Please sign in to post.

🏨Guests favorite area?: Karakoy, Fatih or Beyoglu?

😰I’m at a loss. I cannot decide which part of the city I should stay for 4 nights? I was leaning toward Karakoy because the ferry was nearby & I knew I was going to do a day trip to Asia. I was trying to avoid the touristy area because I heard it’s just overpriced & you pretty much see everything in a day or 2. (I’m sure some will want to debate this)

Taksim from what I’ve heard is quite busy. Better known for their nightlife.

The reason I’m reaching for suggestions is because I noticed the hotel ratings weren’t so kind to Karakoy. In Sultanahmet & Faith, I see wonderful rave reviews for lodging. I’m tempted just to book there because some of the reviews just woo you. 😂Mainly commenting on staff & hospitality.

So just need to hear from real RS reviewers.

Thanks. Any comments are greatly appreciated

Posted by
2455 posts

I loved the Regie Ottoman Hotel in the Sirkeci area (Faith). Great old building, spacious and lovely rooms and bathrooms, very helpful staff, abundant and delicious breakfast buffet, at least it was before Covid. About mid-way between Sultanahmet and the Galata Bridge, easy walk to either. Very near the Spice Bazaar. Modest prices, great value for the quality.

Posted by
159 posts

Thanks Larry…ok 1 for Fatih. I’m glad your the 1st to respond because the lodging near Faith seems to have a good combination of great reviews & a nicer selection of lodging vs. Karakoy. I’m just not that impressed with my options in Karakoy. Even the higher end options in Karakoy have very low ratings 😨. Another reason I wanted to avoid Sultanahmet is because someone mentioned the food is not that good there. I’m assuming it’s catered to the tourists? I do like to look for great places to eat & thought I wouldn’t find it there.

Posted by
693 posts

I have stayed at the Hotel Niles in Beyazit three times, and I have always had a good experience there. It's a family-run hotel close the tram, and it's convenient to the Grand Bazaar and Suleymaniye Mosque. It's quiet at night, the breakfast is good, and the staff is super nice.

I at the Hilton close to Taksim once. The hotel was very nice, with great views of the Bosporus, but it was a little too western and isolated for my taste.

The food is crazy expensive and so-so in Sultanahmet, which has kept me from staying there.

Posted by
11136 posts

Taksim - we stayed there, a city center experience, no problems.