On arrival in Istanbul, the hotel choices seem infinite. When we had our Big Fat Turkish wedding, I was a foreign bride oblivious to the fact that the number of hotels in Istanbul was equivalent to the number of stars in the universe. At least that’s what I heard from my family and friends, who arrived from all over the globe, and felt overwhelmed by the wide range of choices.
Choosing the right hotel can make or break your Istanbul vacation. I have since had friends leave the city swearing never to return. The reason? The hotel they chose was in the middle of nowhere and the commute to each historic site took them so long, that by the time they reached the Hagia Sophia, all they could think about was how to plan their exhausting journey back to the hotel. They had been misled by the hotel website, which had claimed that the location was within close proximity to all major attractions. Never rely completely on a website, and if you do find a hotel on the internet, check the location on a mapping app, just to be sure. Even better, contact a local friend or use social media groups or blogs, with independent reviews, by expats or travellers.
Istanbul traffic is unpredictable so you might want to consider an hotel close to transport links in order to avoid a long commute, even if there are more luxurious options located on the outskirts of the city. A hotel in a regular neighborhood will give you a feel of how locals live and there are always plenty of bakeries, grocery stores and restaurants, so you won’t miss out on the city’s famous cuisine and lively atmosphere just because the area isn’t feautured on the tourist brochures. The Marriott in the heart of Sisli area is a business traveler’s hotel. That’s true. But the combination of being a newly built property (hello fresh rooms!) and being located close to the metro could become a win win for you. Add to that a huge pool and a marble covered hamam and you have yourself a relaxing retreat after coming back from exploring the magical city.
Don’t overlook local brands. Divan Taksim hotel has wonderful service, beautiful interiors and delicious food. The best one is located in the heart of the Taksim area, within walking distance to the fun neighborhood of Beyoglu and a short taxi ride to the old city. In low season, between October and February, they offer really good deals! Speaking of Beyoglu hotels. Another of my favourites is the Marmara Pera hotel with its amazing views of the golden horn and great service. At least that’s the feedback I received, from a very picky group of veterinary doctors, who spent three nights there and managed to hold meetings, get out for sightseeing trips and have dinner at the hidden gem called Mikla, located on the very top of the hotel. Maybe I am a little biased because Beyoglu is one of my best Istanbul neighborhoods. This former Genoese settlement is now bustling with unique shops, cafes and hidden art spaces.
Booking a hotel in the old city might sound thrilling but be cautious. I work in tourism and have had the unhappy experience of having to relocate a group of wedding party guests, in the middle of the night, because their “authentic” old city hotel was perhaps a little too real and looked like it had recently been invaded by marauding Crusaders. The sheets had certainly not been changed since the last Byzantine’s departed and the bathroom mirror had toothpaste stains on the surface, which can’t be blamed on anyone from a medieval invasion. I rescued my clients, but they could not get a refund. If you do find that you cannot resist the old city, then I would recommend The Four Seasons Sultanahmet (an 18th century prison building with unbelievably tall ceilings and a charming courtyard) and AJWA (an ode to the traditional Middle Eastern decadance with mother of pearl covered furniture and golden details all over its interior). These two properties will throw you back a pretty penny, but you will literally be within minutes of walking to the Hagia Sophia or the Topkapi Palace.
If you are an AirBnB type of a traveler, make sure to check out the neighborhoods of Tesvikiye, Sishane and Balat. You will be amazed at an array of adorable apartments with stunning views and a friendly host who might actually become your guide and show you some spots you would never have found on Foursquare or Yelp!