Lodging in Sultanhamet, Istanbul

Back in March I had an excellent stay at this hotel: http://www.gardenhouseistanbul.com/

Try the SiDE Hotel/Pension or Sumengen Hotel. The latter often houses the RS tours.
Happy travels.

I liked the Empress Zoe.

I'm not sure of the current rates, but I second the recommendation for the Empress Zoe. The Blue House is also nice.

We liked Hotel Sultan Hill located right behind the Blue Mosque. http://www.hotelsultanhill.com/

We stayed in the White House Hotel. It is in a great location but it may be a little over your posted budget. It was one the nicer hotels we stayed in when we were in Turkey last year.

I second that Hotel Sultan Hill where we stayed last summer.
Good place, staff, food, and locations. In last years RS Istanbul Guide Book (I hope you have a current copy) it said if you call them to make a reservation and tell them you found them in the RS book, they will give you a discount, which we did. When we checked in they asked to see our RS guide book which we showed them. We got a fair discount on an already fair price given its location. I would stay there again if/when we return to Istanbul.

I agree with Claudia, the Sumengen is nice- they've just given me a quote for 115 euros a night, single occupancy, and if you stay 3 nights or more, they will include a free pick-up from the airport.
Great buffet style beakfast, very friendly staff.

look up old city viva - very popular with european tourists, recently updated, just 2 blocks behind the train station.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions! Empress Zoe is my fav, and they only have suites for the incoming part of my trip, so I'm looking around. I'll be there at the end of my trip. John

Stayed in Sebnem Hotel last Sept. LOVED it. Would definitely stay again!

I also recommend Hotel Sultan Hill. It is around the corner from the Blue Mosque. If you are sensitive to noise (call of pray early in the morning) then you probably want to stay further away. I was so tired I slept through it every morning.

=:-] The regular imans tend to be pretty good . It's the weekend guys that can give headaches!!!

Hi Paul,
I used recommendations from this board, and, will pay US$ 84 ... assuming the Euro doesn't get stronger. I really do like Zoe; a single is under $100. It quoted for the time I touch down for only a double, more than I need, at $130. Every $50 helps =:-]