Where to stay in Istanbul ??

bigchops


Joined: 12/07/2009
Posts: 4

Message Posted:
12/07/2009 22:25

I am a new member as of today.



We are coming over again from 14th August for 2 weeks.....can't wait! This time we are going to venture out to Istanbul for a 2 day, 1 night breakaway on a Pegasus bus!. We would really like to know if anyone out there could help recommend the best area / hotels to stay in. Also the tourist attractions to make the most of the limited time there. We have our 2 children with us, 13 & 20.



Thanks in advance for any help.

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
12/07/2009 22:40

Sultanahmet area, or for vintage 19C class Grand Hotel de Londres situated bottom of Taksim. I suggest first time visit Google Sultanahmet area for hotels.



Richard

the butler


Joined: 22/06/2007
Posts: 1958

Message Posted:
12/07/2009 22:48

Hi bigchops,



We stayed in the Stone Hotel, basic but clean. It is only 3 minutes walk from the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet and this is the area for all the major attractions, including the grand bazzar. I should warn you that 2 days is not enough to see all there is to see and you will wish you had booked to stay longer.



The butlers wife

bigchops


Joined: 12/07/2009
Posts: 4

Message Posted:
12/07/2009 22:54

Thanks very much Brinsley. I will take a closer look at Sultanahmet area on Google. This is very helpful, as we do not have a clue?

mikelapta



Joined: 20/11/2008
Posts: 2186

Message Posted:
12/07/2009 22:54

Hi Stephen,have just returned 10mins ago from a 2 day break to Istanbul..I love the city..normally stay Sultanahmet district,but this time stayed off Taksim square.Main question to answer.Do you want to sightsee eg Blue Mosque,Topkapi Palace,Grand Bazaar,Ferry ride round the islands on the Sea of Marmara.

or see the shops etc.

If you want to email off forum:mike_lapta@hotmail.com

It's my favourite city,my first stay in Taksim,loved every minute...shopping,Underground to Eminonu,ferries etc.

Mike.

Welcome to the forum

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
12/07/2009 23:11

Okay, up market hotel Centrum very good but expensive (have stayed there) and around the corner cheap and cheerful, Emin hotel (next time for me). Have their email Nos. if you cannot find on the web.



Richard

Brinsley


Joined: 04/04/2009
Posts: 6858

Message Posted:
12/07/2009 23:23

PS Find 'Turquoise' bar/rest. Mention my name from Cyprus and they wont rip you off for beer & drink prices. Foods good but plenty of choice in that area.



Richard (Kiwi)

bigchops


Joined: 12/07/2009
Posts: 4

Message Posted:
12/07/2009 23:26

Hi Mike & Stephen, thanks for the tips. What a welcome to the forum! I will have to research each of the areas you speak about. We were concerned that two days may have not been long enough, but also we did not want the boys to be bored on their holiday, when they often prefer to be by the pool and villa rather than sightseeing in a major city, if you know what I mean.

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
12/07/2009 23:32

Hi Bigchops



You will have a great time in Istanbul. For ideas if you buy from us or not have a look at the following links:



Hotels in Istanbul + shuttles etc. (Istanbul Hotels from £18 to £150 a night you choose)

http://www.flightholiday.co.uk/fh/Istanbul_Hotels.php



Day tours "shore excursions" in and around Istanbul even the romance of the Dinner on the Bosphorous by night or Green Bursa - we have other day tours for other Turkish towns too

http://www.flightholiday.co.uk/fh/Shore_Excursions_Turkey_Istanbul_Day_Tours.php



We can organise shuttles or transfers, in case you want to go to "city breaks" we have them too.



Tom

IAH Ltd

http://www.flightholiday.co.uk

Pipie


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
12/07/2009 23:34

We stayed at the elite world hotel , 5 mins walk form Taksim square , really nice rooms , nice food , indoor pool .

wanderer


Joined: 05/02/2009
Posts: 1653

Message Posted:
12/07/2009 23:35

Celal Sultan Boutique Hotel One night so the Hotel has a lovely restaurant on the roof viewing the Blue Mosque Topika Palace Sultant Amet and the Bridge over the Bospherous 500 M from everything including Grand bazar

Look it up on the web.If flying into SG as opposed to Attaturk your're miles out but a taxi 80YTL the little man at the desk by the exit does it all & return a travel agent will book a minibus dirt cheap

Enjoy her indoors cost me a fortune ( had a £12 shirt

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
12/07/2009 23:37

Wanderer - Shuttle SAW and back 28.00 GBP for your next trip