Hotel Recommendations-Rome, Florence, Istanbul
 

My wife and I will be in Rome, Istanbul and Florence in October and would like ideas on places to stay. We will only be in Istanbul for 1 night, Florence and Rome for 2 each. Thanks!!

I'm sorry you have but one night in Istanbul - it is the most amazing city, and I've spent time in Rome & Florence as well! Nevertheless, I highly recommend the Sari Konak Hotel located in the Istanbul "old city" neighborhood of Sultanahmet. All the major sights are within 10 minutes walking - Hagia Sofia, The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, etc. Best of all is the wonderful staff at this charming and affordable hotel. Have a safe, wonderful trip! (http://www.istanbulhotels.com/sarikonak.htm)

If money is not an issue I highly recommend the Four Seasons in Istanbul. At one time the building was a jail, and it is now converted into a lovely hotel. It is very convenient to a lot of the sights mentioned by the previous poster. The Cirigan (sp?) Palace which I had heard was something else, was somewhat of a disappointment. Although the view of the Bosporus was great, I thought the rooms small and location not very convenient. I know "John-John" stayed there on his honeymoon, but that's my opinion. <BR>Have fun!

Highly recommend the Hotel delle Regioni in Rome, Via del Tritone 94 (actually around the corner on Via Zucchelli). Telephone 06. 483675 or 06.4745858; fax 06.4883300. Was a bit more expensive than we hoped to spend but a lovely refuge from the city. 2 adults, 1 child, full bath, air conditioning, mini refrigerator in room, phone, breakfast for 270000 per night last week. Our room, #2, was very quiet and I will request it next time. It's just down the hill from the Pza Barberini metro stop, easy walk to Spanish Steps, Via Veneto, Pantheon, etc. Have a great trip.

Wow---somehow you have to spend more time in Istanbul. We thoroughly enjoyed the pulse of this ancient city between two continents. A good web site to check out is www.turizm.net. With such limited time, we suggest visiting the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Yerebatan Saray (1500 year old underground cisterns). Please email us for any questions/concerns.

Favorite hotel in Rome is Grand Plaza on Via del Corso, second favorite is Scalinata di Spagna. Favorite hotel in Florence is Loggiato dei Serviti, second favorite Moranda alla Crocetta. Also stayed at the Ciragan palace in Istanbul, very beautiful views, nice rooms, snobby, but great for the price (would go for $400+ in other countries), I think our room was $270. However, the Four Seasons looked really neat and we would try that place next. Have fun and email with questions.