Please help - I can't decide between the west and south coast of Turkey, and 2 Greek islands plus Athens.
Aug 6th, 2007, 03:36 PM
#41
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Cheese,
You can take the suite at Esbelli Evi now that I've taken a room. There was no reason for me to go to the expense of the suite, knowing that you'll invite my wife and me to relax in the suite and enjoy your company every evening.
You can take the suite at Esbelli Evi now that I've taken a room. There was no reason for me to go to the expense of the suite, knowing that you'll invite my wife and me to relax in the suite and enjoy your company every evening.
Aug 6th, 2007, 06:58 PM
#42
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Mike,
Me again! Just got back and read your previous post about possibly visiting Ephesus and catching a boat from Kusadisi to Samos in the same day. I rarely found that boat or plane schedules catered to my needs in either Greece or Turkey. Plus, it takes several hours to really see Ephesus. From the main gate to the exit where you park your car, it's about a two mile walk. And that's without stopping to see anything on the way. Figure in extra time for navigating through heavy crowds, and you can see why this is a pretty full day on its own.
Me again! Just got back and read your previous post about possibly visiting Ephesus and catching a boat from Kusadisi to Samos in the same day. I rarely found that boat or plane schedules catered to my needs in either Greece or Turkey. Plus, it takes several hours to really see Ephesus. From the main gate to the exit where you park your car, it's about a two mile walk. And that's without stopping to see anything on the way. Figure in extra time for navigating through heavy crowds, and you can see why this is a pretty full day on its own.
Aug 7th, 2007, 08:46 AM
#44
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We are planning a 1/2 day ephesus tour, can anyone recommend any particular tour? We would require pick up from Kusadasi and drop off at Izmir airport. We'd like to see the ruins and the Virgin Mary House, so if that requires a full day, we'll consider it. Thanks!
Aug 7th, 2007, 09:39 AM
#45
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We arranged a private tour through ANKER TRAVEL, based in Kusadisi. The agent I used was Ceyda Genc. We arranged a transfer from Izmir-Ephesus, then from Ephesus to our hotel in Kusadisi, so I'm sure that she would certainly be able to arrange something similar for you.
I'm also sure that Murat at Propertravel, whose post is just a few ahead of mine in this column, could also make your arrangements. Although I didn't work with him personally for our trip to Turkey, I have been in touch with him before, and he is a regular poster with great information about Turkey (!) on this forum.
I'm also sure that Murat at Propertravel, whose post is just a few ahead of mine in this column, could also make your arrangements. Although I didn't work with him personally for our trip to Turkey, I have been in touch with him before, and he is a regular poster with great information about Turkey (!) on this forum.
Aug 7th, 2007, 05:38 PM
#46
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After a great weekend in the Wisconsin northwoods, and a couple busy days at work and home, I see we have both been busy making our Esbelli Evi room ressies, Mike! Ramazan must think we are a couple of crazies booking our rooms this far in advance, but what fun that we will be there at the same time! Looks like we will be having a mini-mini Fodors GTG in Urgup!
Of course, I have the email where Ramazan suggests we rent the suite and the standard room with the private courtyard. It is kind of a cool idea, but I have my heart set on a cave room and besides - then you and I would have to arm wrestle to see who gets the suite side
I am a bit afraid to ask about your accommodation plans in Istanbul - if you say Empress Zoe I will laugh. I am seriously considering it, but there seems to be a wealth of great options in the Sultanahmet area. I also might choose the Ritz Carlton, but don't get me wrong - no big spender here, but my DH does have tons of Marriott points we can use for a free room there.
The rest of the planning (ferries and flights) seem a bit stalled for the moment. I am about ready to make my ressies for the Istanbul>Kayseri portion, but per Sun Express the tickets for the May direct flight Kayseri>Izmir won't go on sale til the end of August.
Per Weadles, I am going to do my best to make arrangements to stay away from Marmaris so I will really have to be figure out how to make a Bodrum>Rhodes ferry work. Since there likely is going to be a direct Rhodes>Santorini flight I am thinking the time saved there might offset any little inconvenience in getting from Turkey to Rhodes. I looked into a flight Izmir>Rhodes but it seems I would have to stop in Istanbul and Athens, but I will keep checking tho. I need to leave plenty of time for Ephesus, so that is paramount!
Of course, I am still auditioning islands for the couple of days prior to Santorini, so who know how it will all work out.
This nutty that I am spending so much time on this trip for next May. We leave in three weeks for a trip to Maine and Rhode Island and I don't even have all the accomodations organzized yet! I am too busy reading Turkey and Greece threads and checking out all the amazing places to stay on Santorini.
Weadles, thanks again for all your great first hand advice!!
Of course, I have the email where Ramazan suggests we rent the suite and the standard room with the private courtyard. It is kind of a cool idea, but I have my heart set on a cave room and besides - then you and I would have to arm wrestle to see who gets the suite side
I am a bit afraid to ask about your accommodation plans in Istanbul - if you say Empress Zoe I will laugh. I am seriously considering it, but there seems to be a wealth of great options in the Sultanahmet area. I also might choose the Ritz Carlton, but don't get me wrong - no big spender here, but my DH does have tons of Marriott points we can use for a free room there.
The rest of the planning (ferries and flights) seem a bit stalled for the moment. I am about ready to make my ressies for the Istanbul>Kayseri portion, but per Sun Express the tickets for the May direct flight Kayseri>Izmir won't go on sale til the end of August.
Per Weadles, I am going to do my best to make arrangements to stay away from Marmaris so I will really have to be figure out how to make a Bodrum>Rhodes ferry work. Since there likely is going to be a direct Rhodes>Santorini flight I am thinking the time saved there might offset any little inconvenience in getting from Turkey to Rhodes. I looked into a flight Izmir>Rhodes but it seems I would have to stop in Istanbul and Athens, but I will keep checking tho. I need to leave plenty of time for Ephesus, so that is paramount!
Of course, I am still auditioning islands for the couple of days prior to Santorini, so who know how it will all work out.
This nutty that I am spending so much time on this trip for next May. We leave in three weeks for a trip to Maine and Rhode Island and I don't even have all the accomodations organzized yet! I am too busy reading Turkey and Greece threads and checking out all the amazing places to stay on Santorini.
Weadles, thanks again for all your great first hand advice!!
Aug 7th, 2007, 06:06 PM
#47
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Cheese,
It appears that while you were writing your post to the forum, I was writing my email to you. It's good to see your post!
<i>I have my heart set on a cave room and besides - then you and I would have to arm wrestle to see who gets the suite side</i>
Nah. We'd have to arm wrestle to see who gets the standard room. Sometimes I can be cheap.
I haven't given a nano-second of thought to lodging in Instanbul. I actually hope I can locate a moderately priced apartment as a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Thanks for the tip that SunExpress flights become available at the end of the month. I am still (unreasonably?) hopeful that they will offer more direct flights from Kayseri to Ezmir next year than they offered this year.
Yes, do leave plenty of time for Ephesus. It is a truly special place.
It appears that while you were writing your post to the forum, I was writing my email to you. It's good to see your post!
<i>I have my heart set on a cave room and besides - then you and I would have to arm wrestle to see who gets the suite side</i>
Nah. We'd have to arm wrestle to see who gets the standard room. Sometimes I can be cheap.
I haven't given a nano-second of thought to lodging in Instanbul. I actually hope I can locate a moderately priced apartment as a nice respite from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Thanks for the tip that SunExpress flights become available at the end of the month. I am still (unreasonably?) hopeful that they will offer more direct flights from Kayseri to Ezmir next year than they offered this year.
Yes, do leave plenty of time for Ephesus. It is a truly special place.
Aug 7th, 2007, 06:50 PM
#48
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Hiya Mike - just got your email and responded, probably while you were writing your post!
I had the same thoughts about an apartment in Istanbul and I did a brief google a few weeks ago. I was imagining 16 pages of Istanbul apartments (ala Paris or Dubrovnik) but did not come up with much at all. I will bet they are out there somewhere tho!
I had the same thoughts about an apartment in Istanbul and I did a brief google a few weeks ago. I was imagining 16 pages of Istanbul apartments (ala Paris or Dubrovnik) but did not come up with much at all. I will bet they are out there somewhere tho!
Aug 7th, 2007, 06:59 PM
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Just in case you two are looking at hotels for Bodrum, I must rave about The Marmara Bodrum. I think it might be one of the best if not the very best hotel we've ever stayed at, and that includes (luckily) a lot of places! Although the hotel is not in town that turns out to be a good thing. Taxis into town are cheap, and the view from the hotel overlooking Bodrum and the harbor is gorgeous. There are two good-sized pools on site,tennis courts, as well as an amazing spa and restaurant with excellent food. The rooms were very comfortable, and some of them have small terraces overlooking the city. I found great rates from the hotel itself at the last minute, after changing reservations from a hotel in town. Turned out to be an excellent decision!
Aug 7th, 2007, 07:36 PM
#51
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Weadles - you are the coolest treat in town! Thanks for the suggestions. I will need a place in Bodrum if I am to catch a ferry from there in the a.m. so I appreciate the recommendation and will look into the Marmara.
I have been reading Brotherleeloves posts. He has a million great suggestions but it is crazy how many Santorini hotel threads there are.
What am I looking for?? That is a tough one. We will be there for our 25th anniv, so something special is in order, but not top tier expensive. I think I would like a place where I can have a great sunset view right from the accomodation, and in one of the quieter towns. I am afraid of the cruise ship tourists! I like clean, breakfast included is a major plus, I really like that convenience. So, anything you know of that fits the bill?
I have been reading Brotherleeloves posts. He has a million great suggestions but it is crazy how many Santorini hotel threads there are.
What am I looking for?? That is a tough one. We will be there for our 25th anniv, so something special is in order, but not top tier expensive. I think I would like a place where I can have a great sunset view right from the accomodation, and in one of the quieter towns. I am afraid of the cruise ship tourists! I like clean, breakfast included is a major plus, I really like that convenience. So, anything you know of that fits the bill?
Aug 7th, 2007, 08:06 PM
#52
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HappyCheesehead-
The best hotel I can recommend for a fabulous unobstructed sunset view is the Oia Castle, in my opinion the best 5* hotel in Oia if not on the whole island. For what you'll spend there other 5* hotels don't compare. You'll really get your money's-worth. No, I don't own it
but I do know quality when I see it. The rooms are private and decorated with so much more artistic flair than in any other hotel I've inspected. Check them out. My favorite is the Sunset Suite.
www.artmaisons.gr
The best hotel I can recommend for a fabulous unobstructed sunset view is the Oia Castle, in my opinion the best 5* hotel in Oia if not on the whole island. For what you'll spend there other 5* hotels don't compare. You'll really get your money's-worth. No, I don't own it
but I do know quality when I see it. The rooms are private and decorated with so much more artistic flair than in any other hotel I've inspected. Check them out. My favorite is the Sunset Suite.www.artmaisons.gr
Aug 7th, 2007, 08:37 PM
#53
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Weadles, ditto on the thanks about the Bodrum hotel recommendation, though I'm looking for something a little less expensive.
Cheese, I sent an email asking for rates regarding the Su Otel, highly recommended at Turkey Travel Planner. I'll let you know what I learn.
Cheese, I sent an email asking for rates regarding the Su Otel, highly recommended at Turkey Travel Planner. I'll let you know what I learn.
Aug 8th, 2007, 04:09 AM
#54
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Cheese,
I booked a room at the Su Hotel in Bodrum. http://www.suhotel.net/eng/default.asp
The following rates are from the email sent to me:
"Standard Double or twin room with en-suite, air-conditioning . Bed & breakfast for two people is 80 Euros.
Grand double or twin en-suite, air-conditioning with bed & breakfast for two people is 85 Euros.
Some rooms have balcony with the swimming pool view and some have plant shaded terrace with seating.
Suite room which has large reception room with 2 sofa beds, air-conditioning, en-suite and a balcony area with a view of the swimming pool . Bed & breakfast for two people is 95 Euro.
New suite room which is more luxurious and larger has the same facilities and costs 120 Euros. ( for two people )
On cash payments we are happy to offer %5 discount."
I booked a room at the Su Hotel in Bodrum. http://www.suhotel.net/eng/default.asp
The following rates are from the email sent to me:
"Standard Double or twin room with en-suite, air-conditioning . Bed & breakfast for two people is 80 Euros.
Grand double or twin en-suite, air-conditioning with bed & breakfast for two people is 85 Euros.
Some rooms have balcony with the swimming pool view and some have plant shaded terrace with seating.
Suite room which has large reception room with 2 sofa beds, air-conditioning, en-suite and a balcony area with a view of the swimming pool . Bed & breakfast for two people is 95 Euro.
New suite room which is more luxurious and larger has the same facilities and costs 120 Euros. ( for two people )
On cash payments we are happy to offer %5 discount."
Aug 8th, 2007, 04:29 AM
#55
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I forgot to mention that two main attractions of the Su Hotel are that it is a 5-minute walk from the harbor (and hopefully the ferry) and that it has a brand new wine bar. I'm not sure which is most important.
Aug 8th, 2007, 04:48 AM
#56
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That 5-minute walk to the Bodrum ferry may not be helpful if it isn't running in May, which we have not yet confirmed. Notice this excerpt from my most recent email from the Su Hotel: "not sure abaut the ferry from Bodrum to Rhodes in May!" The exclamation point speaks volumes.
Aug 8th, 2007, 07:07 AM
#57
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Thanks Weadless....
I wonder when Mike and Happy are going to be at Esbelli. Would come there for a sunset drink with Suha, the owner. Good choice though....
Mike, I will not hold myself to say what I think, I might be wrong ofcourse thats a personal experince, Su is close to downtown by walking but if you are driving to your hotel better to take a taxi to drive infront of you. May could be fine but anytime later parking your car at that part of Bodrum is a real challange. Was there several years ago and did not find it to my liking but things might chance ofcourse.
Happy travelling,
Murat
I wonder when Mike and Happy are going to be at Esbelli. Would come there for a sunset drink with Suha, the owner. Good choice though....
Mike, I will not hold myself to say what I think, I might be wrong ofcourse thats a personal experince, Su is close to downtown by walking but if you are driving to your hotel better to take a taxi to drive infront of you. May could be fine but anytime later parking your car at that part of Bodrum is a real challange. Was there several years ago and did not find it to my liking but things might chance ofcourse.
Happy travelling,
Murat
Aug 8th, 2007, 08:40 AM
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Murat,
The Su Hotel advertises that it has nearby parking for its guests. I don't think I'll need it other than to unload the car before turning it over to the rental company.
I would enjoy meeting you while in Cappadocia. The drinks are on me, especially if you can recommend some great wine. I'll be at the Esbelli Evi May 18 through 21. We'll be in touch later about that. I'll also be in touch privately about opportunities to make use of your professional services.
The Su Hotel advertises that it has nearby parking for its guests. I don't think I'll need it other than to unload the car before turning it over to the rental company.
I would enjoy meeting you while in Cappadocia. The drinks are on me, especially if you can recommend some great wine.
I'll be at the Esbelli Evi May 18 through 21. We'll be in touch later about that. I'll also be in touch privately about opportunities to make use of your professional services.
Aug 8th, 2007, 08:48 AM
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Murat,
<i>if you are driving to your hotel better to take a taxi to drive infront of you.</i>
I forgot to respond to that. I am SO amused that you mention that as a real possibility because it brings back memories of when I dropped my wife off in Seville, Spain to check out a hotel. There was no place to park so I told her I would drive around the block until she reappeared. I didn't get lost, but for the life of me I couldn't figure out the right combination of one-way streets to return and it was rush-hour traffic. 45 minutes later I parked the car in front of the hotel. When my wife asked me what had delayed me, I simply said, "Please pay that cab in front of my car and don't ask any questions." Admittedly, that last part was a bit too much to request, so she indeed asked why she was paying a cab that I didn't ride in.
Despite that the Su Hotel provides a sketch of how to find the property, you are the first person I've come across who seriously recommends hiring a cab to lead the way. If necessary, I won't hesitate to do it again.
<i>if you are driving to your hotel better to take a taxi to drive infront of you.</i>
I forgot to respond to that. I am SO amused that you mention that as a real possibility because it brings back memories of when I dropped my wife off in Seville, Spain to check out a hotel. There was no place to park so I told her I would drive around the block until she reappeared. I didn't get lost, but for the life of me I couldn't figure out the right combination of one-way streets to return and it was rush-hour traffic. 45 minutes later I parked the car in front of the hotel. When my wife asked me what had delayed me, I simply said, "Please pay that cab in front of my car and don't ask any questions." Admittedly, that last part was a bit too much to request, so she indeed asked why she was paying a cab that I didn't ride in.
Despite that the Su Hotel provides a sketch of how to find the property, you are the first person I've come across who seriously recommends hiring a cab to lead the way. If necessary, I won't hesitate to do it again.
Aug 8th, 2007, 08:52 AM
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Mike,
I'll be interested to hear what you think of The Su Hotel. I had booked The Tower villa for our stay, but was so concerned about AC in July that we opted for a regular hotel. Anyway, it sounds lovely.
Is there a 4 PM hydrfoil from Marmaris to Rhodes in May? If so, you could drive from Bodrum earlier in the day and go straight to the boat. That's what we should have done this summer!
I'll be interested to hear what you think of The Su Hotel. I had booked The Tower villa for our stay, but was so concerned about AC in July that we opted for a regular hotel. Anyway, it sounds lovely.
Is there a 4 PM hydrfoil from Marmaris to Rhodes in May? If so, you could drive from Bodrum earlier in the day and go straight to the boat. That's what we should have done this summer!
