Hi,
Can someone recommend a good 4- or 5-star Istanbul hotel? We are planning a three week tour of Turkey in mid-May, 2008. Any other travel suggestions on Turkey would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Dick Sharp

The best hotel in Istanbul is supposed to be the Four Seasons.

Here's a link to my Tripadvisor review of the Holiday Inn - Istanbul City. We found it a great value and it's not a cookie cutter HI like you would find in the U.S.:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR...-Istanbul.html

You're really going to enjoy visiting Istanbul; it's just a wonderful destination and a great value. Here are my notes:

http://www.igougo.com/travelcontent/...;EntryID=16012

The Four Seasons would be my recommendation. But there are options that are not as pricey. Big decision is which part of the city you want to stay in and there have been long threads on this subject here.
The Four Seasons is fairly small and often booked well in advance. You should tell us where you plan to go in order to get better suggestions. Are you going on a tour or on your own?

Here is a report I wrote on the first part of my trip to Istanbul and Northern Aegean coast. Hope it gets you started on your plans:


http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34695639

I am just back from Istanbul - Four Seasons is fantastic bombastic! Ritz Carlton and A'Jia Hotel are both Bombastic. I have more information and pictures at http://www.bombasticlife.com

Let me know if you need more information.

To add up to Andrew; Sumahan on the water boutique luxury, Sofa Hotel, Armada etc. If you tell us about your budget and perferred location I may come up with more options.

Happy travelling,
Murat

4 Seasns is wonderful and located in a great sight seeing area.For relaxation plus some interesting nearby neighborhoods,we like the Ciragan Palace.