Where to Stay

Whether you feel like staying in an Ottoman palace, a family home, a restored mansion, a traditional wooden house, a converted prison or a youth hostel, you will certainly find all of the above in Istanbul. Following a recent boom in tourism, Istanbul's hotels and guesthouses now cater to every taste as well as all budgets. There are many hotels catering to tourists clustered around the Sultanahmet area but business people tend to prefer the more centrally-located Taksim, or they stick to hotels around Atatürk Airport. There are hundreds of hotels all throughout the city, ranging from the lowliest budget hostels offering the mere basics to luxury five-star hotels with superb facilities.


Breakfast and 18% KDV (value-added tax) are often included in the price of a room but it's always wise to check. Tipping hotel staff is very common -- a few lira in the hands of the help ensures high quality service.


Sultanahmet


Sultanahmet is overwhelming and too touristy in parts, but in other parts, it overflows with history and charm. The Four Seasons Hotel (located in an old prison) is the top choice in the area -- everyone knows this hotel, which is renowned for its service and facilities. Yesil Ev is a restored Ottoman mansion with a lush garden and oodles of charm. The Empress Zoe offers its guests spectacular views of the Bosphorus from the rooftop terrace and a 15th-century Turkish bath is located in the basement. The family-run Kybele Hotel exudes eclectic eccentricity, with thousands of colored-glass lamps hanging from the ceiling. The Hotel Valide Sultan Konagi offers modern facilities, Ottoman-style, while the Ayasofya Pansiyonlari are a string of replica Ottoman mansions lining a quaint cobbled street. The Hotel St Sophia is opposite Yerebatan Sarayi (Yerebatan Basilica Cistern), behind Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia) in the heart of the old city. The Turkoman Hotel overlooks the At Meydani (Hippodrome) and the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque). The centrally-located Side Hotel & Pension is popular with low-budget travelers and backpackers.


Eminönü

Eminönü, at the mouth of the Golden Horn, is a bustling market area. Most hotels here are conveniently located near the Sirkeci Train Station. The Hotel Yasmak Sultan is a short walk from Sultanahmet Square, the Grand Bazaar and the Galata Bridge. The Orient Express Hotel offers an alternative location near the old city, with excellent views of the Golden Horn. The Romance Hotel is a newer addition to the gaggle of hotels with excellent modern facilities.


Beyoglu

Istanbul's center for culture and arts, Beyoglu has become a busy hub for business people and toursits alike. Here, you'll find the Hilton, the InterContinental Ceylon, the Hyatt Regency (with its beautiful swimming pool) and one of the most famous hotels in Istanbul, the Marmara Istanbul. The Marmara Pera boasts an impressive gym with incredible views. The Hotel Euro Plaza (located near the British Consulate) designed their modern rooms with business people in mind. The Hotel Yenisehir Palas is just a short walk away from a string of restaurants, cafes, bars and nightlife. The Dilson Hotel -- with dedicated staff and modern facilities -- is just a few steps away from the metro and all public transport. The charming terrace bar at the Büyük Londra Hotel is also worth visiting for a drink.


Tünel


This developing Bohemian quarter plays host to artists and intellectuals. The American Consulate is also in this area. Travelers from the Orient Express stayed at the Pera Palas Hotel, which once played host to both Atatürk and Agatha Christie. The elegant Richmond Hotel is superbly located on the main street and there is a wonderful cafe (Cafe Lebon) at street level. The four-star Mercure Hotel stands over the Tüyap Exhibition Centre (incidentally, probably the ugliest building in the city) nearby.


Golden Horn-Marmara Sea Coast


This is a sprawling suburban district spread out along the shore roads of each waterway and surrounding the old city walls. Out of the center, it's the preferred location for business people and tourists with time on their hands. Located in Topkapi -- between the old city and the airport -- the Barceló Eresin Topkapi Hotel is a favorite with business people. The Citadel offers guests magnificent views of the Marmara Sea, near the fish restaurants of Kumkapi. The Kariye Hotel in Edirnekapi is a restored 19th-century Ottoman mansion and the Asithane downstairs serves fine Ottoman cuisine.


Besiktas-Ortaköy


An area of combined business and pleasure, Besiktas is laid out on a hill while Ortaköy spreads itself along the shores of the Bosphorus and plays host to thousands of day-trippers and weekenders in the warm seasons. The most notable hotel in the area is the elegant Çiragan Sarayi (Çiragan Palace) -- the luxurious home of the Ottoman sultans -- with its spectacular outdoor pool. The Conrad Hotel, also with a quite luxurious pool is perfectly situated for business meetings and conferences and the Swissôtel atop the hill combines glorious views of the Bosphorus and the city with top-quality services and facilities.


Airport Area


For a quick getaway or those tedious middle-of-the-night flights, there are several excellent hotels situated near Atatürk International Airport (Atatürk Havalimani). Five minutes from the airport is the five-star Polat Renaissance Istanbul Hotel with its ultra-modern decor and views of the Marmara Sea. The luxurious Radisson and Cinar hotels are also in the same area. The Ataköy Tatil Köyü is situated on the coastal road near the Ataköy train station and caters to campers and caravans.


Asian Side and Bosphorus


The Asian side of Istanbul has a less manic atmosphere than the European side. While tourists prefer to stay in the historical areas, business people prefer convenience -- much of Istanbul's business happens over here. The Harem Hotel overlooks the Bosphorus and caters to young families with its reliable childcare services. The Bosphorus Pasha in Beylerbeyi is similar to an English stately home while the Kent is a small, budget hotel located a short walk from the heart of the cobbled streets of Kadiköy and the ferry terminals.


Princes Islands


Set in the Marmara Sea, the islands attract citysiders escaping metropolitan madness at weekends. During the week, things are much quieter and discounted hotel rates make a mid-week cruise to paradise even more attractive. Try the Merit Halki Palace on Heybeliada for unparalleled views of the surrounding sea and the city in the distance. The Splendid Palace offers superb facilities on the waterfront at Büyükada.