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Question about Hotels in Istanbul

Posted by (Austin, TX) on

I am looking at hotels in Istanbul and notice that a few of them have a - Special Class or - Special Category after the name of the hotel. Why? What does that stand for?

For instance, OBAHAN HOTEL-Special Class

I am getting familiar with Districts and neighborhoods of Istanbul. Probably, I will be staying in Sultanahmet but there are so many hotels that meet my needs and expectations I do not know how to narrow my search for a hotel.

How did you pick your hotel? How do you narrow your search?

I would like my hotel to be easy to find and very close to a bus or tram stop.

I have to avoid walking up or down hills especially steep hills.

Posted by
8436 posts

That is a designation meaning the hotel does not meet certain requirements for a specific rating, such as number of rooms, etc, but has unique characteristics that warrant it being included.

I chose my hotel through the Lonely Planet guidebook (I think). :) Back when I went, you had to email as many hotels were not online. But guidebooks are always a good way to start. You could also check on Trip Advisor too, if you haven't found anything here.

Here is one website that I found invaluable when I went to Turkey - there is so much information on here. The guy (Tom Brosnahan) used to live there and the website is really helpful. https://turkeytravelplanner.com/

Posted by
8436 posts

bostonphil, here is a link to the hotel I stayed in. Please keep in mind that my trip was in 2007, so I can't vouch for it now. But I did really like this hotel and it was very reasonably priced and in a good location. They also provided a pickup from the airport for a very reasonable fee. It had a rooftop terrace that overlooked the sea where breakfast was served and the staff was very helpful and nice. But there are many others that would work also, I'm sure.

https://www.hanedanhotel.com/

Posted by
391 posts

SultanAhmet is closest area to most of the sites. The tram runs straight through the main road in this area. The area has a slope down to the water after you head away from the Blue Mosque. We always looked for a roof top seating area for breakfast and views. We stayed in a private room in a hostel 10 years ago so no help. The call to worship will wake you in the morning. You know you are in for an adventure that first morning.

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