Our dates are October 4 & 5. Hoping to find something fine under $400 per night. Hotels I've contacted are all booked. Quiet is very high priority. Decent size rooms and bathrooms. Good location for sight-seeing.

Thanks for any advice.

Yo really should have no problem finding something in that price range or even less. Try www.venere.com or www.gtahotels.com

One thing that may be happening is that your dates are immediately after the three day national holiday of Seker Bayrami (candy festival) which technically ends on 2 October but some travelers may be extending their holiday through the week end. http://tinyurl.com/6gpj8o

First tell us which hotels were booked so we can rule those out...

Try Empress Zoe - it is wonderful

We stayed at the Hali Hotel which was very conveniently located. The rooms are a little tired, but it was quiet and the price was right: they gave us a price of 65€ per night--cash only. But I suspect that you would not find the hotel to your taste.

Thanks so much for quick replies. Have tried Sirkeci Konak and Hotel Nena, both of which came well recommended (from people I know who've stayed there). Also tried one or two others (can't remember).
Don't want someplace to just lay down our heads-- hoping to find something very pleasant. (We're people for whom where we stay really does make a difference.)

Will research Empress Zoe. (In my next life, intend to stay at Four Seasons.)

Thanks to all for help!

Where do you want to stay? Sultanahmet? Beyoglu? Taksim? Bosphorus?

Did you try Yesil Ev?

Thingorjus

We stayed at THE SEVEN HILLS hotel in Sultanahmet, just across the street from The Four Seasons. The suites were gorgeous, huge, one with a wraparound terrace with stunning views. The rooftop restaurant had great views, too, and very good food.However, when we stayed there last July there was a terrible smell in the suites due to an ongoing plumbing problem. IF that has been corrected, this could be a great choice. It was very reasonably priced. I would check out the latest reviews on tripadvisor ( if you believe those!) if you're interested.

Also, I second the recommendation for YESIL EV, which is in the same neighborhood. Obviously, we didn't stay there, but we had a lovely candelit dinner in their garden, and the hotel looked very nice.

A final recommendation for a place that friends have stayed is: SARI KONAK. Have you checked that out already?

Altough Bayram is 5 days I am sure you can find something for the budget you have. 200 Euros would open some doors for you.

Murat

Could I ask what this "candy" (?) festival is about? THanks!

weadles, click the link in my previous post and/or http://tinyurl.com/6ar2h4

We stayed at the Four Seasons in Sultanahamet and love it. Great property in a great location.

Thanks for replies (am pursuing).
Four Seasons costs approx. $1000 per night-- in my NEXT life maybe...

Poss,

Just got back from Istanbul and stayed at the Seven Hills hotel and thought it was a very, very good upper mid range hotel. It's in your price range. Expedia says there are rooms now for $315 a night. I would upgrade to a suite though on the top floor.

I would also book directly with the hotel, save couple bucks.

Oh, if you stay at the seven hills, make sure to ask for a room on an upper floor since they are quiet.

The suites at THE SEVEN HILLS are spectacular, especially the one we were in, which had its own wraparound terrace and astounding views for less than half the price of its across the street neighbor, THE FOUR SEASONS.

BUT- as I posted earlier- the hotel had a serious plumbing issue during July of 2008, and the smell permeated much of the upper floors ( sadly, our suite included) of the hotel. IF this has been resolved, SEVEN HILLS would be an excellent choice.