My friend and I are hoping to travel to Turkey the end of June 2011. Minus the air travel to Istanbul, we'll have 7 full days for traveling within the country. We're 37/38 years old and enjoy the beach. Out thought is to stay in Istanbul for a few days and travel to a beach area. Anyway beach location recommendations? Also, in Istanbul we are thinking about staying at one of the Marriott's. Does anyone have any recommendations as there are a few listed in Istanbul? Thank you in advance for any recommendations.

Depending on whether you are looking for mainly a beach holiday or a cultural one or a combinatıon of both, here are some alternatives:

1. stay two nights at Marriott Polat Renaissance, Yesilyurt, residential area near the airport. Commute to town by taxi or partially taxi,partially fast ferry (sea bus). Eat dinners at nearby Yesilkoy fish restaurants or at the famous supper clubs on the Bosphorus (taxi back will cost about $35-45.
One and a half day sightseeing. One day historic sights at Sultanahmet, half day grand and spice bazaars and Rustem pasa mosque with lunch at Hamdi restaurant nar the mosque.

Fly to Antalya and then head West.

5 days at Belek renaissance hotel (check relationship with Marriott) good but pebbly beach. Incredible natural beauty but could have some kids around.

Or five days at Club Med Kemer with no children. One of our favorite locations in terms of beach, fun, sports and natural beauty since 1974 (must have visited almost 20 times)

Other cheaper accommodation available at secluded and idyllic Cirali or Ucagiz, or rather British Kas or one of the best beaches in the World, Patara with excellent Lycian ruins but rather basic accommodation (fly to Dalaman airport for Kas or Patara)

Or Fethiye Oludeniz, very British,very touristy, crowded huge beach. (fly to Dalaman)

2. Fly to Izmir. Stay at Kismet or other hotel just to the North of Kusadasi. Rent car and in between the beach activities visit Ephesus, Herakleia, Prienne, Didyma, Miletus and possibly even Hieropolis, Aphrodisias and Pamukkale.

3. Rent car from Istanbul. Drive to troy and Assos for one night at assos. continue South, stay at Cunda island (Ortunc hotel has terrific beach), visit Pergamom. Drive back through Nicea, the smal town of the famous ecumenical council meeting of the fourth century.

The only centrally located Marriott group hotel is the Ritz, near Taksim. It is excellent but rather ostentatious and expensive. I have stayed there and enjoyed the luxury but not the ornate furniture.

Marriott asia is near the wholesal fresh produce market which is also close to a large commercial area but definitely not recommended for touristic purposes.

i really suggest visiting Kalkan: http://www.kalkanturkey.com/ on the Mediterranean coastline.

There are lots of sightseeings and information listed here.
http://www.istanbulcityhotels.com/istanbul_guide.aspx

I can highly reccomend a hotel in Istanbul. Dersaadet Hotel www.dersaadethotel.com It is a converted Ottoman House. It is in a local neighborhood-walking distance to everywhere. The rooftop has a view of The Blue Mosque. We stayed there 4 years ago and loved it. I told my sister about it & she stayed there earlier this year.
We did the drive from Istanbul to Kusadasi with a stop in Troy and 2 nights in Assos-a very small town with no car traffic & then stayed at Kismet to see Ephesus. I am glad we stayed 2 nights in Assos because to get there was a long windy drive. The hotel was a converted Acorn Barn. We had the only room with a balcony overlooking the harbor. Very peaceful
We also stayed 2 nights in Cappadocia-in a cave hotel. Great holiday-Would go back to Turkey in a heartbeat

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions and input. Happy New Year! Ziba