I was reading Frommer's Guide to Turkey. In the hotels section the author states that an "agent" can get you the best hotel rates; that published or internet rates are often much higher than the "real" rate. I read on but the book gave no more suggestions other than this frustrating "teaser".
What kind of "agent" is meant? A travel agent like I would find here in the US? Or an hotel agent found (somehow) in Turkey? Also, I have heard stories about online bookings not being honored when you arrive. We want to be in the Sultanahmet neighborhood of Istanbul. (Specific recommendations WECOME!) We are hoping to find 2 sleeping rooms and a sitting room (or some such place) where MIL can relax and visit with the grandkids, while the able-bodied see the old city in turns.
So what is the best way to book rooms? We are in the moderate price category; but from what I read, in the moderate price range hotels can vary a LOT in quality. We are booking for a larger family group, not just ourselves, one of whom is elderly with limited mobility, so the rooms need to be what they are advertised as being. (i.e., we need the bathroom and elevator to BE where they are supposed to be.) Plus my husband would be embarrassed in front of his extended family if we booked them into something less than... adequate.