My son and his wife and baby have a layover in Istanbul next month. They arrive in the early evening and have to make a 4:00 am flight the next morning. We would like to identify a comfortable hotel next to the airport where they can be sure of reliable shuttle service. Thanks.
WEBMASTER EDIT: Please note that Ataturk Airport is no longer the main airport for international travel to Istanbul as of Oct 2018.
Type Ataturk Airport into a Google search and you'll see the closest hotels right on the map. As far as reliable shuttles go, you can always get a taxi in a pinch and they are very inexpensive. I stayed in a nice hotel once that was two or three metro stops from the airport, but not "right at the airport". If they're flying on Turkish Air within a certain timeframe, the airline has a program to compensate for lodging (or to have folks go on an Istanbul tour) on long layovers. Keep in mind that a Turkish e-Visa is needed to leave the airport for any length of time. You can pay for and print it online - it's not expensive ( ~ 20 EUR).
https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
I know, and have stayed at ,a Marriott Courtyard that does have a shuttle and is near the airport, however, I think the last shuttle in the evening is 9p.m. Check the Courtyard website for details. I am concerned about the time you say they are flying out-maybe they want to be at the airport at 4, and am really not sure if the security at the entrance of the airport is open that early, but pretty sure it is at 6; you have to go through a security check for your luggage just to get into the terminal.
My wife and I stayed at the WOW hotel about 5 years ago. It was new then and prices were reasonable. Within 10 minutes of Ataturk airport using their shuttle service. No 'old world charm' - more like a business hotel.
Is there a hotel inside the airport? Might be expensive but with the early flight the expense could be justified.
There's no hotel in the airport (that I know of), and you don't really need one. There is no traffic at 4 am. There are hotels literally within 5-10 min of the airport. Most airports don't have hotels in them, and somehow people manage to arrive on time for their flights.
We stayed at the TAV Airport Hotel. It's a short walk from the main exit of the airport. You exit the building, take a right, walk a little ways more to the right and you are there. It's pricey but nice. You have to put your luggage through security because the hotel is attached to the airport.
Thank you Agnes, I didn't know. My little airport has a hotel attached to the airport. Very convenient for early flights.
I was wrong, there are enough hotels "close enough" that they are considered airport hotels. But really there is no traffic in Istanbul at 4 am. I had to get to the airport for an early flight from the Old City/ Sultanahmet and it only took 25 minutes by shuttle.
There is an airport hotel at Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Here's the link:
http://www.ataturkairport.com/en-EN/shoppingdinning/Pages/AirportHotel.aspx
I'm sure something could be found cheaper, but it is convenient and may be worth it traveling with a baby.
Yes, there is a hotel right at the airport, the TAV Airport Hotel. Here is the link http://www.tavairporthotels.com.tr/default_eng.aspx
They have a "land" side and an "air" side. The air side allows you to stay in the international part of the airport. You don't have to go through passport control, get a visa, etc. You can use this side if both your flights are international. You can also rent a room by the hour. Somewhat expensive, but very convenient. One note - you can't get your checked luggage on this side, so you should be sure to have what you need in your carry on bags.
For the land side, you go through passport control and exit the airport. It's technically walking distance. They also run a 24-hour shuttle that I would recommend, especially when returning to the airport at 4:00 am.
I stayed in the land side about a year ago when I had a very early morning flight. The room was quite nice and I had a very good meal in the restaurant. If you stay on this side, ask for a room near the elevator because the hotel is really spread out, about two city blocks, and it saves a lot of time to be near the elevator! I don't know what the Air side is like, but it seems that the air side would be the side to stay on if you're just transferring flights.
Just a comment on visas.
If you are in transit you don't need an entry Visa. If you leave the secure are you'll need to buy an entry Visa, which is €20 per person. This is money you won't have to pay if you use the airport side of the hotel and stay in the secure area.
Sleeping in the airport proper is NOISY. I swear- every airport announcement is made at full volume! If my friends weren't with me I would have bought a Visa or paid for the hotel just to get a decent sleep.
If you do get a Visa do it ahead of time online. It saves a lot of headaches.
