Location is probably the most important criterion when choosing your Istanbul hotel, a hostel or short-term rental apartment/flat to let, but you should also know about the different kinds and classifications of accommodations, and you should read my Turkish hotel User's Guide.
Special-class Boutique Hotels
Character, ambiance, every one unique: Istanbul's delightful inns and boutique hotels, in all price ranges, are favored choices for many TTP travelers. Those in Old Istanbul tend to have a classic Ottoman ambiance, those in Beyoğlu a 19th-century European style. More...
Top 5-Star Hotels
Luxury, status, ultimate comfort, all possible facilities, smooth service, views of the Bosphorus, these Conrad, Four Seasons, Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, Hyatt, InterContinental, Kempinski, Radisson, Swissôtel and W Hotel are mostly (and inconveniently) along the Bosphorus shores, making transport to the major sights tedious, but some are conveniently in Beyoğlu, and a few are right in Old Istanbul. More...
Good-Value 4-star Hotels
Offering full comfort at half the cost of a 5-star, Istanbul's 4-star hotels give you great value for money: amenities, class, location... Why pay for 5-star services you rarely use? Many are near Taksim Square in Beyoğlu, but there are others in every hotel district. More...
Thrifty 3-Star Hotels
Comfort and convenience anyone can afford, these are the key to a comfortable yet thrifty stay in Istanbul. All have air-conditioned guest rooms with private bath, TV, and Wifi; good buffet breakfasts, rooftop terraces, and elevators/lifts. Some have restaurants and other services, and many are only steps from the top sights in Sultanahmet. More...
Budget 1- & 2-Star Hotels
Low prices and simple accommodations, but all have Wifi, some have private baths and TV—and breakfast is included! For budget travelers, many of these places offer fantastic bargains near everything in Old Istanbul. More...
Backpacker Hostels
Forget the spartan youth hostels of the last century. Hosteling is hot! These places are friendly, fun, amazingly low-priced, and open to travelers of all ages. Choose a dorm bed or private room (some even with private bath), and enjoy the lounge, bar, perhaps restaurant and other facilities. More...
Rental Apartments/Flats to Let
Home away from home, why not live like a native in your own short-term rental apartment/flat? Istanbul has plenty, with more opening all the time, in all areas of the city but especially in Beyoğlu. These places are especially good for traveling families, even if you're staying only a few days. More...
—by Tom Brosnahan
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