May 4, 2014, 9:49 pm
DISCUSSION for Hilton Honors Hotels in Istanbul, Turkey {TUR}
Apr 7, 2011, 8:17 am
#196
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 375
Apr 8, 2011, 10:41 pm
#197
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Dallas, TX, USA
Programs: AA EXP, HH Gold, Hyatt Globalist, IC Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 961
Apr 9, 2011, 6:43 am
#198
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: IAH, HOU
Programs: MileagePlus 1K, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Titanium/Lifetime Plat
Posts: 1,073
Excellent hotel. I stayed there in the beginning of March. Right next to the tram. The hotel desk is extremely friendly. The only downside is that the rooms are small but the Turkish bath, the jacuzzi, the gym, the rooms - everything is brand new. Everyone is super nice. Unless you have status, however, and get free breakfast, I would not eat at the hotel. The prices are exorbitant - something like 25 Euros for the breakfast. Any more specific questions, feel free to post and I will respond.
Apr 9, 2011, 9:04 am
#200
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BGO
Programs: SK EBG
Posts: 645
Any feedback on DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Istanbul - Moda?
At 7,500 points/night, it seems to be a steal compared to other Hilton branded hotels in Istanbul. However this hotel is on the Asian side of Istanbul. Should I consider this as base to visit Istanbul attractions or stay at a hotel on the European side.
At 7,500 points/night, it seems to be a steal compared to other Hilton branded hotels in Istanbul. However this hotel is on the Asian side of Istanbul. Should I consider this as base to visit Istanbul attractions or stay at a hotel on the European side.
I would only recommend staying there if you are happy to spend a couple of hours commuting to the tourists attractions every day by bus and boat, or if you want to experience life in Istanbul (which includes a lot of commuting). I can't say anything about the hotel itself since I always stay in my sister in law's apartment when I need to stay in this part of Istanbul.
Apr 9, 2011, 2:54 pm
#201
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 375
Apr 9, 2011, 4:57 pm
#202
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
For "Executive Floor" offerings, this property lists (see link in OP) complimentary breakfast for two in the restaurant and for higher grade facilities it stresses Bosphorus views, Whirlpools et al, but no lounge, so I suspect there is no Executive Lounge at this Doubletree.
Apr 9, 2011, 7:54 pm
#203
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: Krisflyer Solitaire, Miles & More Senator, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 144
Dear J Diver, many thanks for alerting us to these new HH properties in what must be one of my favourite places in the world!
On google maps, the Doubletree Moda is on the European side not that far from Beyoglu (or the Hilton Istanbul for that matter).
The Doubletree Old Town is even more centrally located by the Bazaar and next to the tram line to the airport.
On google maps, the Doubletree Moda is on the European side not that far from Beyoglu (or the Hilton Istanbul for that matter).
The Doubletree Old Town is even more centrally located by the Bazaar and next to the tram line to the airport.
Apr 9, 2011, 11:13 pm
#204
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Moda - Kadıköy on the Asian side, fronting Sea of Marmara
I do think that is the one - this Google Maps link shows it as very close to the Kadıköy ferry boat docks on the Sea of Marmara, across from and a bit south of Istanbul - European side and the Bosphorus.
You can easily take the ferry to Eminönü or Karaköy:
Link to information on using Istanbul feribot system is here (thanks to the knowledgeable Tom Brosnahan!)
I can hardly wait to return to Istanbul to check one of these out - though I have no complaints at all with the Hilton and Conrad (never stayed at the Hilton ParkSA).
You can easily take the ferry to Eminönü or Karaköy:
Link to information on using Istanbul feribot system is here (thanks to the knowledgeable Tom Brosnahan!)
I can hardly wait to return to Istanbul to check one of these out - though I have no complaints at all with the Hilton and Conrad (never stayed at the Hilton ParkSA).
Dear J Diver, many thanks for alerting us to these new HH properties in what must be one of my favourite places in the world!
On google maps, the Doubletree Moda is on the European side not that far from Beyoglu (or the Hilton Istanbul for that matter). (Not really, please see above.)
The Doubletree Old Town is even more centrally located by the Bazaar and next to the tram line to the airport.
On google maps, the Doubletree Moda is on the European side not that far from Beyoglu (or the Hilton Istanbul for that matter). (Not really, please see above.)
The Doubletree Old Town is even more centrally located by the Bazaar and next to the tram line to the airport.
Last edited by JDiver; Apr 10, 2011 at 6:14 pm Reason: underscore ASIAN location / add post title for emphasis
Apr 10, 2011, 5:51 am
#205
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BGO
Programs: SK EBG
Posts: 645
Apr 10, 2011, 8:08 am
#206
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Dallas, TX, USA
Programs: AA EXP, HH Gold, Hyatt Globalist, IC Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 961
Hilton has no availability for my dates of travel in June. Any recommendation from you experts on which one I should I choose, Conrad or Doubletree Old City? We are family of 4 inc 2 children. Can I get by booking one room on points and requesting an upgrade (comp or for a fee) to a larger room at check in? Any suggestions?
Apr 10, 2011, 2:36 pm
#207
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2000
Posts: 15,345
It is 100% on the Asian side, and while not ideal for the first time tourist, saying that it would take hours to commute to Sultanahmet is a bit much. The hotel is maybe 5 minutes away for the ferries and one can be in Sirkeci in under half an hour by boat, from there one can be in the heart of Sultanahmet in 5 minutes by tram.
Apr 10, 2011, 6:17 pm
#208
Join Date: May 2008
Programs: Krisflyer Solitaire, Miles & More Senator, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 144
It is 100% on the Asian side, and while not ideal for the first time tourist, saying that it would take hours to commute to Sultanahmet is a bit much. The hotel is maybe 5 minutes away for the ferries and one can be in Sirkeci in under half an hour by boat, from there one can be in the heart of Sultanahmet in 5 minutes by tram.
I agree with hfly that its really quite delightful to take the ferry to the Old City and beyond.
Apr 10, 2011, 7:31 pm
#209
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
The ferries are a super way to get around (as long as one avoids rush hour), including all the way to Büyükdere and the museum and restaurants, Rumeli Kavağı and Anadolu Kavağı (lovely walk up to the castle ruins, a look at the Black Sea and a meal in a café or seafood restaurant in Anadolu Kavağı before heading back to the city). Lovely scenery all the way, and IMO there is no need to pay the big bucks for the expensive tour boats.
It sounds like I will have to try one of the Çiya restaurants the next time, and this (Moda - Kadıköy) property would certainly make it easy to do so.
It sounds like I will have to try one of the Çiya restaurants the next time, and this (Moda - Kadıköy) property would certainly make it easy to do so.
So sorry to have allowed google maps to have misled any reader. Now that I realise its in Kadikoy, I am even more excited as its walking distance from my favourite restaurant(s) in Istanbul - Ciya.
I agree with hfly that its really quite delightful to take the ferry to the Old City and beyond.
I agree with hfly that its really quite delightful to take the ferry to the Old City and beyond.
Apr 11, 2011, 1:49 am
#210
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BGO
Programs: SK EBG
Posts: 645
It is 100% on the Asian side, and while not ideal for the first time tourist, saying that it would take hours to commute to Sultanahmet is a bit much. The hotel is maybe 5 minutes away for the ferries and one can be in Sirkeci in under half an hour by boat, from there one can be in the heart of Sultanahmet in 5 minutes by tram.