- The nuances of choosing a place to live in Istanbul
- Where to stay for tourists?
- Kadikoy
- Uskudar
- Beyoglu
- Sultanahmet
- Besiktas
- Hostels in Istanbul
A city at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Christianity and Islam, east and west - all this is the majestic and elusive Istanbul. Even after hundreds of years, the city remains unknown and conceals many mysteries even for scientists, what can we say about mere mortals, that is, tourists? One of these mysteries is where to stay in Istanbul, and this is not an idle question, since it is elementary to get lost in several thousand local hotels, and it is not easy to find one that is adequate in terms of price and quality.
The nuances of choosing a place to live in Istanbul
The philosophy of oriental hospitality is better than anywhere else in Turkey - its hotels have become a symbol of abundance, service and, at the same time, cheap rest. But in Istanbul the situation is somewhat different and the place of inexpensive "all inclusive" is occupied by prestigious luxury and premium hotels, which do not indulge in low price tags. However, if you wish, you can find everything, and on thousands of narrow streets you will find establishments that are friendly and for poor guests.
The last thing to look at when choosing a hotel is the number of stars. They are handed out here completely haphazardly.
Another feature of local hotels is that the amenities here may not be in the room, as is customary in most European establishments, but on the floor, and the number of stars on the sign does not insure you against anything at all, so it is better to clarify this issue in advance.
Surprisingly, bargaining is common in Istanbul hotels. Thus, you can significantly lower the price. It is best if the owner of the establishment is at the reception, which is often for small modest hotels. This does not apply to international hotel chains, where the European leadership and staff will hardly appreciate your negotiation.
Some hotels provide discounts and bonuses when paying in cash, apparently, cash is a priority in the former Constantinople.
Things to consider when deciding where to stay in Istanbul:
- Room size. Some establishments seek to accommodate guests in record-breaking small rooms, while others, on the contrary, offer royal bedchambers where it is time to arrange dances.
- Conveniences - in order not to stand in line for a shower or toilet on the floor, it is not a sin to make sure that there is a bathroom in the particular room you have chosen, especially if you are staying in a small private hotel.
- Type of food - most hotels operate on the B&B principle, that is, bed and breakfast, so you will have to take care of your daily bread on your own, however, in Istanbul, with its army of restaurants and cafes, this is not a problem.
- The location of the hotel is the area, distance from interesting objects, shops, entertainment, etc.
One of the amazing features of hotels in Istanbul is that they are chaotically scattered throughout the city, as if someone was spilling a handful of peas without looking. Thus, luxurious hotel palaces appeared in the poor sleeping areas, and in the polished and polished elite historical quarters, outgrowths in the form of cheap hostels and hotels were formed. But such a quirk is more likely to play into the hands of tourists - you have excellent chances to settle in the neighborhood with priceless treasures of Turkish and world culture for a reasonable fee.
Where to stay in Istanbul for tourists?
There are five main areas of interest for tourists:
- Kadikoy.
- Uskudar.
- Beyoglu.
- Sultanahmet.
- Besiktas.
The Bosphorus Strait, on the banks of which the former capital of Byzantium is located, and the Golden Horn Bay divide Istanbul into two parts - east and west.
The western part is European, interesting for sights and cultural life. Here are the main cultural sites, including mosques, cathedrals, palaces and other delights, plus boutiques, expensive restaurants, concert venues, etc.
The eastern half is interesting for its original, truly Turkish life. There are colorful markets, coffee shops, hookah bars, clubs and discos work right there, in general, earthly and entertaining life is in full swing. The eastern part, not spoiled by tourists, is expectedly cheaper, and the food in the cafe is not only tastier, but also more distinctive, they still cook for their own people.
Choosing exactly where to stay is based on your vacation plans and preferences, although you can always get from one coast to another by boat or ferry.
Kadikoy
Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamış Marina Hotel
Nice area in the eastern part of the city. Known for its lively life and excellent living conditions. The area is full of shops, cafes, bars and other opportunities to brighten up your leisure time. For nature lovers, there is a large beautiful park.
The prices in hotels are quite reasonable, if you don't pick and choose, really keep within 40-50 euros per night. There are hotels in old buildings, there are hotels in modern multi-storey glass statues, you can also stay in Istanbul in mini-hotels with home furnishings, in which case accommodation will be even cheaper.
Hotels: Wyndham Grand Istanbul Kalamis Marina Hotel, Hotel Suadiye, Hotel Suadiye, ByOtell Hotel Istanbul, Istanbul Life Hotel, Khalkedon Hotel Istanbul, Hilton Istanbul Kozyatagi, Aden Hotel, Rüyam Otel, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Istanbul - Moda, Kadikoy Konak Hotel, Sidonya Hotel, The Suadiye Residence.
Uskudar
Beylerbeyi Palace Boutique Hotel
A huge area on the Asian coast, contrasting, varied, always lively and full of enthusiasm. The former Golden City and the final station of the Silk Road. The area is full of interesting places and sights. Here you can walk along the promenade or the park, the area is very different: there are elite streets with villas, and there is a poor and inhospitable gypsy quarter.
Uskudar owns such priceless monuments as the Maiden Tower, Mihriman Sultan Mosque, Mehmed Pasha's Palace, Ahmed Pasha's Palace, Selim's Barracks, Kartala Ahmed Monastery, Nurbaba Monastery, the Fountain of Ahmetiz the Third, Valide Mosque, the Hunting House of Abtulkami and dozens of other objects of Abtulkami's lodge. And from the local pier it is easy and quick to get to the opposite shore.
In the hotel sector, prices of 40-100 € prevail, but there are options for 300-400 € and more.
Hotels: Sumahan on the Water, The Camlica Residence, Holiday Inn Express Istanbul-Altunizade, Bosphorus Palace Hotel, Ramada Istanbul Asia Hotel, Mercure Istanbul Altunizade, Sozbir Royal Residence Hotel, Beylerbeyi Palace Boutique Hotel, Harem Otel.
Beyoglu
Radisson Rixos Pera Istanbul
One of the central districts, the place of all the significant events of the Turkish capital. Here is the Taksim Square, which regularly flashes in the news on various occasions; the main trade artery, Istiklal Avenue, flows right there. The area is full of antique shops, prim historic buildings, and houses on the next street can be decorated with graffiti and street paintings. Beyoglu is also known for its active nightlife, many bars and clubs have it.
Hotels: Radisson Rixos Pera Istanbul, Blu Hotel, Hotel Grand Star, Elite World Istanbul Hotel, LaresPark Hotel, Residence Hotel.
Sultanahmet
Régie Ottoman Istanbul
The most luxurious and desirable area of Istanbul, it is here that prominent monuments of the former greatness of Turkey, the legacy of the sultans and the treasures of the masters are located. The name of the region is given from the Blue Mosque, which is called the Sultanahmet Mosque in the world. In addition to it, the area includes the Topkapi Palace, the Archaeological Museum, the Hagia Sophia mosque-cathedral, it is also a museum, an Egyptian obelisk and a couple of dozen other sacred places for tourists.
From the point of view of sightseeing recreation, the area is the most convenient for accommodation, but many guests are deterred by prices. However, the area is full of places where you can stay in Istanbul for only 40-50 €, for chic and respectability you will have to pay from 100 € and more.
Hotels: Yazar Hotel, Armada Istanbul Old City Hotel, DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul, Eurostars Hotel Old City, Best Western Plus The President Hotel, Régie Ottoman Istanbul - Special Category, Almina Guest House, Fer Hotel, Legacy Ottoman Hotel, Wyndham Istanbul Old City, Minel Hotel, Hotel Tashkonak, Agora Life Hotel, Ilkay Hotel, Angel's Home Hotel.
Besiktas
Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
An elite area, one of the first "residents" of Istanbul, Besiktas is known for its mesmerizing views of the Bosphorus and languid traffic along the coast. This is the place of expensive villas and luxury apartments, the most luxurious hotels in the capital, expensive clubs and restaurants are located right there. The place is definitely not for the poor and not for those who have a hard time parting with money.
The area is rich in historical treasures, and how else, if it is the same age as the city. Its most luxurious exhibit is the lavishly decorated Dolmabahce Palace. Panoramic views of the area are adorned with the Ihlamur Pavilion and the Maritime Museum, Yildiz Palace and charming wooden structures squeezed into narrow alleyways. The pearl of the area is the local embankment, along which pompous mansions and villas are lined up.
This is an area of expensive, respectable hotels with swimming pools, spas, gourmet restaurants and breathtakingly furnished apartments worthy of the highest personages. And many hotels did not bother with their own building and are located right in the palaces.
Hotels: Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, Four Seasons Hotel, Raffles Istanbul, Shangri-La Bosphorus, Hyatt Centric Levent Istanbul, Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus.
The most luxurious hotels in Istanbul:
- Sumahan - on the Water
- Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
- Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
- Park Hyatt Istanbul - Macka Palas
- Shangri-La Bosphorus
Hostels in Istanbul
Hostels are an affordable accommodation option if you overspend during your vacation or do not know where to stay in Istanbul for little money. There are many hostels in the capital, they are scattered throughout the districts and are incredibly popular.
Hostels: Bunk Hostels, Sumo Cat Hostels, Chillout Cengo Hostel, Bakirkoy Turkuaz Apart, Best Island Hostel, Hush Lounge, Bourse Hostel Galata, Bada Bing Hostel, Adventour Hostel, Arch-ist Hostel, Avrupa Rentalhouse, Beyazit Hotel & Hostel, BellaVista, Big Apple, Castle Hostel, Cheers Hostel, Erenler Hostel, Eurasia Hostel, Redriver Hostel, Rose Apartment, Seyyah Apartments & Hostels and dozens of others.
