My wife and I stayed at the Hyatt near Taksim Square on a precruise about 5 years ago (just after the big earthquake). It is a beautiful hotel. Even then you walked thru an airport type metal detector to go into the hotel. It was very safe. I got a good corporate rate.The hotel recommended a typical Turkish restaurant called Haji Babas for dinner.It was so good we ate there twice.But save it for when you are with your friends. I don't think a woman alone should walk the 6 blocks to get there.The cab fare to the tourist area was $5.
I also investigated hotels in the Sultanahmet area.We had a drink at the Yesil Ev (Green House) hotel garden. It looked great. I would not hesitate to stay there.It is near the sites. The four seasons looked good, but out of sight price wise.
Istanbul is a great city to visit. Having said that, I think your friends may be right and I would investigate the safety of going there at this time.The cruise ships cancelled a stop at Istanbul this year, however they are resuming scheduling this port next year.

Gary

The Aya Sofie Pansionylari is a hotel with rooms in Ottoman-era townhouses built up against the walls of Topkapi palace. It is immediately behind the Aya Sofia. Has character, comfort, and location at a reasonable price.

patty,

feel free to e-mail me under [email protected]

Greetings to Canada
hsv

Thank you Gary,Mrwunrfl-it is worrisome,I was also hoping to hear from Waverley & krisit.
Hsv-I will e-mail you & thanks all again.

Hi Pattysue.
With regards to Mehmet. He may be traveling and leading tours and I'm sure will get back to you within a few days. I found him to be very reliable.

I don't know if this is any help and this is a pesonal decision that you should make, but I would not have any problem with going back to Istanbul at this time. A few months ago, yes, but not now.



When we went in 2001 ago, I got a LOT of flak from everybody (extended family)as to their not being happy about us going.. I was very pleasantly surprised and expected a 3rd world country. However, I definitely would not go around on my own as a single woman and that is why I enjoyed having a tourguide. The cost is not outrageous but invaluable for peace of mind.

If you need to get in touch with me, my email is [email protected]

In 2002 when we went the cruise ships were also avoiding Turkey which was devastating to the local economy in places like Ephesus. Plenty of people were posting on the boards saying how dangerous it was. Friends and family are always questioning where we travel. And quite honestly most of these people have never set foot in Turkey or even outside the US so while I appreciate their concern, I don't put much stock in their opinions.

We didn't meet anyone while we were there who was openly anti-American, people were friendly everywhere we went and anxious for the tourists to return.

The best advice I can give you is to monitor the news and the State Dept. website (even if you are Canadian as you seem to get lumped in with us) for actual warnings and decide for yourself whether you will enjoy this vacation or be afraid the entire trip.

Is there risk? Well, there's always risk no matter where you travel, even if you stay in your hometown. Would I cancel my trip right now if I was planning on Turkey? Nope.

But I think if I was traveling solo as a female on my first trip that I might at least try a couple of days with a guide to start off with.

And all the other usual precautions, avoid large gatherings/protests, try to blend in with your clothes and personally I would avoid large hotels, bars and restaurants that cater to American/Western tour groups.

Marvellous advice Kristi & Waverley-I am going & will try to avoid hotels catering to westerners