Sultan Cave Suites
by the TopOfHotel team
Sultan Cave Suites owns the most photographed rooftop in Cappadocia — the balloon-and-cushions shot the whole internet knows.
Sultan Cave Suites owns the most photographed rooftop in Cappadocia — the balloon-and-cushions shot the whole internet knows.
In-Depth Review
Rooms and decor
If you have ever scrolled past a photo of someone sitting cross-legged on a carpet, cushions stacked around them, hundreds of balloons drifting in the background — that was Sultan Cave Suites. Most rooms are genuine caves bored into the ancient rock and then renovated up to hotel comfort, mixing original cave character with soft, modern finishes. What sets Sultan apart is that nearly every room has its own terrace or private sitting space, so you can take in the view quietly without fighting anyone for an angle.
The thing to brace for is location: the hotel sits at the highest point of town, so there are plenty of stairs and an uphill climb to reach it. That is the trade-off for any cave hotel built up high. If you walk with difficulty, ask for a lower room when you book rather than gambling at the front desk.
Food and amenities
The rooftop is the heart of the place — Cappadocia's most famous balloon-photo spot. Straight talk: when the balloons go up at dawn it gets packed. You will want to be up by 4 to 5 am to claim an angle before sunrise. If you would rather skip the crush, book a room with a private terrace and watch from there instead.
Breakfast and the hotel restaurant both earn praise, serving local Cappadocian dishes with good flavor and the town laid out below you — you eat while the place wakes up. There is free Wi-Fi, and the desk arranges balloon rides and transfers.
Location and getting there
It sits at the very top of Goreme, yet the town centre is only a 5-minute walk downhill — restaurants, cafes and the bus station are all within range. Goreme Open Air Museum, Sunset Point and the hiking valleys like Rose Valley are close by too.
The nearest airport is Nevsehir Kapadokya (NAV), roughly a 45-minute drive, with Kayseri (ASR) a little further out. Staff handle balloon bookings and transfers smoothly — reviewers mention it often, and the team works like genuine professionals.
Things to know before booking
The famous rooftop is shoulder-to-shoulder at sunrise — that is the cost of the most photographed view in town. Prices run high in peak season when balloons fly daily. And being at the top of town means stairs and uphill walking, which is worth a hard think if you have heavy bags or limited mobility. A private-terrace room solves the crowd problem; nothing solves the climb except a lower room.
Our take
For couples and photographers who want the premium rooftop balloon experience, Sultan Cave Suites is the answer — you get genuinely good cave rooms and the legendary shot in one place. Accept the morning crowds up top and the high-season rates, and this is one of the most memorable cave stays in Goreme. Booking it feels a little like buying a ticket into the real Instagram version of Cappadocia.
Score Breakdown
Assessed by our editorial team from data and real guest reviews
The Honest Verdict — pros & what to know
- The rooftop terrace is the real draw — it is Cappadocia's single most famous balloon-photography spot, the image most travelers picture when they think of the region.
- Sits at the highest point of Goreme, so you get sweeping valley views and skies full of balloons from dawn, right from the property.
- Cave rooms are cut into ancient rock and tastefully renovated, blending genuine cave character with hotel-grade comfort. Nearly every room has its own terrace or private sitting space.
- Breakfast and the hotel restaurant earn steady praise, serving local Cappadocian dishes with the town spread out below you.
- Staff service stands out — reviewers repeatedly mention help arranging balloon flights and airport transfers, handled like professionals.
- That famous rooftop gets very crowded at sunrise. To get the shot you will need to be up by 4 to 5 am and ready to compete for angles with other guests.
- Prices run high, especially in high season when balloons launch daily and demand peaks.
- It sits at the very top of town, which means stairs and an uphill climb. Guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage should request a lower room when booking.
Who It’s For
Match Score by travel style
Amenities
Location & Nearby Spots
Insider Tips
- Get up to the rooftop before sunrise to claim a spot — it is mobbed during the balloon launch.
- Ask for a room with its own private terrace so you can watch the balloons without fighting the crowd upstairs.
- Let the hotel book your balloon flight and airport transfer — reviewers say they handle it smoothly.