-sink bathrooms give the classy rooms a decadent feel, and comprehensive spa facilities include a salt room and heated 25m indoor pool. Make sure to order the loaded raspberry cheesecake at dinner.

A few blocks east of Segmenler Park, the unassuming Grand Nora offers sleek, unfussy double rooms and suites. The quiet neighbourhood has several nearby cafes and restaurants but you may well end up lingering in the in-house eatery, housed in a street-side conservatory on the ground floor. In the evening, check out the nearby Nusr-Et restaurant, popular with the locals for its steaks and ribs.

Glass walls and spacious balconies distinguish this modern, low-rise block on Ankara’s southern edge. Its one and two-bedroom contemporary apartments feature parquet floors and fully equipped kitchens; while they are broadly aimed at longer-stay visitors, they do cater to shorter stays, too. There’s an endearing touch of kitsch in the common areas – take the embossed floral design on pewter-coloured wallpaper.

Close to Kugulu Park and with easy access to commercial offices and shopping centres, the Cinnah’s unassuming facade masks a satisfyingly stylish property. There’s a subtly whimsical, almost Scandinavian, vibe to its interiors’ muted greys, sleek furniture and multitude of framed fine art prints and cartoons. The open lobby with floor-to-ceiling windows features a cool coffee shop and Nord Restaurant, both popular lunchtime spots.

Overlooking Kurtuluş (Independence) Park in downtown Ankara, the New Park Hotel has swanky, chandelier-lit interiors; you’ll find air conditioning and a minibar in your room. There’s an excellent, conservatory-like cafe facing the street, and the Park restaurant mixes Turkish and Mediterranean staples, with a generous fruit spread served at breakfast. The Aria spa specialises in massage, from Swedish to reflexology.

In Ankara’s Söğütözü business district, the Movenpick’s curved profile cuts a distinctive silhouette over a busy road junction. An oval-shaped lobby with bubble chandelier and flowing lines lends some drama, but rooms are mostly sober and serene. There’s a good restaurant – mainly Turkish cuisine with Mediterranean favourites – while the wellness centre offers saunas, Turkish baths and massages along with a small indoor pool.

There’s plenty of traditional charm at Angora House Hotel, located within a restored Ottoman house in Ankara’s old city. The antique wooden furniture, colourful Turkish carpets and decorative imperial objects in the six rooms make you feel like you’re back in the 1920s. The walled courtyard is a great place to enjoy breakfast in the sun and, thanks to its location in the old city, you can easily wander around to see the renovated Ottoman houses and visit Ankara Castle. The hotel is also a five-minute drive from the city centre, so you’ll be close to other important sights and activities.

Located in Ankara’s Ulus neighborhood, Hotel Mithat is a simple, comfortable and clean hotel for a great price; with a choice of single, double and triple rooms. The rooms feature air conditioning, LED TV with satellite channels, free wifi and private bathrooms. The carpeted rooms also have great city views as well as 24-hour room service. The Ulus neighbourhood is very central and all of Ankara’s main sights are easily accessible.

Even though it’s located in the heart of the Kızılay neighborhood, Doğa Residence tries to imbue its guests with a quiet and serene environment. Decked out in pretty regal tones, Doğa is nonetheless a budget hotel. Its standard rooms come with modern amenities and 24-hour room service. The hotel’s spa has a sauna and vitamin bar, as well as professional massage and Turkish bath services. Its location in Kızılay is the perfect place to easily reach all of Ankara’s sights.

The perfect place for backpackers and young travellers on a budget, Deeps Hostel is like a home away from home, with a very laid-back atmosphere. Around a five-minute walk from two main subway lines, bars, restaurants and shops, the hostel is well located to see all the main sights of Ankara, and the friendly and helpful staff are at hand to guide newcomers around the city. The rooms are clean and decorated in pastel colours; single, double and triple rooms are available, as well as dormitories with bunk beds that can accommodate up to seven people.