Istanbul Hotel confusion
 

I'm planning a first, solo trip to Istanbul. My touring will mostly be provided with guides and/or group excursions. I am confused by varying hotel recommendations on various websites, and would like some criteria-based recommendations from fodorites .I've already been at tripadvisor. My own criteria are comfort (and edging into luxury would be great, my budget is flexible this time around), convenience of location,, safety, and local atmosphere. Can I have all of those things at once?
My tour agency is recommending the Marmara in New City. (there are a couple of hotels with Marmara in their names, I believe this one is the Marmara Istanbul). I am not well-versed in Istanbul geography but "New City" just by its name makes me concerned that there will be all modern buildings and generic atmosphere, and little of Istanbul's heritage. Is that incorrect? I don't mind if the hotel itself is modern and somewhat generic, but I'd like the area it's in to have some character and a good breakfast or restaurant.
I thought I'd want to be based in Sultanahmet, but is it likely I'll feel comfortable strolling and browsing on my own (during the day)? Other hotels under consideration:
Hilton Istanbul, Sari Konak, Best Western President,Ambassador,Swissotel. Or anyplace else you suggest. Would like to keep hotel room per night under $350,under $300 would be preferable.

I was quite glad I wasn't up and across on the "other side" of Istanbul when we stayed. Our hotel was probably too local for most, but we enjoyed strolling other neighborhoods and were impressed with the Empress ZOE hotel years ago.

We stopped to take a peak into that one and MANY in the area. Can't get much more charming than that location, IMO.

If you search you will find many suggestions here. With your budget you certainly will not have a problem, but I was not fond of the more modern area, myself, when we crossed and went up for dinner. Perhaps there is more to it than we saw. There are a slew of good restaurants along and off the main street.

Of course, in my next life, I would stay at the Kempinski Ciragan Palace, www.lhw.com, or at least have a meal there. My husband opted out on the meal.. I forgave him.. but it's still on my list!

I would stay in Sultanamet area. I think your only problem will
be aggresive rug salesmen who hang out in the doorways of their
shops and call out to you. I would suggest the Empress Zoe or
the Sari Konak both of which are smaller hotels. Both are in
convenient areas for sightseeing and do not require crowded
public transportation. Also, restaurants are nearby.

Pat

Thanks for the replies. In MY next life, I'd like to stay at the Four Seasons, but the prices are way over my top.
I'm sure the Kempinski is similarly wonderful.

I stayed at Marmara Pera. It has no character but the location is excellent. Maybe this is the one the agency is recommending (??)

http://www.themarmarahotels.com/The-...Pera/index.asp

Have you looked at the Ritz-Carlton?

I stayed here in July 2005 and loved it.

Thin

Hi Thin,
I think the Ritz-C is over my budget (I assumed it was, a la the Four Seasons) but will check it out.

ekscrunchy, it's the same owner I believe, but the hotel I've been considering is the Marmara Istanbul, down the street I think, from the Pera
http://www.themarmarahotels.com/The-...nbul/index.asp

The Mamara Istanbul is in a very good location. It is at the "top" of Istaklal Caddesi, which is filled with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Taksim Square is also a mass transit hub. This hotel is not far from the Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, Divan, and Intercontinental.

Have you looked at the Divan Hotel? It is a very nice hotel.

Thin

On the same trip, I stayed at both the Four Seasons and the Marmara Pera. (One before my road trip and one after). Although the Four Seasons was excellent I think the location in the "new city" is better. Certainly the restaurants and night life are better on that side. I don't know the other Marmara, but the location sounds equally good.

Remember that a lot of the good shops and restaurants are toward the north-in Nisantasi and beyond..

The old city is the sightseeing center, but you can stay in the new area and visit the old for daytime sightseeing. Taxis are cheap!

I'm feeling better about either Marmara hotel, but will look into the Ritz C just so that I can confirm that it's over my budget. thanks

Thin, I forgot to mention that I recall you had a fabulous Istanbul trip report, and now that I'm going I will look for it to reread.

I think for a first trip to Istanbul, its neat to stay in Sultanahmet since you will be right in the middle of most of the sites you want to see. It's a beautiful area and totally safe. We saw a suite in the Sari Konak (where a friend was staying) and it was pretty fantastic. Definitely luxurious.

If you'd like to read about our recent trip you can visit our Istanbul post at http://patrinadoestheglobe.blogspot.com/

Have a wonderful trip!

We stayed at the Megara Boutique Hotel in November for 60 about $70 a night. They are two hotels, the Megara Palace is just below Tokapi Palace. Both places are very nice and the staff are truly accommodating. You may be able to negotiate a lower rate depending on the length of stay. I did not find the rug salesman imposing, but rather amusing. My wife and I wondered how often they actually sold something because it seemed they were always on the street.

I would echo the comments that staying in Sultanahmet would be a good choice as you will be close to many of the main attractions in Istanbul.

http://www.megarahotel.com/index2.html

I stayed in the Sultanahmet area in the Alzer Hotel. It was extremely well located. Also check out The Arena Hotel - good location as well.

I just loved feeling like I was in the heart of Istanbul there.

If a rug dealer bails you up just tell him you've already bought one, but thank you very much anyway. It pays to be very, very polite when you decline and I found they were happy to let me go without an argument or further persuasion.

I had some dealings with aggressive rug salesmen in Morocco, so at least I've had a little practice.
thanks

The Marmara Pera has a wonderful restaurant, Mikla, on the top floor. Great food and a fantastic view of the city as well. I have stayed at both the Empress Zoe and the Ritz-Carlton-both very good choices. Current plan is a return trip over Thanksgiving. Istanbul is fascinating and you will love it.

If your budget is flexible I would recommend such luxurious hotels with a view at Bosporus in Sultanahmet as:

Legacy Ottoman Hotel (Ex. World Park Hotel)
http://www.turkeytps.com/details/hot...ld_park_hotel/

Sultanhan Hotel
http://www.turkeytps.com/details/hotel/sultanhan_hotel/

Sultanahmet Palace Hotel
http://www.turkeytps.com/details/hot..._palace_hotel/

Eresin Crown Hotel
http://www.turkeytps.com/details/hot...n_crown_hotel/

Elaine, if you have the budget of 300 Usd which is about 230 Euros for a single room you should be fine for finding a deluxe accommodation either in old town or at Taksim area or Pera.

Mind you UEFA cup in May and IMF congress in October and Formula will effect prices considerably.

Cries Van Notebook; if you are mentioning Divan opposite to Intercontinental it is no longer there, a new Divan is being built from the ground.

Have a nice trip

Murat

I've booked at the Marmara Istanbul, right on Taksim Square.
Isramworld, that I've worked with before, customized a package for me, including some group sightseeing and some private guides, but essentially I'll be traveling on my own.
I've traveled alone many times, but not to so exotic a place as Istanbul, so I'm hoping for an adventure, but a pleasant and educational one.

We stayed at the Four Seasons near the Blue Mosque and it was the very best experience EVER. Here's the thing, our travel agent got us a room at half the cost. Who knew???