Ofelia

We are two couples in early 60's traveling to Istanbul Turkey for the first time in MARCH 2014. We have reservations at Adamar Hotel Special Class at Yerebatan Cad. No: 37, Istanbul, Istanbul 34110, but are thinking to move to the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti at Silahsor Cad. No: 42 Bomonti-Sisli, Sisli, 34381. What location is better? What hotel is closest to touristic sites?
We are staying one week in Istanbul, any suggestions on what to visit, eat, etc would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Ofelia

Mimar

The Adamar is in the Sultanahmet, close to all the main tourist sights. The Hilton is much farther out and less convenient to these sites.

As for what to see and what to eat, consult a guidebook or look for information on the Internet. You can start here at Fodors; click on the DESTINATIONS link on the upper left of this page.

jelopez33

Here you can find my report on our visit to Istambul, and other destinations in Turkey in 2011. No doubts you will enjoy one week inIstanbul.

http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...d-valencia.cfm

kja

A good guide book or two should prove invaluable to you. I thought The Rough Guide the best of the half dozen or so that I used to prepare for my trip to the area. Enjoy!

Ofelia

Thanks to you all!!

greg

I am seeing this phrase "special class hotel" in describing hotels in Turkey. Is it a euphemism for something?

Michael

We liked the Rick Steves book on Istanbul. I also wrote a trip report on our Turkey travel that includes Istanbul; click on my name to find it.

otherchelebi

greg, apparently some hotels do not fit international or Turkish rating criteria and standards due to the age of the building which causes restrictions. Many of these are specially renovated and decorated boutique hotels, but their amenities may include a small Turkish bath tub rather than a large modern bath tub for example, due to size restrictions. So, instead of geting a lower international star rating, they apply for a spcial category rating.

This "special class' hotel, unforunately, can be terrific or mediocre since it does not have any rating criteria. In most cases you will have to depend on reviews, brochures, photos, etc.