Photo via Google, S KayaHotel Katerina Sarayı
- Hours
- Today: Open 24 hours
- Best time
- A snowy night, for the fire pit and mulled wine outside
Why it’s in the log
Kars belonged to the Russian Empire from 1878 to 1918, and Katerina Sarayı is one of the stone mansions the garrison left behind in the old Kaleiçi quarter — thick walls, tall windows, and a weight to the building that Kars's newer streets don't have. The name ("Katerina's Palace") points at that history rather than any real Romanov connection; it's a period house, not a former royal residence.
What it's actually good for is winter. Kars gets some of the coldest, snowiest nights in Turkey, and the hotel runs a fire pit in its courtyard where guests sit outside with mulled wine while snow settles on the stone around them — a specific, seasonal reason to book a night here rather than just pass through on the way to Ani.
What people said recently
From Google reviews · see all 1,899 ↗
“The location is excellent. Close to all historical sites. A river runs through in front of the hotel. The interior is beautiful. Very comfortable. The staff are amazing. Special thanks to Esen and Melisa at the reception and Talat for his…”
“Excellent location, over excellent breakfast, incredible design of building and rooms, unexplainable helpful and kind staff. The Kars River flows right in front of the hotel. The sound of the water is so beautiful that you can hear it 24…”
“An old building with same style furniture. Breakfast is served adequately. Room service is not available. Do not expect towels replacement. No fridge and safe box in the room. Location is 15 mins walking from the city center.”
