Hotel Katerina Sarayı 1877

Really lovely midrange historic hotel - a true gem. Generously sized rooms, great buffet breakfast (don’t forget to try the local cheeses and honey) and good shower but the hotel’s real charm lies even more in its beautiful location directly behind Kars castle and next to the river. Close to all the city’s best restaurants (we liked Pushkin) and a fair price. Kars Castle and 12 Apostles’ church very close. Nice outside riverside terrace for an evening tea, coffee or soft drink (you have to sneak a little towards town if you want alcohol). Sleeping with the windows open (there are mozzie screens in place!) to the sound of the river was perfect. The hotel’s own taxi will take you to Ani or Batumi (meaning the border at Sarp) for a reasonable price and even more important with a safe and pleasant driver. Are there any minus points ? Sure: No airco or fans in the rooms so if there’s a heatwave be warned. But as Kars is one of Turkey’s highest cities (elevation 1750 metres) it doesn’t get as much sweltering summer heat as elsewhere in the region. (End July 2025: Van and Tatvan had been mid-30s C a few days earlier but Kars was only 25-27 C). No room safe or minibar; Wifi a bit dodgy. Highly recommended.

The hotel is perfectly located on the river, quiet, yet close to the city center. The rooms are clean and the breakfast is generous. The staff is friendly. The internet connection is poor in room 210, which must be too far from the modem. There is no meal service or alcohol sales, but you can order or bring in from outside. Brochures on nearby attractions would be welcome in the lobby. We had a very pleasant stay despite these small shortcomings.

Kars Castle needs attention and support. It looks abandoned. It urgently needs maintenance and renovation to preserve the historical castle. The hotel is small, beautiful and quite historical. The location is great. The area needs attention and support. Even though it is winter, there is a sewage smell coming from the river.

Arrived and left in the rain. Given a superior river-view room. Spacious room, comfortable bed, big radiator and lots of windows which open well. En suite rather on the small side. They seemed to cope well at breakfast despite us coinciding with a small coach party. Limited choice of hot items (chips, boiled eggs, menemen and I think pieces of beef or chicken sausage), but the menemen was the one which I have enjoyed most on this trip. Nice Turkish bread brought to the table and a wide choice of cold items including a very nice moist coconut sponge. In the absence of rain and darkness, there seems to be a pleasant quite short walk into town. Would stay again if in the area.

Katerina sarayı definitely exceeds expectations. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable stay in the beautiful city of Kars. An iconic hotel thoughtfully decorated A perfect balance of comfort and hospitality!

All of the staff went above and beyond to make me feel welcome and at home. I don’t remember the name of each one of them but they were all professional and nice always ready to help and assist. Miss Melisa, Ebru and Mr Erhan were extremely helpful with everything! Oh not to forget the breakfast was so delicious!
What truly sets Katerina Sarayi apart for me is Niko (the cat) and the outstanding service! I may have repeatedly emphasized on the service and hospitality but having stayed in many different hotels around the world I’ve never came across such a beautiful team! Looking forward to go back! Heartfelt Thank you to everyone!

HER DEFASINDA KEYİFLE KALDIĞIM YER

The hotel is small, beautiful and quite historical. The location is great. The area needs attention and support. Even though it is winter, there is a sewage smell coming from the river.

beautiful historic old russian hotel on the edge of town
eay walking to fort and nearby cafes and resturants

afternoon tea very nice next to the river
relaxing and peaceful away from the bustle of kars
staff nice

Our walk in the historical places around the hotel was very nice. In the evening, you can spend hours by the fire in the gardens by the river. The employees were very helpful and our conversations were very entertaining. I can't find words to say about breakfast, I will miss it so much.

It was okay. The hotel is already a bit old and one can see that. The breakfast was okay-ish. Better book without breakfast and have it in the city. The location and flair is the best part of the hotel. Their wifi is quite weak.