I'll be traveling to Istanbul this September, and I'd like to experience a true Turkish Bath. Does anyone have a Hammam reccomendation or suggestion? I've heard that some places "hound you" for a large tip. What is the right size tip? What should I expect to pay?
I don't know about the "best" hamam in Istanbul having only been to one, but we did enjoy the experience and would definitely go back again. Check out suleymaniyehammami.com. It has a very long history, lots of atmosphere and was reasonably priced considering they would pick you up at your hotel and drop you off again. Not sure how authentic the actual turkish bath experience is, having nothing to compare it to, but we definitely came out clean!
Be sure to read Pages 68 - 71 in RS Istanbul Guide Book - lots of good information on Turkish Baths.