Advantages and Disadvantages of Visiting Turkey At This Time
Aug 28th, 2013, 11:25 AM
#21
Sultanahmet, the heart of the historic peninsula is where most of the smaller boutique and ersatz Ottoman hotels are situated as well as the very expensive and excellent Four Seasons.
The advantage of staying in this area is that you can go back to rest in your hotel during the day between visits to the major sites such as Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome.
The disadvantage of the area are the touts, the touristic food, the lack of local color and culture and the lack of night life except for and with tourists, in addition to the distance to the nice areas of the city where the more modern regular people live, eat, shop, sit at cafes and socialize.
Going out of your hotel at any time in Nisantasi or Bebek feels great. You see nicely dressed, beautiful people everywhere, enjoying themselves, with almost no tourists or fundamentalists in sight
The advantage of staying in this area is that you can go back to rest in your hotel during the day between visits to the major sites such as Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome.
The disadvantage of the area are the touts, the touristic food, the lack of local color and culture and the lack of night life except for and with tourists, in addition to the distance to the nice areas of the city where the more modern regular people live, eat, shop, sit at cafes and socialize.
Going out of your hotel at any time in Nisantasi or Bebek feels great. You see nicely dressed, beautiful people everywhere, enjoying themselves, with almost no tourists or fundamentalists in sight
Aug 28th, 2013, 11:38 AM
#22
Taksim Square, where all the protests took place and may again, on the other hand, is more like Times Square in NYC or Leicester Square in London although it never empties with life going on 24 hours and some fast food restaurants and small shops staying open very very late.
Aug 28th, 2013, 12:50 PM
#24
I know Bebek hotel with huge rooms and small balconies smack on the water and have heard that House hotel at Ortakoy is nice.
The Radisson Blue at ortakoy also has a good location, if you get a sea view room.
The Ciragan Kempinsky and the Four Seasons Bosphorus are very expensive.
The W at besiktas may be an interesting choice if you can redeem Starwood points.
Park Hyatt at Tesvikiye and House Hotel at Nisantas are good.
Cheya residences has a delux flat at Nisantas center. I am not sure of Sofa hotel at Nisantas but the location is good.
There are more hotels and residences opening up in that area, so you can check on the web for them and get reviews on Trip Advisor.
You may also wish to have a look at my restaurant reviews on Trip Advisor.
The Radisson Blue at ortakoy also has a good location, if you get a sea view room.
The Ciragan Kempinsky and the Four Seasons Bosphorus are very expensive.
The W at besiktas may be an interesting choice if you can redeem Starwood points.
Park Hyatt at Tesvikiye and House Hotel at Nisantas are good.
Cheya residences has a delux flat at Nisantas center. I am not sure of Sofa hotel at Nisantas but the location is good.
There are more hotels and residences opening up in that area, so you can check on the web for them and get reviews on Trip Advisor.
You may also wish to have a look at my restaurant reviews on Trip Advisor.
Aug 29th, 2013, 02:30 AM
#27
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Thanks so much for this post!! I had started a thread a few months ago regarding the safety of Turkey. We're honeymooning in Istanbul this October and both my and my FI's family were really concerned about our safety. At the time, most people in the thread thought it was crazy to be concerned, but now it seems like things are escalating and the worries are only getting stronger. Its good to hear that we still won't feel like we're in any danger in Istanbul!
Aug 29th, 2013, 03:12 PM
#28
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"Disadvantages of Turkey at any time.........
Fact 1 - You will have to endure touts.
Have travelled extensively and the touts in Turkey were some of the worst I've encountered. To say the touts in Turkey were annoying is an under statement. I'm glad I have visited Turkey, some sights are impressive. Having said that, I have no desire to return mainly because of the touts."
Well siad, the touts in Turkey were horrible, possibly the worst ever. I don't beleive for one second that you ask for a tout to approach you by looking like a ?type? of tourist. Touts are just out to make money and take tourists for a ride. Turkish touts are horrid.
Have a friend who was living in Istanbul for a major bank (she's not Turkish and took a job offer in Istanbul a little over two years ago). She has left because of the troubles there and asked for a job transfer. From what she says, the situation isn't good and could get out of hand at a moments notice. Turkey will be hurting for tourism dollars given that people are scared to go, I certainly wouldn't consider a visit and think it's irresponsible to say it's alright to visit Turkey at this time.
Fact 1 - You will have to endure touts.
Have travelled extensively and the touts in Turkey were some of the worst I've encountered. To say the touts in Turkey were annoying is an under statement. I'm glad I have visited Turkey, some sights are impressive. Having said that, I have no desire to return mainly because of the touts."
Well siad, the touts in Turkey were horrible, possibly the worst ever. I don't beleive for one second that you ask for a tout to approach you by looking like a ?type? of tourist. Touts are just out to make money and take tourists for a ride. Turkish touts are horrid.
Have a friend who was living in Istanbul for a major bank (she's not Turkish and took a job offer in Istanbul a little over two years ago). She has left because of the troubles there and asked for a job transfer. From what she says, the situation isn't good and could get out of hand at a moments notice. Turkey will be hurting for tourism dollars given that people are scared to go, I certainly wouldn't consider a visit and think it's irresponsible to say it's alright to visit Turkey at this time.
Aug 29th, 2013, 04:04 PM
#30
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"Could I ask what is the source for your "facts"?"
Friend, noted above; who works in the banking industry and until recently lived in Istanbul.
The tourists aren't going to be in the residental areas away from the protests.................. Protests (if any), violence (if any) will occur in the city center, Taksim Square and central areas of the city.
Friend, noted above; who works in the banking industry and until recently lived in Istanbul.
The tourists aren't going to be in the residental areas away from the protests.................. Protests (if any), violence (if any) will occur in the city center, Taksim Square and central areas of the city.
Aug 30th, 2013, 03:55 AM
#31
I am a resident and have nothing to do with the tourism industry.
I have also been considered to be rather objective and unbiased in the information and analysis I have given in over 5,000 posts on Fodor's and Trip Advisor, as well as my blogs and reviews, including those on Amazon.
i have been teaching unbiased courses on "RISK" from a psychological, social, political and financial perspective for 20 years or more at under graduate and graduate level.
I am a very socially and politically concerned individual following the national press in Turkey and the major international papers in US and UK as well as the social media on what goes on not only in Turkey and in the Middle East but in as many locations as draw my interest.
I have been CEO and Board Chairman of major international Insurance brokers and insurance companies in Turkey and have also founded two telecom companies for my brother and nephews.
For more of my detailed political, literary, social and philosophical views you may wish to follow me on twitter. But those will be slanted or biased because twitter is where I divulge my thoughts on people and events rather than trying to empathise with the visitors to Turkey or assist them in their plans and risk management.
If you go to Trip Advisor, you will see some threads of one or two visitors who had bad experiences in Turkey and tried to blame, tauts, inconsiderate people or taxi driver scams; but you will have many multiples of those who cannot stop saying more about the friendliness of the people they met, the food, the sights, the quality of the services.....
There are also some arm chair critics or just plain grouches who enjoy complaining (have a few in my family and among friends also)
It all boils down to :
If you are not one who likes to travel and will accept some problems as being part of the fun, there is nothing wrong with visiting Turkey (except the Syrian and Iraqi border areas).
If you prefer to decide on say-so and views of people you can judge from their previous posts, or lack of previous posts, you could be apprehensive during your visit and not enjoy it. But remember, most destination have negative things written about them mostly for very personal reasons.
A note : My younger daughter's in-laws are here now from Detroit. We drove down from Istanbul to Alacati-Cesme together, had some quality time at excellent cafes, restaurant and bars last night. Father in law swam in the sea for the first time in his life. They will attend out older daughter's wedding tonight, followed by another heavy bar scene. Tomorrow is the local market day and another beach vist. Sunday we drive to Ephesus and other sights in the area. Monday we drive to our home on Iznik lake for one night and then Tuesday back home to Istanbul.
They are not travelers, but I have seldom seen happier people.
https://twitter.com/ahmetcelebiler
If I hear or feel that there is any imminent danger, I will try to start a new thread to warn potential visitors.
I have also been considered to be rather objective and unbiased in the information and analysis I have given in over 5,000 posts on Fodor's and Trip Advisor, as well as my blogs and reviews, including those on Amazon.
i have been teaching unbiased courses on "RISK" from a psychological, social, political and financial perspective for 20 years or more at under graduate and graduate level.
I am a very socially and politically concerned individual following the national press in Turkey and the major international papers in US and UK as well as the social media on what goes on not only in Turkey and in the Middle East but in as many locations as draw my interest.
I have been CEO and Board Chairman of major international Insurance brokers and insurance companies in Turkey and have also founded two telecom companies for my brother and nephews.
For more of my detailed political, literary, social and philosophical views you may wish to follow me on twitter. But those will be slanted or biased because twitter is where I divulge my thoughts on people and events rather than trying to empathise with the visitors to Turkey or assist them in their plans and risk management.
If you go to Trip Advisor, you will see some threads of one or two visitors who had bad experiences in Turkey and tried to blame, tauts, inconsiderate people or taxi driver scams; but you will have many multiples of those who cannot stop saying more about the friendliness of the people they met, the food, the sights, the quality of the services.....
There are also some arm chair critics or just plain grouches who enjoy complaining (have a few in my family and among friends also)
It all boils down to :
If you are not one who likes to travel and will accept some problems as being part of the fun, there is nothing wrong with visiting Turkey (except the Syrian and Iraqi border areas).
If you prefer to decide on say-so and views of people you can judge from their previous posts, or lack of previous posts, you could be apprehensive during your visit and not enjoy it. But remember, most destination have negative things written about them mostly for very personal reasons.
A note : My younger daughter's in-laws are here now from Detroit. We drove down from Istanbul to Alacati-Cesme together, had some quality time at excellent cafes, restaurant and bars last night. Father in law swam in the sea for the first time in his life. They will attend out older daughter's wedding tonight, followed by another heavy bar scene. Tomorrow is the local market day and another beach vist. Sunday we drive to Ephesus and other sights in the area. Monday we drive to our home on Iznik lake for one night and then Tuesday back home to Istanbul.
They are not travelers, but I have seldom seen happier people.
https://twitter.com/ahmetcelebiler
If I hear or feel that there is any imminent danger, I will try to start a new thread to warn potential visitors.
Aug 30th, 2013, 04:13 AM
#32
Thank you, otherchelebi, that is an encouraging post; I, for one, very much appreciate your opinions, observations, assessments and willingness to keep us informed from your position within Turkey (Istanbul). I am still planning to come for two weeks - late Sept./early Oct. If there is a GTG with Yestravel, my friend and neighbor, I would like very much to join in.
CONGRATULATIONS on the marriage of your older daughter, today !
CONGRATULATIONS on the marriage of your older daughter, today !
Aug 30th, 2013, 02:45 PM
#35
Thank you for your best wishes.
They worked. Had a fabulous wedding.
250 people on lawn overlooking beach at Solto Hotel, Alacati.
Lots of dancing from mambo, Tango, waltz, Cha cha, Twist to today. Could not make it to the night club with the young group.
Thursday (I think) September 26 looks like a good day for a GTG.
you can write to me at [email protected] the mail address I use for this sort of thing.
Depending on number of people and preferred budget, we can have:
- Swing ferry to Kandilli on Asian side for horse mackerel lunch or special yoghurt at Kandilli.
- Short meet at Bursa Garaj for reasonably priced excellent Doner kebap.
- Reasonably priced not so good meal at interesting location, the alumni club of Robert College, the American high school in Istanbul celebrating its 150th anniversary. The club is next to the campus and we can probably have connecting gate opened for a visit to the school.
- Decent faculty lounge meal at Bosphorus University, at Kennedy Lodge, at very scenic location overlooking the Bosphorus next to Rumeli Fortress.
- A delicious but expensive fusion tasting menu at Muz de Changa at Sabanci museum, inside Emirgan Park, overlookin the Bosphorus.This will include a free visit to the museum although I do not know what the exhibits will be.
Transportation will be my car up to 4 guests, or 7 if my wife comes with her car, and taxis if numbers exceed those.
Meeting 11-12 AM
They worked. Had a fabulous wedding.
250 people on lawn overlooking beach at Solto Hotel, Alacati.
Lots of dancing from mambo, Tango, waltz, Cha cha, Twist to today. Could not make it to the night club with the young group.
Thursday (I think) September 26 looks like a good day for a GTG.
you can write to me at [email protected] the mail address I use for this sort of thing.
Depending on number of people and preferred budget, we can have:
- Swing ferry to Kandilli on Asian side for horse mackerel lunch or special yoghurt at Kandilli.
- Short meet at Bursa Garaj for reasonably priced excellent Doner kebap.
- Reasonably priced not so good meal at interesting location, the alumni club of Robert College, the American high school in Istanbul celebrating its 150th anniversary. The club is next to the campus and we can probably have connecting gate opened for a visit to the school.
- Decent faculty lounge meal at Bosphorus University, at Kennedy Lodge, at very scenic location overlooking the Bosphorus next to Rumeli Fortress.
- A delicious but expensive fusion tasting menu at Muz de Changa at Sabanci museum, inside Emirgan Park, overlookin the Bosphorus.This will include a free visit to the museum although I do not know what the exhibits will be.
Transportation will be my car up to 4 guests, or 7 if my wife comes with her car, and taxis if numbers exceed those.
Meeting 11-12 AM
Sep 1st, 2013, 05:18 AM
#38
Thanks Ian.
They are off to Bali tomorrow, while we go back home to our two cats and their two cats who were left with us to create havoc.
I am just hoping that no one will be bombing anyone in the foreseeable future. Human, plant, animal life are all too precious. Money spent on bombs would help much more if spent on education and human rights, as well as honeymoons.
They are off to Bali tomorrow, while we go back home to our two cats and their two cats who were left with us to create havoc.
I am just hoping that no one will be bombing anyone in the foreseeable future. Human, plant, animal life are all too precious. Money spent on bombs would help much more if spent on education and human rights, as well as honeymoons.
Sep 5th, 2013, 12:25 PM
#39
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Sorry, partyon, I was asking the OP that question.
No offense intended, but I'm just trying to decipher between actual fact (attributed to what?) or educated opinions. Either can be helpful and appreciated.
Thanks.
No offense intended, but I'm just trying to decipher between actual fact (attributed to what?) or educated opinions. Either can be helpful and appreciated.
Thanks.
