mi2k

We (kids 7 & 14, and parents) are going to be in Istanbul for 3 days in June. I am looking through the threads here about hotels and sightseeing. I have a few basic questions:

* If we book a room with two beds, can we expect that to be accommodate all of us? What are the standard bed sizes there? Is breakfast normally included? Our frame of reference is mid level US hotels.

* What is the best way to book a hotel room (through a US travel site, through hotel's own site, by calling the hotel, or some other way)?

* Usually we like to go around on our own, but because of the short stay, and because of the advice I have seen on the web, my impression is that we should look into guided tours. Any thoughts?

otherchelebi

Hello,

- Beds are usually smaller at the hotels around sultanahmet, the area which has most of the historic sights. I have never heard of two queen or even two double beds. Also, the rooms will be smaller than the rooms you will find at places like hampton inn or courtyard. So, you will need two rooms or a family suite.

- Calling a hotel may give you the best deal. June is already high season. Direct payment should get you a cash discount. You may also try for free transfers. Try the hotel websites by picking your hotels at Trip Advisor (but be careful of single post great reviews which are usually solicited and may also be false) Try for Sultanahmet rather than Sirkeci area and definitely not Laleli.

- If you like going on your own, you probably should because it will give you a sense of adventure. However, that means some reading in addition to a guide book. On the other hand a guide who can cut his spiel short can save you time for the main sights in one day.

Final note :

- Your children will probably love Rahmi Koc Museum, especially if one or both are boys.

All of you will also enjoy a short bosphorus cruise, to replace which i will recommend a commuter boat leaving Eminonu up the Bosphorus in the evening and having dinner somewhere near Rumelihisari (the European Fortress) and coming back by bus or taxi (because there are no return boat trips) This way you do not have to reserve day hours for this cruise and can also experience something different.

fishee

check out the family suites at empress zoe (although they may be booked for June). They have a few rooms with a double bed and 2 singles.

http://www.emzoe.com/rar.html

Also, Uyan has a "family apt" that might work for you: http://www.uyanhotel.com/guest_rooms.html

In some instances, it may be cheaper to just rent 2 rooms -- one with a double bed and another with 2 singles. have fun!

mi2k

Thank you, Chelebi. I sent an email to several of my first choices (mostly from Fodor's recommendations). Most of them were unavailable, but I booked one at Dersaadet (Eur 190 -10% discount for cash) in Sultanahmet that was available.

I was told that airport pickup is free only if we were staying 4 nights or more. How much does a taxi to Sultanahmet (from the airport) cost?

Thanks for the tip about the Bosphorous boat -- we will do what you suggest. Both my kids are boys, so I will look into your museum suggestions.

Apart from the guided tour, is there anything else that I should book/purchase in advance?

mi2k

Fishee, your post came up while I was writing mine. Thanks.

Em Zoe is indeed booked, unless we change rooms on one of the days. Would you suggest that it would still be better than Dersaadet where I booked? I will check Uyan too.

Royal

Hi. We stayed at the Dersaadet last October in one of the corner suites. The room was quite large and bright. We are happy to recommend the hotel and their very pleasant staff. The location is great with easy walking to the major sites.

We had to leave very early in the morning and the hotel arranged a private car for us for 55 euros which we felt was a reasonable price.

We did all our booking through the internet and they responded very promptly to our inquiries.

otherchelebi

Taxi fare from IST to Sultanahmet is about 40TL ($26). There are no night fares or costs for additional passengers or luggage. Tip the driver as you would in New york if he helps you with the luggage, otherwise let him keep the smaller change only.

Most Istanbul taxis are small, so you may wish to wait for one of the small minivan types especially if each of you has a separate piece of luggage. But there will be someone at the taxi stand who should be able to gauge your group size and help you get into a suitable taxi.

There is no need for a special arrangement or a shuttle which will invariably be more expensive.

cabovacation

I argued to pay 40 TL for cabfare recently, and finally paid 45TL, so that wasn't too bad.

Note that breakfast in Turkey is breakfast in Turkey - not breakfast at the Holiday Inn: delicious olives, cheese, fruit, tea, boiled eggs...for the basic hotels, at least.

If you want a guided tour I suggest that you book it quickly. The season appears to be very lively and most guides are booked already.

Have a great time! I certainly did.

naddy74

Hi everyone,
Just back from a 6 day fantastic trip to Istanbul.
I stayed at Faros Hotel in Sultanhmet. We were 4 adults and 2 children - sharing two rooms. The rooms in the hotel were quite spacious (hotel said each were 30m2 in size) and the fact that the hotel was right on the tram line really helped.
I had booked by directly calling the hotel - got a good rate with both way transfers to Ataturk Airport.

OtherChelebi - thanks a lot for your suggestions.

mi2k

Thanks to everyone about feedback on Dersaadet and other tips.

One more question -- does the airport have luggage lockers?

mi2k

Answering my own question -- yes, there are "baggage custody services" (http://www.ataturkairport.com/en-EN/...yServices.aspx) at a somewhat hefty fee.