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Accommodation in Istanbul in august

Which area in Istanbul is Safe and convenient area for accommodation? We are an old couple and visiting istanbul for the 1st time. We would like to visit the popular tourist spots eg. hagia sofia , etc. We will be there on the 1st week.of Aug for a week..we are looking for a mid range hotel with a lift, aircon, in a quiet street, close to public transport or walk to tourist spots and restaurants and where it is safe to walk around. Not more than aud $150 a night.

Posted by
7049 posts

It's probably too early to book (I would wait a bit) but try the Raymond Blue Hotel. It's very well-located in Sultanahmet/Old City within 3 min or so walk of the Gulhane tram stop and within a short walk of any major sight.

Raymond Blue Hotel
http://www.booking.com/Share-zsK9H8

You can also easily see other hotels by price using the map feature. There are thousands of hotels in Istanbul to choose from, so you'll have many options.

Posted by
30 posts

Which of the three would be best - Hotel Sari Konak, ferman old city hotel or sultanmet? Is any of these in a hilly area? Which one is a level walk to the tourist areas?

Posted by
1473 posts

Istanbul is built on seven hills. The location of the first hotel is good as it is very close to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. But there is a decent hill to climb to get to the sights.

Posted by
41 posts

Check postings from a year or so ago. I put up a couple addressing these issues.
In summary, for a week-long visit for folks with some minor health/mobility issues, stay in Sultanamet. There are dozens of hotels that fit your criteria. Hotels typically provide a very good breakfast. Pick a hotel that has a good roof top view. It is a vibrant area, so even quiet side streets are noisy. Bring ear plugs. Call to prayer is loud, and you are close to Blue Mosque and others.

Pick a place within 10 minute walk of Hagia Sophia. That means you will be within 15-25 minute walk of enough museums and cultural sites to occupy a week. It also means you can return to your hotel for an afternoon rest.
Buy a MuseumCard which will facilitate visits; I cannot remember if it allows multiple visits on the same day. As side-trips, try a ferry boat on the Bosphorus and a visit to Isklal street/area. Gallipoli is a long one day trip.
Youtube is now a treasure of video/audio information. View a few hours and you will have lots of info, and a list of things to see and food to eat! The only downside is that it removes some of the delight-fullness of seeing a neighbourhood for the first time.
Have a wonderful visit. Remember to post a summary of experience after your visit.
Harvey

Posted by
219 posts

The area immediately East and South of the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) gets steep, as it descends 50 meters to the waterfront. Hotels in older buildings may not have elevators. This October we stayed at a hotel a block from the Basilica Cistern for 80 Euro, but it didn't have an elevator, so I can't recommend it for you.. It was a level 5 minutes walk to the Aya Sophia or the tram stop. And convenient to take a rest during the day. A hotel near a tram stop will get you to the Sultanahmet area without having to walk up/down hills.

Posted by
30 posts

Can I have the name of the hotel near Basilica cistern please so I can look for hotels in that area. Thanks

Posted by
219 posts

The Million Stone Hotel SC. SC = special class, for renovating a historical building.

Posted by
30 posts

I now have a short list of:
anthemis hotel, World Heritage Hotel Istanbul and Pell Palace Hotel & SPA.
I presume these are better located that the 1st three I selected. Which of the three is the best choice? Are they a level walk to the tourist sites?

Posted by
33 posts

Rast Hotel in Sultanahmet has a lift, within easy walking distance of the sites, air conditioning, rooftop terrace with breakfast included. Well priced and front desk staff is friendly & helpful. We have stayed there twice and have enjoyed it!

Posted by
90 posts

1:Beyazıt, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Istanbul - Old Town, Ordu Cd. No:31, 34130 Fatih/İstanbul

2: Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul At Sultanahmet, Sultanahmet, Tevkifhane Sk. No:1, 34122

3:Balabanağa, Crowne Plaza Istanbul - Old City, Fethibey Cd No2, 34134 Fatih/İstanbul

4: Hobyar, Legacy Ottoman Hotel, Hamidiye Cd. No:16, 34112 Fatih/İstanbul

These would be my first 4 picks if you want to have nice hotels in Old Istanbul.

Posted by
682 posts

I stayed at the Hotel Niles (http://www.hotelniles.com), a family owned hotel, a couple of years ago and loved it. It's a couple of blocks from the Grand Bazaar, and a 10+ minute walk or easy streetcar ride to the Hagia Sofia. It is an uphill (but manageable) walk to the Grand Bazaar, but after that it's flat. The only noise is the call to prayer early in the morning. They do have an elevator. The lobby is gorgeous, the staff is friendly (and speaks good English), the rooms are spotless, and the breakfast is yummy.

I am not sure about the prices. When I was there in 2017, it was about 50 Euros a night. Inflation is high in Turkey, and the price had increased to $75 Euros a night when I booked a room last September for an upcoming trip this spring. If you feel like splurging a little, their junior suites are amazing.

When I realized that I would returning Istanbul for a few days in March, I booked with them without the slightest hesitation.

They have a sister hotel, Dersaadet (http://www.dersaadethotel.com), that I believe is closer to Sultanahmet.