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Istanbul location question

Wales, United...
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for Portugal
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19,938 posts
130 reviews
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Istanbul location question
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We are thinking of visiting Istanbul next year. Trying to find a 4 or 5 star hotel in a central location close to the main sites. We considered staying at the DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul - Old Town located in Laleli but this latest review has made me think twice :-

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g293974-d1804308-r108859953-DoubleTree_by_Hilton_Istanbul_Old_Town-Istanbul.html#CHECK_RATES_CONT

On reflection, I would like a central location close to the main attractions but don’t want lots of crowds & noise so perhaps this location is not the best. Is it possible to have a central location in a quieter area? A nice view of would be good as well. If you have any hotel or location suggestions please let me know.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Iceland
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31 reviews
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1. Re: Istanbul location question
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Stay away from Lalely by all means. Central for first-timers are Sultanahmet or Sirkeci areas, Taksim for those who come back again, After that you know it all yourself.

Look into TA or booking.com and by next year you will find your perfect hotel. The rewievs are mostly right

Gloucestershire...
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2. Re: Istanbul location question
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I would suggest Sultanahmet area as this is where most of the historic sites you are going to be visiting are located and once the bus groups have left for the day, it is not crowded or noisy.

Wales, United...
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3. Re: Istanbul location question
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Thanks both. I am thinking of staying at the Sirkeci Konak Hotel, 10 minutes walk away from Sultanahm. Seems to have lots of excellent reviews, is the area ok? Thanks again.

Trondheim, Norway
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4. Re: Istanbul location question
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Sirkeci Konak is a good hotel with an almost perfect location, short to the Gülhane tramaway stop or walk as you write.

Wales, United...
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for Portugal
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5. Re: Istanbul location question
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Thanks Herregud.

Cincinnati, Ohio
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90 reviews
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6. Re: Istanbul location question
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We spent three nights at the Sirkeci Konak during our only visit (so far!) to Istanbul and enjoyed this place very much. Not that the rooms were that big or fancy, although quite nice, but in all of our travels to date we never have experienced better personal service or attention to our particular wishes.

Other details: less than ten minutes walk to Sultanahmet Square at my strolling pace, 40 yards from the Gulhane tram stop, which will whisk you to the Grand Bazaar or close to Dolmabache Palace at the other end. Our room overlooked Gulhane Park, I had a lovely Turkish bath and massage (since spouse would not go with me to the public baths), amazing breakfasts, excellent first-night dinner, pleasant fellow guests, afternnoon refreshments, etc. Also, I am a very light sleeper and there was no call to prayer heard. (I know this is very evocative to some, but I never can get back to sleep once woken during the night.)

From the friendly bellman to the concierge, all wonderful staff interactions, including three coming outside to wave goodbye and wish as well as we got in our taxi to the cruise ship port.

Edited: 12 years ago
Wales, United...
Destination Expert
for Portugal
Level Contributor
19,938 posts
130 reviews
652 helpful votes
7. Re: Istanbul location question
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Thanks Cinti, lots of useful information, sounds great, thanks again.

Gloucestershire...
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8. Re: Istanbul location question
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I am a big fan of staying in Sultanahmet - as I love to walk around the area at night and to return there at the end of a long day. The walk through Sultanahmet Square when the Blue Mosque and the Ayasofya are lit up, the moon is high in the sky and the seagulls are circling in the thermals from the lights, is what makes my stays in Istanbul special.

It is the most romantic place in the world for me, it is the Istanbul I first fell in love with, and I love the feel of being in the middle of all that history - and that is what stops me walking down the hill to stay in Sirkeci - despite the wonderful reviews for the Sirkeci Konak!

Just call me old-fashioned!

Edited: 12 years ago
Los Angeles...
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9. Re: Istanbul location question
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Sirkeci Konak certainly looks like a great choice. I stayed at White House Hotel Istanbul for four nights in May and couldn't have been happier with the hotel, the friendly and helpful staff, and the Sultanahmet location. It's a small boutique hotel (not a 4 or 5 star in the traditional sense) and is a 5 minute walk from Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. Rooms are spotless, comfortable, and they'll upgrade you to a bigger room if they have any vacancies. I've never had better service from nicer people anywhere.

Maple Glen, PA
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10. Re: Istanbul location question
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so where do you stay?

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