Is it better to stay in Urgup or Goreme? Which is more accessible to sights, restaurants, etc.? W e will be there the first week in September, so do we need AC? Are the cave hotels nice, and are they cool? Do the cave hotel rooms feel claustrophobic with no windows? We will also be in Istanbul the week before, and would like to know the best area to stay in. I would appreciate hotel and restaurant suggestions for both Istanbul and Cappadocia.
Posted by
Dunwoody, Georgia
338 posts
I don't have a hotel recommendation for Goreme or Urgup, but Goreme is a bit closer to some of the bigger sites in Cappadocia, some within walking distance. If you have a car, either town should work. I've always just stopped at whatever looks good at the time for resturants around Cappadocia. The Sarihan caravanserai (near Avanos) is a nice setting for an afternoon tea break if you're in that area. In Sultanahmet (Istanbul) I've stayed in the Empress Zoe and Blue House and would recommend both. There are also some nice business hotels (e.g. Hilton) around Taksim Square that are nice, depending on what kind of accomodations you like. You should be able to walk and find a good resturant in Sultanhmet/Golden Horn area, on the Galata Bridge and along Istiklal Street. The only restuarants I would avoid are those along the Divan Yolu closest to the Blue Mosque. They tend to be a bit too geared towards tour groups for me. Most restaurants will have a menu posted so you can get a sense for price/food options. Have fun!
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
I stayed at the Old City Viva per referral from here and it worked out great. Easy location to walk to all the major sites. It was very reasonable, nothing fancy but a great breakfast. I had not been to Turkey before so instead of trying to figure out my way to the hotel the hotel arranged the taxi for myself and my grandson and they were there when we arrived. I think it was a flat fee of about $25...well worth it. Have a wonderful time...Our favorite restaurants were right down a side street near the hotel and we also loved the doner at the little kiosk across the street. You will love Istanbul.
Posted by
OP
Houston, Texas, USA
61 posts
Sorry about the 3 postings – thought that I was editing. Thank you for the referrals and information. I'll see if we can get reservations at some of these.
Posted by
Cochrane, Alberta, Canada
54 posts
The Hotel Sultan Hill, situated below the Blue Mosque, is on a quiet street in a beautifully restored Ottoman building. It is a great spot from which to explore the city. Breakfast was decent, as were the prices. Paul
Posted by
Ottawa
233 posts
We stayed in Goreme in Sept 2010 and found it very convenient to all the major sites. It is an interesting little town and most recommend it over Urgup. We stayed here: http://www.sultancavesuites.com/ in room 305. It was an excellent choice. Our room had a window and we didn't find it claustrophobic. Because of the soft stone, there is always a little cave dust but it added to the charm. There is free parking at the hotel and they have an excellent restaurant. Beautiful views from the hotel. It was extremely hot when were were there but we didn't need AC. In addition to the hotel restaurant we tried:Orient, and Dibek. (spelling may not be accurate). Istanbul Hotel Sultan Hill.
Restaurants:Pasazade in the Sirkeci and Eminonu area (sp); Amedros (sp);Kathisms below the 4 Seasons (check out the excavations); Mosaic and Rumelli both off Divan Yolu. Also try the fish sandwiches on the Galata Bridge. Have a wonderful time. Both are facinating places.
Posted by
Honolulu/Seattle, HI/WA, USA
2788 posts
Hotel Sultan Hill - stayed there - would stay there again when returning to Istanbul. ate a fish sandwich from a large restaurant boat down by the bridge - remarkable experience