Hi - I'm headed to Istanbul next week, and am trying to figure out transportation from the airport to our hotel in Beyoglu. We arrive late, and probably won't get luggage & clear customs until at least midnight-1am. I'd prefer to have a driver arranged rather than depending on a taxi since I'll be exhausted. Our hotel does not offer transfers, but can arrange one for a whopping 65 euros. This seems ridiculously expensive to me.

Can anyone recommend a reliable car service?

Thanks.

Why don´t you just take a taxi? They are on line in front of the terminal. That does not exhaust you. And costs less than 65 euros.

Am I likely to get ripped off? Everything I read suggests that taking a taxi is going to be dicey and that I'm probably going to get scammed, especially as an exhausted traveler at that time of night...

Have you checked with your hotel? They often can arrange transfer or suggest a service. On information dense turkeytravelplanner.com the author recommends a private transfer service.
The warnings about taxis in Istanbul that I received cited a couple things - 1. make sure it is a metered taxi, do not even consider a gypsy cab which a tout approaches you to offer. 2. Make sure the meter is actually used. 3. if traveling in daytime (which you are not) make sure meter is clicked to the lower daytime and not the higher night rate

There is no difference between day and night rates since last summer.

Make a point of recording the taxis number and you cannot be scammed. Airport cabs will be very afraid of losing the priviledge anyway.

The cost will be about 40TL, slightly more than 20Euros. Plus some tip.

check the web for istanbul airport shuttle or transfers which should charge 8-10 euros per person. If there is a Havas bus when you come out of the terminal, that will take you to Taksim, for a cheaper fare.

There is a Havaş bus which runs from the airport to Taxim Square that costs (I think) 10 TL and takes about 40 minutes. That's a cheap option for you, but you'll have to battle your way through a crowded square to find your way to the hotel.

I'd spend a little more on a taxi just to get right to the hotel. I think fears of Istanbul taxi drivers are a little overstated, particularly those that queue at the airport. Seamus is right. Make sure the meter is on (no negotiated prices). The taxi ride is likely to be a thrilling and death defying journey. Last time I was there, the route you are talking about would run 30 to 40 TL. Ask your hotel in advance what a taxi fare should cost directly to the hotel.

Seamus, I'm not sure that they still do "day" and "night" fares. Anyone else verify that for us?

If you arrive at the hotel and believe that the driver has tried to hoodwink you, alert the hotel staff and let them deal with it. They should know the appropriate fare.

Another option (about which I know very little) are private buses that do airport runs. They'll pick you up in an air conditioned minibus. I have no experience with these, so perhaps someone else could comment.

Thanks everyone - sounds like the taxi will be fine.