The roof terrace at the Instagram famous Sultan Cave Suites in Cappadocia is the ultimate spot to watch the sunrise hot air balloons in Cappadocia and, after swooning over incredible pictures of sunrise at the Sultan Cave Suites, we reserved a room the second we made plans to visit Cappadocia. Having experienced a bucket list Cappadocia sunrise we wanted to share our behind the scenes guide to sunrise at the Sultan Cave Suites as well as some alternative hotels with amazing views of the balloons if the Sultan is sold out.
Sunrise at the Sultan Cave Suites
The Sultan Cave Suites became Instagram famous after a roof top sunrise photo from the hotel went viral so its fitting that its terrace is now one of the ultimate Instagram spots in Cappadocia and deservedly so. The roof terrace boasts, arguably, the best view of the hot air balloons rising over Goreme and the Cappadocia Valleys. As the sun rises over Cappadocia the colourful balloons dance over the hotel in every direction and the views are truly breathtaking.
The morning we spent on the roof terrace at the Sultan Cave Suites is among our favourite memories of Cappadocia and the images we captured are incredible!
The roof terrace in the Sultan Cave Suites is extremely popular due to its Instagram fame and access is now restricted to guests. The staff regularly checked to ensure that it was guests only on the rooftop so if you want to experience the roof terrace at Sultan it’s probably best to reserve a room – check prices here
Book your stay at Sultan Cave Suites
Is it worth staying at Sultan Cave Suites
In a word, yes! We stayed at three different hotels during our time in Cappadocia and Sultan Cave Suites was the best for views of the balloons as sunrise. We highly recommend booking your stay well in advance as the hotel is relatively small and does sell out frequently during peak times. – check prices here
Book your stay at Sultan Cave Suites
Where to Stay in Sultan Cave Suites are sold out
The Sultan Cave Suites are really popular and it can be tricky to get a room, especially during peak season. There are hotels with a similar view to the Sultan and some other options with great views of the balloons
- Mithra Cave Hotel: the next door neighbour of the Sultan Cave Suites, the Mithra Cave Hotel also offers excellent panoramic views of the hot air balloons and it’s possible to secure rooms at lower rates – check prices at Mithra Cave Hotel!
- Doors of Cappadocia: also located in Goreme, the roof terrace has commanding views over the valley and the balloons passing with the added bonus of a rooftop pool – check prices at the Doors of Cappadocia!
- Kelebek Special Cave Hotel – fantastic views of the balloons, great staff and a swimming pool – check prices at the Kelebek Special Cave Hotel!
For more hotel options check out our favourite hotels with a great view of the balloons in Cappadocia.
Click here to book a hotel in Cappadocia
The Sunrise views at Sultan Cave Suites
The roof terrace at Sultan is set up to ensure guests capture Instagram worthy images – there are colourful rugs and cushions lining the terrace as well as a photogenic breakfast spread which makes for a picture-perfect scene against the backdrop of the hot air balloons dancing in the sky.
Izmir, the resident hotel dog, often makes an appearance and, despite the mantra never work with animals or children, she’s a fantastic participant in photoshoots if you’re in luck. We all had a giggle when she barked excitedly at passing balloons who got close to the hotel! We were so excited when Izmir made a superstar appearance on the rooftop and posed for some photos next to Elaine.
Tips for Sultan Cave Suites at Sunrise
If you are planning on getting some shots at sunrise below are some tips and insider info from our stay!
- The balloons are weather dependent so make sure to stay for a few nights in case they are cancelled on a morning of your stay. We visited in March and the balloons only flew on one of the three mornings we were in Cappadocia.
- In a hotel famous for its views its understandable that the roof terrace at the Sultan can sometimes get crowded but the during our stay everyone was super courteous and took turns at getting photos in the best spots on the terrace. We took pics for other travellers and they captured shots of Dave and I on our camera.
- Luckily the balloons are overhead for a while so there was plenty of time for everyone to take their turn at both the breakfast table and in the corner of the terrace where the views are the best.
- Getting photos with Izmir is a little more tricky but her master tries to help things along and encourages her to sit with the guests who want some photos.
- The staff regularly checked to ensure that it was guests only on the rooftop so if you want to experience the roof terrace at Sultan it’s probably best to reserve a room
- No one actually eats the breakfast that features in the pictures, it is mostly there for photo purposes and the table is set up throughout the day!!
- The hotel does sell out so book well in advance if it’s on your bucket list.
Rooms at the Sultan Cave Suites
The hotel is constructed over ancient caves and the original cave walls remain in the rooms. Our room, a junior suite, is the most basic room available at the hotel. It was a clean, spacious and warm cave room with a good organic breakfast included in the rate.
Book your stay at Sultan Cave Suites
For more on Cappadocia check out
- The best Instagram spots in Cappadocia
- Our favourite photo locations in Cappadocia
This is SO HELPFUL. Thank you for sharing your experience!