i have the opportunity to spend 2 days in Istanbul in mid October en route Canada to South Africa.Whats the weather like then?Should I get a hotel with a roof top terrace?Should there be better availibility of hotel rooms at that time?Thanks

The weather was sunny and warm almost everyday 2009 October. but that is no guarantee. However a hotel with a roof top terrace is always a good idea and October can be reasonably warm even if it rains and you could still eat outside under an awning.

Yesterday night, there were hundreds of couples eating and drinking under awnings on the side streets of istiklal, warming each other with their love.

definitely better availability of hotel rooms in october, but, unfortunately, it does not mean that the prices will drop much.

If you do not mind the cost stay at Ortakoy Radisson. I would not dream of recommending the Kempinsky or the Bosphorus Four Seasons which are outrageously priced. The radisson is smaller, more friendly and at a terrific location right on the Bosphorus very close to Ortakoy mosque, small street market, many cafes and restaurants for all budgets and tastes, clubs with decent jazz or Turkish folk, and cruise boats. And only half an hour to the Historic city.

My wife and I spent two weeks in Istanbul last May. otherchelebi almost certainly knows more about the city than I do, but I'll still venture some advice. I think that if your stay in a city is short, pick a hotel as close to the main tourist attractions as possible to minimize travel time. We stayed in a modest but comfortable hotel, the Sari Konak, in Sultanhamet. It was a five minute walk to the Blue Mosque, and close to four other attractions, Hagia Sophia, the Yerbatan Cistern, the Mosaic Museum, and Topkapi Palace. It's also close to the Divan Yolu tram stop, so you can easily get to the Archeological Museum and the Grand Bazaar. There are plenty of other hotels in Sultanahmet that are just as close to things you want to see. I'd pick these over the Radisson any day.

I know, i am not a regular tourist. I like freedom after dark, places to go and things to do although i am not a clubber. Just the fact that i can go out of my hotel if i am feeling sleepless with jet lag at 11PM and walk in streets full of people (even 4AM in taksim area) and even find lots of cafes and restaurants cheerfully serving, and small shops still selling fruit, vegetables, liqueur and nuts and chocolate and chewing gum, gives me a great sense of wellbeing. Unfortunately, sultanahmet sort of shrivels and dies after 9PM or so in the Fall and winter, and is busy with only tourists in the summer months. Noone i know would ever dream of going to sultanahmet in the evening, or for any kind of meal, unless they are in the area for business.

the fact that we wander around unknown streets when we are travelling is always exciting. In Madrid we got into a queue thinking it was for a museum, only to discover that it was for people seeking political asylum. Took me three months to explain to my wife how i could even have thought that those people would be waiting to get into a museum. She did not understand that i thought it was a proletarian or a workers museum with relics from the Spanish Civil War.

Yes, otherchelebi is our Turkey expert - take to heart what he advises! Having said that, I'll offer an opinion from the tourist vantage point. For a first-timer, I think you'll want to be close to the main sights.

We stayed in Sultanahmet and we loved it. We arrived in Istanbul October 23, 2009. It was shirtsleeve weather - There wasn't a cloud in the sky. We returned on the 31st to autumn; cool and rain. During the next week there was rain, wind and beautifully warm and cloudless sky.

Our hotel, the Faros, while wonderful and perfectly located, didn't have a roof garden. I've heard very good things about The Seven Hills and the Dersaadet, both of which have roof gardens and are centrally located. Next time we'll try one of them. I'd advise considering either of them when you research hotels.

Whatever you choose, you'll love Istanbul.

Ellen

Ronald,
You should consider staying in the Beyoglu district. It's less than ten minutes by cab to the monuments. Or you can take the tram in 15 or 20.
With 2 days you can make easy full day trips to the old city but then repose to more comfortable, interesting areas in the evening.
Beyoglu has a significant history of its own to explore, plus it is the best and most active culture/dining/nightlife area in the city.
Depending on your budget you can stay at the Pera Marmara which has an excellent rooftop restaurant called Mikla, led by chef Mehmet Gurs. Or the funkier (and cheaper) Buyuk Londra Hotel is also a good option as one of the only historic hotels in Istanbul still operating. It is right up the street from the Pera Palas Hotel which is now under renovation. It is feared that they will ruin that wonderful historic place.

Ronald,
You can choose; stay in the Beyoglu area and take a cab to visit the historic peninsula (Sultanahmet area) during daytime or stay in Sultanahmet and take a cab to Beyoglu for evening/dining life. The cabs are ridicoulously cheap.
As Sultanahmet is dreadful in the evening, I would definitely choose the Beyoglu area. The Buyuk Londra was a nice hotel some 10-15 years ago, but I haven't been lately. You could find nice bargains for hotels looking in the Taksim-Beyoglu zone on e-bookers and the likes.