Ken

Hello, <BR>Since I used this Fodor’s site to plan my recent trip to Europe I thought I would repay everyone with my observations on our trip. This report is on our trip to Istanbul. <BR> <BR>We stayed at the Arena Hotel. It was excellent. It’s a few blocks from the end of the Hippodrome so well within walking to everything. We had a suite for $150 per night with a 15% discount for paying in cash. Breakfasts were included and very good. Lots of variety and plenty of fresh everything. Our room was quite large and bathroom was large and clean. Great water pressure, etc. It was very hot when we were there in July and the hotel had a few problems with the airconditioning but were always able to get it up and running. Basically, we enjoyed it and enjoyed it’s quiet location. <BR> <BR>We visited the Sultanahmet Palace. Wonderful place for dinner. Rooms are a bit more expensive for just a standard room. Location a bit better than the Arena but not so much better that I would select it. It is probably one step better if you want to pay a bit more. But dinner there was first class. <BR> <BR>We also went to dinner at the Yesil Ev. This is a good looking hotel, but without air conditioning in the summer, we didn’t even consider it. We would have died. Dinner here was also excellent. <BR> <BR>We found the food in the Sultanahmet area to be o.k. to poor. Walk a few blocks outside the tourist area for better food. For instance, we enjoyed a terrific dinner at Ocakbasi Buhara Restaurant, Nurosmaniye Cad. No. 7 Cagaloglu---a few blocks from the underground Basilica Cistern. <BR> <BR>We really enjoyed taking the public ferry up the Bosphorus. For a few dollars you can enjoy the same ride as the “tours” and end up at a wonderful seaside village for lunch than ferry back. <BR> <BR>Istanbul was a fantastic city with terrific and friendly people (many who want to sell you anything they can). The holy sites were awesome and the blend of eastern and western cultures can be seen everywhere. <BR> <BR>Bring a good map <BR> <BR>Thanks to all who give me advice on planning our trip. Hope this helps someone, <BR> <BR>Ken <BR>

Paule

Thank you! We leave in two weeks for Turkey, and your impressions and suggestions are helpful. What sights did you visit? Any other "don't miss" sights or experiences? Did you visit other places in Turkey? <BR>

Art

Thanks for you observations on the hotels and resturants. I'd also like to hear about the major sites you visited. Turkey is on my long list of places to visit. <BR>Regards, <BR>Art <BR>

Rosenatti

I'll add my voice (or rather my text) to the chorus and say I'd love to hear more, as I'm planning a trip to for Turkey next May.

Diane

Istanbul is also on my list of togoto places. I'll save these notes! Thanks.