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I will be in Istanbul for 24 hours next Saturday and have booked The Conrad but a friend has told me that all the interesting sights are in the old town. Is she correct – do I need to change hotel? Thank you.
A native has always told me to stay at the Conrad so I would stick with where you are.
Certainly a lot of the main sights are in the old town, however if you’re only in town for a day the Conrad isn’t a bad choice. It’s relatively well positioned from the airport, there are some perfectly good sights that are closer to the hotel (e.g. Dolmabahce Palace) that would occupy you for a day out, and there aren’t many comparable accommodation options in the old town anyway.
If you were staying for a few nights then I would have strongly recommended staying in a boutique place in Sultanahmet (the so called old town) and being right in the heart of the action. No need to stay in an international chain hotel. Istanbul (especially for first timers) is about being out and about all day, returning to the hotel only to sleep.
- This reply was modified 55 years, 4 months ago by .
I wouldn’t worry too much for 24hrs.
Staying in the old town wouldn’t make much sense unless you want to spend the all day in museums and historical palaces.
If I were you, I’d take a boat trip (catch a ferry to old town) in the bosphorus and walk around in the city, both old town (eminonu, sultanahmet) and new town (beyoglu, taksim, nisantasi).
And eat at a historical/imperial restaurant.Thank you so much – these comments are an enormous help.
I’ve only been to Istanbul for 24 hours. I stayed at the Hilton Bosphorous and it was perfect for me, but I would stay somewhere else next time I go for longer.
Thank you John. As it transpires,TK provides a hotel for an overnight layover so use that and take it from there.
Just booked Istanbul as a 3 day stop over en route to cesme for a week in august. Been looking at the Conrad (as I’m Hilton Gold). Travelling as two adults one 8yr old. Really wanted a nice view and ideally close to the Bosphorus. We would like a pool aswell.
Looking at the Sofitel aswell but read mixed reviews.
Any suggestions on a budget of about £250/night??
if you want a decent hotel – really central I stayed at the Nordstern Galata – excellent in the middle of the two old towns and £100 a night
Tram/bus outside will take you anywhere or just walk over the bridge
No idea about pool etc – as mentioned above you just want somewhere nice to sleep- This reply was modified 55 years, 4 months ago by .
Just booked Istanbul as a 3 day stop over en route to cesme for a week in august. Been looking at the Conrad (as I’m Hilton Gold). Travelling as two adults one 8yr old. Really wanted a nice view and ideally close to the Bosphorus. We would like a pool aswell.
Looking at the Sofitel aswell but read mixed reviews.
Any suggestions on a budget of about £250/night??
£250/night is not a trivial rate for Istanbul. Even in August, you can get decent hotels. I’d first start with Bonvoy hotels. Have you checked JW Marriotts (there are two)? And, there is one Radisson and one Shangri-La by the Bosphorus.
Any advice for SAW to Taksim? I have taken the Havabus before but want to take taxi. Any idea on the price?
Any advice for SAW to Taksim? I have taken the Havabus before but want to take taxi. Any idea on the price?
When are you travelling? The metro is being tested now and is about to open from SAW
Any advice for SAW to Taksim? I have taken the Havabus before but want to take taxi. Any idea on the price?
When are you travelling? The metro is being tested now and is about to open from SAW
Mid August
That sounds interesting! Will see if it’s ready by then.Any recommendations for best hotels while travelling with children? Any with a kids club or splash zone?
Splash zone in Istanbul? I think Istanbul is the most urban city in the world. I wouldn’t have any expectations.
Last time I was there with a baby, all my focus was to keep him away from Cars and the chaos.
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