Accommodations in Istanbul and Athens

Kathy In Athens you will probably want to stay in, or near, Plaka: the main tourist area under the Acropolis. Two family run options there are the Tempi and the Phaedra. Both are clean and have friendly staff. The Tempi has the advantage of being near Monastiraki metro station which has a direct link to the airport. Be warned though that it doesn't have a lift so you will need to carry luggage upstairs! http://www.tempihotel.gr/ http://www.hotelphaedra.com/ Just outside Plaka but still very central is the Art Gallery. http://www.artgalleryhotel.gr/site/gallery.php I've a soft spot for them as I was once taken ill when we were staying there and they were incredibly helpful. It's in a nice location slightly away from the main tourist area and with a little square two minutes away which has some nice bars and tavernas. Have a good trip. Alan

In Istanbul we stayed at Hotel Sultan Hill in September - just behind the Blue Mosque. Rooms were small, but very clean, well maintained and comfortable. It was not fancy, but they had a good breakfast and the staff was wonderful. The rate were really good for the area.

In Istanbul we stayed at Hotel Grand Peninsula in the heart of Sultanahmet. Run by 2 brothers. Rooms are small but clean, breakfast on the terrace very nice, staff friendly.

The hotels where we stayed in those two cities were both family owned/run and the locations were very good. In Athens we stayed at Hotel Plaka and thought it was perfect. Excellent view of the Acropolis from the roof top terrace-very well run and quiet and breakfast was very good. Tea or cucumber water was available throughout the day for refreshment. In Istanbul we stayed at Hotel Ottoman Imperial located adjacent to the Hagia Sofya Museum and walking distance to most sights. Tram was nearby and easy to use. Again, the breakfast was very nice and room was comfortable and nicely decorated. This hotel will pick you up at the airport if your stay is a minimum of three nights. The shuttle that they provided for return to ap was very reasonable. I think both hotels were recommended in Rick's book as well as Lonely Planet. Hotel Plaka is easily reached by metro from the airport-but taking the train from airport will require extreme caution in regard to theft, scams, etc.

I second Julie's recommendation of the Hotel Sultan Hill. I have seen it recommended here many times. We stayed there after finding it in RS Istanbul Guide Book where it said a discount would be given to those using RS book. We mentioned it when making our reservation and they asked to see it when we checked in. Great staff, location, food, and terrace on the roof. We would stay there next time we are in Istanbul.

In Istanbul in 2011 we enjoyed the Sumengen Hotel; just a short ways down the hill from the Blue Mosque, nice rooms and a giant breakfast. The Phaedra in Athens was mentioned above. From our stay, also in 2011, I can say we had a tiny room, a tiny bathroom, and a tiny breakfast. We stayed one night and moved to the Adonis Hotel which gave us a great rate, larger everything, and a view of the Acropolis from the breakfast room. Have a wonderful trip.

I'm assuming that you want to stay in the Sultanahmet part of Istanbul. In that part of town I've stayed at the Empress Zoe and Blue House and would recommend both of them. They are nice smaller hotels in very good locations. The Empress Zoe has a bit more character with its rooms and setting, but is right next to a mosque (you will be woken up at dawn by the call to prayer). Good luck!