I'm planning a weeks holiday in Istanbul in October, and was thinking about a Hotel Apartment on the coast somewhere. I don't know anything about Istanbul and it's districts, so maybe someone can help me out here.

By Coast, I mean anything either on the Bosporus, or the surrounding coastline, where I could find a waterfront Hotel, which is also a nice area to be in, and very important, excellent transport links to the central city (prev by rail)

Do such area's exist around Istanbul?

edit: Would the Princess Islands be a good idea? How frequent are the ferries to Istanbul?

I tried posting a reply to this last week but the server then went down so it didn't work.

Basically what I recommended was the Polat Renaissance between Attaturk Airport and the Old City on the Marmara Sea. New Chalets are open poolside and it is on the Suburban line into Istanbul.

Alternatively the Kempinski Palace in Besiktas is good, although a bit more pricey.

Post some pics.

If money is not important for you I can recommend you Ritz Carlton Istanbul

http://www.yapitr.com/V_Images/haberler/yapidunyasi/18434.jpg

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k92/eemreee/ilhan_9a3fmulder1.jpg

Near Bosphorus,close to city centre and historical buildings and locates in european part of Istanbul.It's a bit expensive


If you are a millioner,one of the best hotels in europe (Çırağan Hotel Kempinski)

http://i86.photobucket.com/albums/k92/eemreee/memocan_ciraganotel011.jpg



The Marmara Hotel (locates in city centre,a luxury hotel that you can find whatever you want with a stunning Bosphorus view)

http://luxuryhotels.premierhotels.com/273x349/The_Marmara_Istanbul1.jpg

The Plaza Hotel(close to city centre,eu,bosphorus view,luxury)

http://www.istanbulcityhotels.com/images/the_pl12.jpg


/\ These ones are the one of best hotels in Istanbul,but there are lots of hotel,you should check this site out

http://www.istanbulcityhotels.com/

A flash map thay may help you to learn the districts

CLICK (http://s86.photobucket.com/albums/k92/eemreee/?action=view&current=ist_1.swf&refPage=&imgAnch=imgAnch5)

Thanks for your help eemreee. I'll be checking out those hotels you suggested.

I also found one which looks pretty good called the Galata Residence. They seem to have apartment style rooms. Is Galata a good neighbourhood to base ourselves?

^Yes,Galata Residence can be used for staying . It's close to Hagia Sophia,BLue Mosque,Galata Tower,city center,subway system,bosphorus view,not too expensive etc...
It's awesome for you if you don't want a pool or something :D :okay:

Ortaköy Princess Hotel

http://www.greeceturkeyguide.com/hotels/istanbul/ortakoy/hotel.jpg

The Ortakoy Princess (Five Star Hotel) is located near the Bosphorus, in the business and entertainment district of Istanbul. Ortakoy is a charming area with its cafes, bars and small shops at the waterside. In the hotel you may enjoy your dinner in the Golden Princess Restaurant or the Hemera Restaurant beside the pool. The Rock House Cafe offers a wide selection of American, Mexican and Italian cuisine, or relax with a drink in the Lobby or Terrace bar. The Ortakoy Princess features an outdoor swimming pool with children section, table tennis, disco, garden, heath club, fitness center, step aerobics, gymnasium and body building room, massage, sauna, solarium, Turkish bath, skin care unit, health and beauty center and 2 cinema halls. The Hotel provides 4 fully equipped meeting rooms, which can seat up to 1200 people. The hotel's 92 rooms; 83 standard rooms, 4 suites and 2 king suites with sea and pool view, all have a bath, air conditioning, telephone, music, TV, mini-bar, hair dryer, fire alarm and safe deposit box. All suites include a Jacuzzi.

Nena Hotel

http://www.greeceturkeyguide.com/hotels/istanbul/nena/hotel.JPG

Nena Hotel, (Special Class – Superior) opened in 2000 is a small welcoming hotel located in the historical district of Istanbul. The hotel’s architecture and décor is influenced by the Byzantine and Ottoman styles, with fine marble work and great attention to detail. Nena Hotel has 25 classic and 4 deluxe rooms with balcony. All rooms are equipped with private bathroom, A/C, direct dial telephone, satellite T.V., music and mini-bar. The terrace offers wonderful panoramic views of Istanbul.

Wow I am evious of you. You will have a wonderful time in Istanbul. Its truly amazing. Its probably my favorite city in the world. I mean its so historical and has a weird vibe. History of the Middle East, Europe, and Asia combined. The Blue Mosque is amazing. Don't forget to visit Topkapi Palaca and Dohlmabache Palace. The Grand Bazaar is OMFG hilariously fun and you feel like your in the Ottoman period. I suggest you go at night it is more fun then and don't be scared of muggers. Have a good time.

Thanks guys. Year, I can't wait. It will be my first time in Instanbul and I am really looking forward to it.

I have to admit, that although I have always wanted to visit. It was the many photography posts on these here forums that clinched the deal. The city just looks so stunning.

Another question. I will be in Istanbul during October, and I understand that the first 4 days of my holiday, Turkey will be practicing Ramadan. How will this affect our choices of eating in the city? Will many resturants and cafes be closed? Will they be packed after sundown?

And when Ramadan finishes, I read that there will be a three day holiday. Is this over a weekend, or during the week. Will shops and normal services be open on this holiday, or will most be closed?

Thanks in advance

Another question. I will be in Istanbul during October, and I understand that the first 4 days of my holiday, Turkey will be practicing Ramadan. How will this affect our choices of eating in the city? Will many resturants and cafes be closed? Will they be packed after sundown?

:shocked: Don't be silly ! Istanbul is not an Arabian City.Everything will go on normal during the ramadan.Resturants,cafes will never get closed during ramadan.And they won't be packed after sundown.



And when Ramadan finishes, I read that there will be a three day holiday. Is this over a weekend, or during the week. Will shops and normal services be open on this holiday, or will most be closed?

Thanks in advance

How long will you stay in Istanbul ? a month ? You say you're coming to Istanbul at the beginning of the ramadan and ramadan is 30 days I think.You gotta be in Istanbul for 30 days to see the end of the ramadan :D But the answer of your question is,first day is holiday for all over Turkey(I think ? )But other days everything's gonna be normal again.BTW,it is not a must for first day at all,all of the shopping malls will be open I suspect about some mini markets etc...

Hope you enjoy in Istanbul :cheers1:

:shocked: Don't be silly ! Istanbul is not an Arabian City.Everything will go on normal during the ramadan.Resturants,cafes will never get closed during ramadan.And they won't be packed after sundown.


Thanks for answering, but don't blame me here. My travel guide (Time Out) hinted that there could be resturant closures during Ramadan, and never being to Istanbul, I needed to know it was correct.


How long will you stay in Istanbul ? a month ? You say you're coming to Istanbul at the beginning of the ramadan and ramadan is 30 days I think.You gotta be in Istanbul for 30 days to see the end of the ramadan :D But the answer of your question is,first day is holiday for all over Turkey(I think ? )But other days everything's gonna be normal again.BTW,it is not a must for first day at all,all of the shopping malls will be open I suspect about some mini markets etc...

Hope you enjoy in Istanbul :cheers1:

We will be in Instanbul for only 1 week. However, it will coincide with the last few days of Ramadan. But I am glad we won't be terribly struck down by public holidays.

By the way, what is the date for the main public holiday?

CLICK (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holidays_in_Turkey)