Has anyone stayed at TASHKONAK HOTEL? If so, what was your experience as far as accommodations, location, food/drink, etc.

I am looking for a moderate priced hotel in the SULTANAHMET area. Preferably one with an Ottomon feel, and possible a turkish bath. I met a Turkish gentleman here in the States who mentioned hotels that offer private turkish bath rooms that guests can reserve. If anyone has such information, please share.

I know a number of people have recommended Hotel EMPRESS ZOE. For those that have stayed at this hotel, were you in the double rooms or suites? Also, they have a new location adjacent to Empress Zoe called CHEZ ZOE with garden suites. I welcome all the information

I stayed at the Hotel Empress Zoe and really liked it. The location was fantastic, walked everywhere. And the rooftop bar had a fantastic view. ALso, breakfast in the little courtyard was charming and we met the nicest guests.

We stayed in a really large room which comfortably slept the four of us-- a double bed with two twins, and we weren't crowded. Although we only stayed two nights. There's a nice outdoor restaurant across the street and a good grocery store around the corner. Loaded up on water and snacks. Plus they picked us up at the airport. Great service. Highly recommend it.

Behind the Aya Sofia, up against the Topkapi Palace walls are the rooms of the Ayasofia Pansionylari. The rooms are in townhouses that were owned by Ottoman bureaucrats. Stayed there in 1994 and it was very comfortable, good price & location.

Thank you both for your response. I was reading up on the Arcadia Hotel. Has anyone stayed at this location? If so, how was your experience there?

Also, what is the best way to make a reservation and make payment? I've been reading how the Internet rates are not necessarily the actual room rate. Is it best to make a reservation on the Internet? And can I get the best deal on the Net?

I've gone to many hotel sites who list one rate and Internet travel agencies (Turkish) who quote different rates.

Has anyone ever experience make reservations through the agencies just to find out once they got to the hotel, they didn't have a room or the rate was different than the quote?

I always go directly to the hotel either through e-mail or fax them. You could call,too. I find they often give you a better rate than advertised over the net or through an agency that sometimes has a booking fee.