We will be in Istanbul next September before we go on a 10 day Silverseas cruise to Greece, ending in Venice. I've been reading all the Istanbul forum topics and definitely want to spend some time there before the cruise. I NEED HELP from all of you about a few things:
------ how many days should we spend in Istanbul, not counting the day we arrive ( we're coming from NYC)
------ I've read great things about some of the hotels like Empress Zoe, Desaaret, Sari Konak, and Sirkecik Konak ,plus others. Someone also mentioned Swissotel but that's in a different area and doesn't seem like we can walk to any of the sights. Is that true? We need some advice. We like authentic atmosphere, comfort, cleanliness and friendly staff plus a little upscale experience.
We'd appreciate some advice!
Thanks!!!!

Altmanj,

you do not say how long you will be in Istanbul. if it is only two or three days, you are right in thinking that you should be in the Sultanahmet area, at one of the hotels you mentioned (or the Four Seasons which is really upscale), within walking distance of Topkapi palace, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Aya sofya, Basilica Cistern, grand Bazaar,The Archeological museum and even the Spice bazaar.

However, if you are there longer than 3 days, it may be a good idea to stay at the upscale area Nisantasi or preferably on the Bosphorus, possibly at Radisson Ortakoy, close to the good restaurants,the famous supper clubs on the Bosphorus, and get a real rather than a touristy feel of the city.

Swissotel is not in short walking distance of anywhere although only a 5$ ride from taksim or Nisantasi. It is a good hotel, but I would consider it for Business, second trip, or large family.

Check the new Park Hyatt and Sofa at Nisantasi.

Check Radisson Ortakoy and Bebek Hotel on the Bosphorus. 30-40 minutes from the historic sites.

My recommendation is to spend three days at the historic old city, one day at Taksim, istiklal, Galata tower (possibly the evening at Nardis Jazz club or one of the touristy belly dancing included shows)

One day taking the Bosphorus cruise to the Black Sea, and one day visiting art museums and crossing to Kadikoy in Asia.

so a total of 6 days and a minimum of four days is recommended.

Hi

I would stay in Sultanahmet. It is ideal for walking to the main tourist sites. Maybe try Sultanhan Hotel - http://www.hotelsultanhan.com. I didn't stay there but I had a beer at the Sultanahmet Palace - www.sultanahmetpalace.com. I found the staff cheerful and personable. I really liked the garden too. Or something different in one of Istanbuls's quaintest streets, Ayasofya Konaklari - http://www.ayasofyapensions.com.

Thanks for your help. It seems like we should spend at least 4 days in Istanbul. Since we're going on a cruise from there (Ephesus is the first stop), should we still do the Bospherus cruise?

Also, someone told me the Ottoman Hotel Imperial was a great place to stay. It's a little more expensive than the others I mentioned and doesn't give cash discounts. I don't mind the extra money, but would like to know if it's a better hotel to stay in.

Hi again

The Bosphorous is a magnificent waterway and a cruise is definitely recommended if you can schedule it. If possible take one with audio commentary (we used a tour company so our tour director provided the commentary).