Hotel Opinions Requested
 

We are considering several hotels. Any opinions would be appreciated. Here's the hotels with the best rates I've found so far.<BR><BR>Blue House ($85)<BR>Arnea ($85)<BR>Yesil Ev ($160 good discounter for bookerfor this anyone?)<BR>Sutanahmet Palace ($140 good booker?)<BR><BR>I've also heard talk that Sultanahmet is not great neighborhood after dark. Any opinions on this would also be appreciated.<BR>

you neglected to state the location of these fine establishments....

The hotels are in Istanbul.<BR><BR>Rob, I stayed in the Blue House (Mavi Ev) this past summer and loved it. Great location (opposite the Blue Mosque), lovely rooftop restaurant, wonderful staff. The rooms we stayed in were comfortable, if typically small. And the service was excellent. <BR><BR> I've heard wonderful things about the Yesil Ev and the Sultanahmet Palace, but can't speak from experience; they are both near the Blue House, so the location is essentially the same. <BR><BR>I had no problems with the area after dark; it is so dominated by tourists, that you are certainly in a populated area. But like any city, I'd be careful of straying into areas where there aren't any people. But that's just common sense talking. The only thing that you really need to be prepared to deal with in Istanbul -- and most of Turkey-- are the carpet touts, trying to get tourists to come into their shops. They aren't dangerous but it can feel unpleasant, especially at first, because they are so persistent. It helps to develop a relaxed attitude and smile and go on one's way. Unless you want to go into the shop, of course.

I just got back from Turkey. I saw Yesi Ev--it's in a nice location (right by Blue Mosque) and it is a beautiful place. I stayed at two places: Empress Zoe Hotel the first time I stopped by Istanbul--very nice, clean and inexpensive place. Triple cost $85 a night. Good location (just around the corner from Yesi Ev. When I stopped by Istanbul again on the way home, I stayed at the famous Four Seasons. The winter rate was only $180 a night! And it is so worth it!<BR><BR>As for Sultanahmet after dark--we (three female) had no problem walking around. Just need to use common sense like anywhere else in the world that's crowded.

Greetings,<BR>I can offer you Ayasofya Pansiyonlari/Konuk Evi (www.ayasofyapansiyonlari.com),their site contains only some information about its location. Their rates are: street side double room from street side till April is 84$ per night including breakfast and tax.