This externally unexciting Ulus hotel is a long-time favourite of mine, in part because its location is so handy for sightseeing and public transport, and because it’s an example of that increasingly endangered species – the well-run two-star business hotel.
The Spor doesn’t concern itself with boutique decorative flourishes. On the other hand the beds are extremely comfortable, the TVs have a few channels in European languages, the air-con keeps the Ankara summer heat at bay, and the bathrooms, while old-fashioned, function perfectly effectively. However, on my most recent visit it did seem that a deep-clean was long overdue, as was upgrading of the showers.
The staff at the Spor are old faithfuls who bother to remember your face. Better still, the breakfasts in the ground-floor dining room are pretty good with a choice of hot and cold items more usual in a three-star hotel and guaranteed to get its largely business but also tour-group clientele off to a good start in the day.
The downside to the Spor is that it’s in an area with a lot of bars which means that young single women might prefer to stay somewhere else. On match nights the noise from the ones screening football can be LOUD.
Thumbs up: Excellent breakfasts, efficient management, comfortable facilities
Thumbs down: Somewhat seedy surroundings
Tel: 0312-324 2165
