Hotel in Istanbul, champagne taste, wine pocket...need help!
Apr 14th, 2012, 03:15 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hotel in Istanbul, champagne taste, wine pocket...need help!
We are going to Istanbul for 5 days in June (after touring Israel) and are looking for a well located, luxury hotel. We love to walk. Really wanted to stay in the Four Seasons, but the price is just too high. Can you suggest another comparable hotel, with a slightly more manageable price tag?
Apr 14th, 2012, 04:25 PM
#2
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
http://www.roomkey.com/#lat=41.04085...elTab=overview
we very much enjoyed our stay at The Grand Hyatt overlooking the Bosphorus, five minutes from Taksim Square and Istiklal Cadesi(u) where the trams are. Very quiet, away from major traffic noises. According to the above web rates are under $300 now.
we very much enjoyed our stay at The Grand Hyatt overlooking the Bosphorus, five minutes from Taksim Square and Istiklal Cadesi(u) where the trams are. Very quiet, away from major traffic noises. According to the above web rates are under $300 now.
Apr 14th, 2012, 07:38 PM
#5
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
spk:
This may be a better web page for the Hyatt:
http://istanbul.grand.hyatt.com/hyat...atg07-prd-atg3
This may be a better web page for the Hyatt:
http://istanbul.grand.hyatt.com/hyat...atg07-prd-atg3
Apr 14th, 2012, 09:01 PM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,557
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi
I stayed at the Movenpick Hotel - http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/...ul/welcome.cfm - in Levent. Beautiful hotel with a magic buffet breakfast that I have not experienced before. The Executive room with a King bed shows a rate of E251 per night for 3 nights or more. You will need a taxi or public transport to get tourist sights from the hotel.
I stayed at the Movenpick Hotel - http://www.moevenpick-hotels.com/en/...ul/welcome.cfm - in Levent. Beautiful hotel with a magic buffet breakfast that I have not experienced before. The Executive room with a King bed shows a rate of E251 per night for 3 nights or more. You will need a taxi or public transport to get tourist sights from the hotel.
Apr 14th, 2012, 10:47 PM
#7
You did not say which four seasons.
I am afraid the one at Sultanahmet does not have any alternatives in the area.
The Four Seasons Bosphorus has some alternatives:
1. Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski has excellent large rooms. Is one of the top luury hotels, smack on the Bosphorus. has decent facilities (do not remember hamam, spa and exercise equipment). Should only get a sea view room.
2. Bebek Hotel. Our dd and dsil stayed wedding night before they went to honeymoon. Really directly on the sea with very beautiful setting. All sea view rooms 45 sq. meter junior suite type with small two person balcony. Has good intimate sea level bar and good restaurant. No other facilities though. The location is better than any other hotel for pleasant walks on the Bosphorus to the European fortress, at the upscale and very poular Bebek area with excellent restaurants and cafes. I would prefer this to all other hotels in a jiffy. The service may not be as professional a Four Seasons or kempinski but has a better chance of being like family.
You can take ferries across to Asia from Bebek pier, short walk away to sightsee, eat at different restaurants and sea other parts of the straits.
There are commuter ferries down to the historic city early in the morning and back in the evening as good alternatives to atrocious rush hour traffic.
Finally there is a sea taxi which is not that expensive which can bring you to Bebek or kempinski from town or take you to the old city if the concierge calls them an hour or so in advance.
Nisantasi area:
1.Park Hyatt, is newer and more luxurious than Grand hyatt and is situated in an upscale district with many restaurants, cafes and shops and within quick and simple taxi ride away from both the Bosphorus and the old town.
2. Sofa Hotel. Good location but do not know the facility.
3. House Hotel. good location. Do not know facility.
Taksim Area :
1. Marmara Hotel. reasonably good. recently renovated and still some renovation (my older daughter was project coordinator until she left to join another company as design manager doing renovation of Conrad Hilton, says the proud father with tears streaking down his eyes this Sunday morning) Excellent location for easy access to everywhere and anywhere. Excellent for city walks, culture, art, the safest 24 hour alive location of any megalopolis.
2. The Ritz. Below the hill from Taxim. has more scenic location but views not as good as the Marmara. Has excelent facilities. The rooms rather too ornate for my taste.(I was the property owner's risk management consultant during construction and mobilization and some five years later. Even met Bill Marriott and retinue)
Second tier city hotels:
1. Istanbul Hilton
2. The Swiss Hotel
3. Park Hyatt
4. Ceylan Intercontinental
5. Conrad Hilton
I am afraid the Movenpick, the Sheraton, the Marriott and some others do not qualify for touristic purposes as they are mainly business hotels too far from touristic sites, decent walks and evening activities, but very handy for business meetings and visiting shopping malls.
I am afraid the one at Sultanahmet does not have any alternatives in the area.
The Four Seasons Bosphorus has some alternatives:
1. Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski has excellent large rooms. Is one of the top luury hotels, smack on the Bosphorus. has decent facilities (do not remember hamam, spa and exercise equipment). Should only get a sea view room.
2. Bebek Hotel. Our dd and dsil stayed wedding night before they went to honeymoon. Really directly on the sea with very beautiful setting. All sea view rooms 45 sq. meter junior suite type with small two person balcony. Has good intimate sea level bar and good restaurant. No other facilities though. The location is better than any other hotel for pleasant walks on the Bosphorus to the European fortress, at the upscale and very poular Bebek area with excellent restaurants and cafes. I would prefer this to all other hotels in a jiffy. The service may not be as professional a Four Seasons or kempinski but has a better chance of being like family.
You can take ferries across to Asia from Bebek pier, short walk away to sightsee, eat at different restaurants and sea other parts of the straits.
There are commuter ferries down to the historic city early in the morning and back in the evening as good alternatives to atrocious rush hour traffic.
Finally there is a sea taxi which is not that expensive which can bring you to Bebek or kempinski from town or take you to the old city if the concierge calls them an hour or so in advance.
Nisantasi area:
1.Park Hyatt, is newer and more luxurious than Grand hyatt and is situated in an upscale district with many restaurants, cafes and shops and within quick and simple taxi ride away from both the Bosphorus and the old town.
2. Sofa Hotel. Good location but do not know the facility.
3. House Hotel. good location. Do not know facility.
Taksim Area :
1. Marmara Hotel. reasonably good. recently renovated and still some renovation (my older daughter was project coordinator until she left to join another company as design manager doing renovation of Conrad Hilton, says the proud father with tears streaking down his eyes this Sunday morning) Excellent location for easy access to everywhere and anywhere. Excellent for city walks, culture, art, the safest 24 hour alive location of any megalopolis.
2. The Ritz. Below the hill from Taxim. has more scenic location but views not as good as the Marmara. Has excelent facilities. The rooms rather too ornate for my taste.(I was the property owner's risk management consultant during construction and mobilization and some five years later. Even met Bill Marriott and retinue)
Second tier city hotels:
1. Istanbul Hilton
2. The Swiss Hotel
3. Park Hyatt
4. Ceylan Intercontinental
5. Conrad Hilton
I am afraid the Movenpick, the Sheraton, the Marriott and some others do not qualify for touristic purposes as they are mainly business hotels too far from touristic sites, decent walks and evening activities, but very handy for business meetings and visiting shopping malls.
Apr 15th, 2012, 05:56 AM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thank you all for your responses, which have left me with more questions. I am confused as to which neighborhood I should stay in. I was interested in the Four Seasons Sultanhamet, which is too expensive. Should I stay on the Bosphorus? We want to be able to walk to many attractions, and do not want to deal with rush hour traffic. We don't mind water taxis. We DO want to be in an English speaking hotel. Otherchelebi, I have a question for you. You mention the Park Hyatt as being superior to the Grand Hyatt, but then list it as a second tier city hotel. Help!!??
Apr 15th, 2012, 06:26 AM
#9
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,818
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
spk:
OtherChelebi has been infamously known to offer Fodorites the option of staying at his luxurious home...the illustrious Aduchamp, for one. The others have since faded into obscurity. I'm surprised he hasn't given you the invitation. Don't fret..just don't forget. One way or the other, you will have a glorious stay in exotic Istanbul.
You may still bump into OC...last I heard, his newest day job is selling those delicious fish sandwiches off a row boat in Eminonu. Count your change!
OtherChelebi has been infamously known to offer Fodorites the option of staying at his luxurious home...the illustrious Aduchamp, for one. The others have since faded into obscurity. I'm surprised he hasn't given you the invitation. Don't fret..just don't forget. One way or the other, you will have a glorious stay in exotic Istanbul.
You may still bump into OC...last I heard, his newest day job is selling those delicious fish sandwiches off a row boat in Eminonu. Count your change!
Apr 15th, 2012, 06:34 AM
#10
Your post doesn't make any sense since there are many wines that cost more than Champagne.
What is an English-speaking hotel?
Sultanahmet is a little village; it is not like the rest of bustling Istanbul. There aren't any big, luxury hotels there. Most of the hotels in Sultanahmet are small hotels with a few rooms.
Not in the same league as the Four Seasons, but a nice hotel with a beautiful garden, is the Yesil Ev. It is right across the mews from the Four Seasons Sultanahmet.
The Sari Konak is another quality option for Sultanahmet but again, not a luxury hotel.
The Grand Hyatt off of Taksim Square is a nice hotel (we dined there), but it is not in the same league as the Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, or the Ciragan Kempinski.
We all stayed at the Ritz-Carlton and thought it was a very beautiful hotel, but the service was NOT 5-star, certainly not the service you would get if you stayed at a hotel like The Oriental in Bangkok or the Connaught in London.
The Ritz-Carlton is also in an odd location, and you would most likely have to take taxis to get around. But, the kind of people who stay at the Ritz have private cars with drivers anyway. (We had a private guide with a car.)
The Intercontinental off of Taksim square is a huge hotel with many ammenities, but the hotel looks very worn.
The nearby Divan seemed nice enough, but I think they closed for renovations. We had diner at this hotel and thought the food was pukka.
Water taxis? Are there water taxis in Istanbul? Othercelebi, please explain that one.
If anyone in Fodorville knows posh, it is I.
Tschuss,
Pepper
What is an English-speaking hotel?
Sultanahmet is a little village; it is not like the rest of bustling Istanbul. There aren't any big, luxury hotels there. Most of the hotels in Sultanahmet are small hotels with a few rooms.
Not in the same league as the Four Seasons, but a nice hotel with a beautiful garden, is the Yesil Ev. It is right across the mews from the Four Seasons Sultanahmet.
The Sari Konak is another quality option for Sultanahmet but again, not a luxury hotel.
The Grand Hyatt off of Taksim Square is a nice hotel (we dined there), but it is not in the same league as the Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, or the Ciragan Kempinski.
We all stayed at the Ritz-Carlton and thought it was a very beautiful hotel, but the service was NOT 5-star, certainly not the service you would get if you stayed at a hotel like The Oriental in Bangkok or the Connaught in London.
The Ritz-Carlton is also in an odd location, and you would most likely have to take taxis to get around. But, the kind of people who stay at the Ritz have private cars with drivers anyway. (We had a private guide with a car.)
The Intercontinental off of Taksim square is a huge hotel with many ammenities, but the hotel looks very worn.
The nearby Divan seemed nice enough, but I think they closed for renovations. We had diner at this hotel and thought the food was pukka.
Water taxis? Are there water taxis in Istanbul? Othercelebi, please explain that one.
If anyone in Fodorville knows posh, it is I.
Tschuss,
Pepper
Apr 15th, 2012, 07:53 AM
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
So in case I have been unclear, here's my situation. I am a New Yorker and this is my first time to Istanbul and I have no idea where to stay. We love to walk, and want to be near some attractions, as well as cafes and restaurants. My husband and I are traveling with our 22 year old daughter and her friend, and therefore need 2 rooms. We have stayed in the Four Seasons in other cities in Europe and have loved it. Unfortunately, it is too expensive for us this time around. We are looking for suggestions...
Apr 15th, 2012, 08:00 AM
#13
spk, sorry for mistake. Had already written too long and DW was calling to lunch.
I meant to write Grand Hyatt, in the list of second tier hotels in terms of location and not necessarily luxury.
Pfeffer dear, the Divan has reopened after being totally rebuit from ground up. I have not seen the rooms yet. The restaurant was OK bu had a very limited menu and was in the back of the loby whereas the old one was in a much nicer location and had a better menu.
We have had an ido water taxi for many years owned by the municipality. Last year it was sold to a private company together with the fast ferries. it is possible that there may have been even further divestitures, but they still exist and can be reached by phone.
I even have a short report about them here:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...istanbul.cfm?2
spk. Unless you stay at a hotel in the center of the cheaper wholesale leather and garment industry at laleli where most of the trading is conducted in Russian, you are bound to find yourself in a Hotel where English is spoken.
you will be surprised to notice how well the bell boys, the concierge, the doormen and even the chambermaids will speak your language if you tip them well or too little.
I meant to write Grand Hyatt, in the list of second tier hotels in terms of location and not necessarily luxury.
Pfeffer dear, the Divan has reopened after being totally rebuit from ground up. I have not seen the rooms yet. The restaurant was OK bu had a very limited menu and was in the back of the loby whereas the old one was in a much nicer location and had a better menu.
We have had an ido water taxi for many years owned by the municipality. Last year it was sold to a private company together with the fast ferries. it is possible that there may have been even further divestitures, but they still exist and can be reached by phone.
I even have a short report about them here:
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...istanbul.cfm?2
spk. Unless you stay at a hotel in the center of the cheaper wholesale leather and garment industry at laleli where most of the trading is conducted in Russian, you are bound to find yourself in a Hotel where English is spoken.
you will be surprised to notice how well the bell boys, the concierge, the doormen and even the chambermaids will speak your language if you tip them well or too little.
Apr 15th, 2012, 08:07 AM
#14
Tower, our home is not fit for anyone after Adu visited it even though Mrs adu tried her best to clean everything away into a small garbage bag, which she said Adu was going to use as the replacement of the wallet that was picked from his pocket either on the way to our home or at our home, whichever came first. this was all very confusing to our extended family which at last count was 22 staying in our 960 feet home.
Apr 15th, 2012, 09:21 AM
#15
Dear New Yorker:
Let me explain Istanbul from a tourists perspective for you.
Sultanahmet is like a little village--let us compare it to the East Village of Manhattan, but without the hip factor.
This is where many of the great tourist attractions of Istanbul are located. You can easily walk from your hotel to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palas, Grand Bazaar, etc.
On the other side of the Golden Horn (over the Galata Bridge) is Beyoglu, Taksim, Nisantasi, Ortakoy. This is the REAL Istanbul, the big city Istanbul.
The famous street of shops and cafes is the Istaklak Caddesi in Beyoglu. This long street runs into Taksim Square. Taksim Square is a big transportation hub in Istanbul. Many people get buses here. This is NOT the "postcard" Istanbul. This is the gritty, real Istanbul.
The Hotel Mamara, Hotel Intercontinetal, Hotel Grand Hyatt, and the Divan are all located near Taksim Square. (Think of Taksim Square as a small-scale Times Square.)
The Ritz-Carlton is located down the hill, heading towards the Bosphorus, from the Divan, Grand Hyatt, and Intercontinental. Now you are in walking distance to the Dolmabache Palas, and a short taxi ride away from the NIGHT LIFE of ORTAKOY and the luxury shops, cafe society of Nisantasi.
Think of Nisantasi as the UES of Manhattan.
The Dolmahbache Palas is on the Bosphorus and you get get ferries close by at Kabatas and Bestikas.
You are now in the are where the Ciragan Kempinski is located on the Bosphorus.
There is NO night life in Sultanahmet. You have to get a taxi and go to Ortakoy for that. Sultanahmet is just for tourists.
Your daughter and her friend would be bored to death there at night.
So, New Yorker, Istanbul is just like Manhattan, full of different neighbourhoods. You have to decide where you want to stay. There is really no correct place to stay, it depends on what you are looking for.
Tschuss,
Pepper
Let me explain Istanbul from a tourists perspective for you.
Sultanahmet is like a little village--let us compare it to the East Village of Manhattan, but without the hip factor.
This is where many of the great tourist attractions of Istanbul are located. You can easily walk from your hotel to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palas, Grand Bazaar, etc.
On the other side of the Golden Horn (over the Galata Bridge) is Beyoglu, Taksim, Nisantasi, Ortakoy. This is the REAL Istanbul, the big city Istanbul.
The famous street of shops and cafes is the Istaklak Caddesi in Beyoglu. This long street runs into Taksim Square. Taksim Square is a big transportation hub in Istanbul. Many people get buses here. This is NOT the "postcard" Istanbul. This is the gritty, real Istanbul.
The Hotel Mamara, Hotel Intercontinetal, Hotel Grand Hyatt, and the Divan are all located near Taksim Square. (Think of Taksim Square as a small-scale Times Square.)
The Ritz-Carlton is located down the hill, heading towards the Bosphorus, from the Divan, Grand Hyatt, and Intercontinental. Now you are in walking distance to the Dolmabache Palas, and a short taxi ride away from the NIGHT LIFE of ORTAKOY and the luxury shops, cafe society of Nisantasi.
Think of Nisantasi as the UES of Manhattan.
The Dolmahbache Palas is on the Bosphorus and you get get ferries close by at Kabatas and Bestikas.
You are now in the are where the Ciragan Kempinski is located on the Bosphorus.
There is NO night life in Sultanahmet. You have to get a taxi and go to Ortakoy for that. Sultanahmet is just for tourists.
Your daughter and her friend would be bored to death there at night.
So, New Yorker, Istanbul is just like Manhattan, full of different neighbourhoods. You have to decide where you want to stay. There is really no correct place to stay, it depends on what you are looking for.
Tschuss,
Pepper
Apr 15th, 2012, 09:50 AM
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Pepper, thank you for your fabulous tour of Istanbul. I will definitely NOT be staying in Sultanahmet! I am leaning toward the Nisantasi area (nothing wrong with the UES), or even getting closer to or on the Bosphorus. That being said, the Park Hyatt looks nice. What do you think? And by the way, you certainly seem to know New York quite well! Thank you again.
Apr 15th, 2012, 10:19 AM
#17
spk,
i have two daughters, one 26, married, living in Chicago and the other older and living in istanbul. In June they would spend almost all their time on the Bosphorus, around Bebek in the daytime and in the stretch between Ortakoy and Bebek at night.
This is where everyone who is anyone appears.
my wife's favorite summer cafe for the afternoon is Assk Kahvesi at Kurucesme next to the excellent Italian restaurant Mia Mensa. She like the brunch at Divan pub in bebek almost next to Bebek Hotel.
The kids like Anjelik at Ortakoy (has pier for boats including sea taxi), the supper clubs of Sortie and Reina, luca and some others at Bebek.
Nisantasi will still be busy in June, especially in daytime, but the night life will be stretching fast to the Bosphorus.
Beymen brasserie, Kirinti, Midpoint will be good for people watching at Nisantasi. saray Pudding shop is for people and for some different and quick traditional Turkish specialities.
Visit the Pasabahce glass shop at Nisantasi for special limited edition items and Arkaik jewellery store (check web site)for unique ancient Anatolian civilization inspired gold and gold-silver jewellery.
i have two daughters, one 26, married, living in Chicago and the other older and living in istanbul. In June they would spend almost all their time on the Bosphorus, around Bebek in the daytime and in the stretch between Ortakoy and Bebek at night.
This is where everyone who is anyone appears.
my wife's favorite summer cafe for the afternoon is Assk Kahvesi at Kurucesme next to the excellent Italian restaurant Mia Mensa. She like the brunch at Divan pub in bebek almost next to Bebek Hotel.
The kids like Anjelik at Ortakoy (has pier for boats including sea taxi), the supper clubs of Sortie and Reina, luca and some others at Bebek.
Nisantasi will still be busy in June, especially in daytime, but the night life will be stretching fast to the Bosphorus.
Beymen brasserie, Kirinti, Midpoint will be good for people watching at Nisantasi. saray Pudding shop is for people and for some different and quick traditional Turkish specialities.
Visit the Pasabahce glass shop at Nisantasi for special limited edition items and Arkaik jewellery store (check web site)for unique ancient Anatolian civilization inspired gold and gold-silver jewellery.
Apr 15th, 2012, 10:32 AM
#18
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 23,017
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For a fine dining experience, go to http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...-Istanbul.html
Reservations are necessary.
Reservations are necessary.
Apr 15th, 2012, 07:21 PM
#19
Where is the Park Hyatt in Istanbul?
I don't know this hotel.
Of course, I know Manhattan well. I lived there for 7 years.
My grandparents lived at Park Ave/85 St. for 60 years.
My sister graduated from FIT.
Tschuss,
Pepper
I don't know this hotel.
Of course, I know Manhattan well. I lived there for 7 years.
My grandparents lived at Park Ave/85 St. for 60 years.
My sister graduated from FIT.
Tschuss,
Pepper
Apr 15th, 2012, 10:53 PM
#20
Park Hyatt was built within the confines of "Macka Palas" a few years ago, formerly the residential quarters for the older Italian Consulate at Tesvikiye across the street. (my schoolmate Samuel Gattegno had to pay a Dollar equivalent to the doorman to open the building gate everytime he missed the midnight curfew.)
It's entrance is on Bronz Sokak where the kebap restaurant Kosebasi is situated. The building has the Armani and Gucci shops on main street.
To the North-Northwest of the building is the Milli Reinsurance building with its pleasant small arcade, bars and restaurants where I have free parking priviledges provided by the CEO and the managing director. (thank you Cahit and Hulki)
It's entrance is on Bronz Sokak where the kebap restaurant Kosebasi is situated. The building has the Armani and Gucci shops on main street.
To the North-Northwest of the building is the Milli Reinsurance building with its pleasant small arcade, bars and restaurants where I have free parking priviledges provided by the CEO and the managing director. (thank you Cahit and Hulki)
