Have you been to Istanbul before? We used Hilton points there and stayed in three different Hilton affiliates because we came and went into Istanbul from other parts of Turkey. We REALLY liked Hilton ParkSA, right on the Bosphorus, short cab ride to the tram which takes you to old town. It has a glassed in huge balcony as part of the lounge and food is excellent there. The balcony overlooks the Bosphorus. We were upgraded as Gold members.
However, for being close to the main tourist sites, you cannot beat the Doubletree. The tram stop is in front of the hotel and in 3 stops you are at Hagia Sophia. If you take the tram to the archeological museum stop, and go the opposite direction from the museum, you will find yourself on a walking street with great restaurants. It is a very fun street as the waiters do tricks right on the street. In November maybe not so much as it may be too cold. We stayed a couple of nights at Doubletree, not a remarkable hotel, but saved us time getting to places. The tram is easy to use as the stop has an English speaking kid who tells you how to get your ticket. The area around the Doubletree has nothing much for shopping or dining. Other Flyertalkers liked this hotel for location also.
Give yourself plenty of time to get the Azerbaijan visa.
The Istanbul Star Alliance airport lounge is the finest in the world that we have seen. And we have been to over 100 countries, mostly with Star Alliance. Fabulous two story modern affair with golf and a pool table. Tons of amazing food. Turkish Airlines is very nice, gives you food on your flight. We flew from Iran to Istanbul to Tblisi, Georgia in May. All good.
Last year we flew from Istanbul to Sanli Urfa, the city the woman co-conspirator in the Charlie bombing flew to Jan 2! Keep track of what is going on in Turkey. A woman suicide bomber blew up a police station recently and it was no ordinary station. It was right in the plaza where Hagia Sofia is. Plenty of homegrown terrorists in Turkey looking to make trouble. President Erdogan has made a lot of enemies with his recent pro-Islamic policies. You can find a lot of information in Istanbul's English online newspaper Hurriyet. Our papers have nothing as a rule. A Dutch reporter was thrown in prison recently and the Dutch have been unable to get him released. A well known Istanbul newspaper was closed by the government. Turkey is beginning to resemble Iran. None of that goes on in Azerbaijan, just a small war with Armenia. That said, the best food you ever ate is in Turkey!
Have fun!