mudpie

I have read several high recommendations for the Best Western Hotels in Istanbul (there are several). I have stayed at Best Western before in the USA and although adequate, certainly nothing more...certainly nothing to highly recommend to others. Are Best Western hotels in Istanbul that much nicer and classier than those in the USA?? Thank You!

Patrick

There is little connection between the US Best Western and European Best Western. Like in the US (I think) the European hotels are privately owned and they pay for the booking and advertising benefits of being a Best Western, after meeting certain criteria and maintaining certain standards. Our experience generally in Europe has been that they are far more above average than they are in the US, but again nothing extraordinary. No experience with the ones in Istanbul, but they again must meet certain criteria. Incidentally in booking Best Westerns in Europe you need to get a price directly from the hotel as well as from the US 1-800 number or web site. We have found pretty big differences in their prices --both ways.

bo_jack

In the US Best Western's are usually "average" when compared with competing properties. In Europe the BW's are usually noticably above average when compared with competing properties. They are not "top of the line" but they are consistently good both in room quality and in location. Specifically, in Istambul the President Hotel, a BW property, has an excellent location (about three blocks from the Covered Bazzar), good rooms and well above average restaurant. When we stayed there several years back, the cost was about $100 per night. The same hotel in the US certainly would not have been anything to "rave" about; but in Istambul the combination of location, quality and price -- especially if you want a comfortable touch of "home" in a relatively exotic location -- is hard to beat.

Ferit19

AMBER HOTEL <BR>http://www.istanbulshotels.com/amber.htm <BR>In a land where everything is touted as traditional and authentic, it is refreshing to find a place that actually is both of those things and so much more. In one of the last true living Ottoman quarters of Istanbul is the beautiful Amber Hotel. Situated in a historic wooden house in a neighboorhood where people still sit on their stoops in the evening and friendly football games are played late into the night, the Amber Hotel is one of those places that has a soul, a personality of sorts. Fortunately for visitors, this area recently underwent massive renovations to make it into the charming seaside neighborhood of narrow cobblestone streets, ancient mosques and lush gardens that it is today. Here you can relax, be yourself and do as you wish. The Amber Hotel is a quick walk from all of Ýstanbul’s most important attractions, yet it’s serene atmosphere will surely offer respite from all of the city’s hustle and bustle. <BR>Ferit <BR>www.istanbulshotels.com <BR> <BR>

bertha

Have just returned from Turkey. Stayed at the Best Western Hotel Spectra in istanbul. It is a converted Ottoman house in the old city. Service is excellent, rooms are clean, well equipped, and location could not be better. Breakfast on the rooftop terrace overlooking the Blue Mosque and Santa Sophia...magnificent. Reasonable rates and free airport transport to and from.

Linda Michel

We have been there last week in Istanbul <BR>Linda and Dick <BR>http://www.istanbulshotels.com/spalace.htm <BR> <BR>Located at the very heart of the Old City in Istanbul, Sultanahmet Palace Hotel <BR>offers you all the authenticity and glamour of Antique Istanbul. Its 36 rooms are all decorated in traditional Byzantine style, including 5 deluxe rooms with a private balcony. All rooms are equipped with a luxurious Turkish bath, air conditioning and heating, minibar,satellite TV, radio and music system, hair dryer, direct-dial telephone and 24-hour reception & room service. Sample the best of sophisticated imperial Ottoman cuisine at the Sultan's Restaurant. From the terrace to the trickling fountains in the garden and the Ottoman-inspired architecture, Sultanhamet Palace invites you to relax in a peaceful atmosphere away from the bustle of the city. <BR> <BR>