victoria2201

My husband and I are going to stop by Istanbul for 2 nights on the way to a business trip in Athens. I've decided we should stay in the old area. What hotel would be the nicest of all in terms of comfort, and decor? I like old-world charm but not OLD. Budget to about $150? We will be there in a week or so. thanks lots!

victoria2201

ttt

Spygirl

If you want to stay in the old Istanbul section of the city then I would highly recommend the Best Western The President Hotel-it meets all your criteria. (it's funny b/c this hotel is not BW President, but BW THE President!) It's VERY convenient to many of the historical sights, and it is literally just across the road from the Covered Bazaar. From the hotel, you could do a walk down to the Topkapi Serai, and the Mosques-all are about a mile away-really, you can't beat the location, the staff is friendly, the rooms are nicely appointed, there's a Turkish steam room and a good Turkish restaurant. I have a friend who stayed here about a year and a half or so ago and could not have been more pleased with the location, the room and friendly service.

Whatever you do, don't consider the Pera Palas Hotel-this faded grande dame hotel of Istanbul is barely alive-it was made famous by the likes of Agatha Christie, as I think she wrote a number of her books here, including Murder on the Orient Express. This hotel was way funky when I stayed there a long time ago, but quite fascinating nonetheless-the room had carved mahogany panels, and the bathroom was almost as big as the room-it had a huge clawfoot tub-you could well imagine the intrigue this hotel saw during during pre-WWII days, it must have been crawling with spies). I hear it's practically uninhabitable now. I would still recommend visiting its lounge area for a drink if you're in the area, particularly to see the lobby reception area-it's quite impressive in parts.

Grandma

10 years ago we stayed in a place similar to Yesil Ev and in the same neighborhood (forget the name.) It was comfortable but not luxurious and very well located. Forget what we paid...think about $90 then. Of course, now if I were going back to Istanbul I'd like to win the lottery and stay at the Four Seasons!

JerryS

The Four Seasons is magnificent and the service is extraordinary. They sometimes have a winter special. It would probably be more than $150 but if business is slow they might be willing to negotiate. Can't hurt to try. Good Luck.

victoria2201

We've decided to stay at the Yesil Ev for the two nights that we are there, for $120/night. The Four Seasons has a winter special at $210/night. I like B&B's so thought I would do Yesil Ev. Will do a quick trip report when I get back. Thanks!