TK12 - TK52, scheduled layover time at IST, 17:30 - 2:25 am (almost 9 hours), flying in J.
Originally Posted by
YuropFlyer
Coming from Europe, those late afternoon - late evening connections I'd say absolutely not (your body clock says evening, don't sleep yet) - but coming from JFK, I've no clue how your body clock will react.
I'd say be prepared for both options: If you feel tired/sleepy when arriving in IST, maybe getting a few hours of proper sleep in a real hotel might be worth it, but on the other hand, if you feel awake enough, the lounge isn't such a bad place for some hours of relaxation, food, and a bit of drinking. Considering you've a long haul flight after that, you could sleep there (if your body clock is on "night" mode by then) so that wouldn't be a problem either.
In your case, I'd say let your body decide on your plans. The time difference (roughly half a day over your whole trip) will pretty much kill any time feeling for yourself anyway..
Thanks for the feedback, took the hotel option instead, and it's definitely worth it even with a few hours of rest and shower in the hotel rather than the lounge (this also helps filling up hotel rooms in Istanbul).
The only minor issue is time needed to get this done, 30 min immigration even at J queue (much longer at regular queue), 30 min waiting for hotel arrangement, 30 min traffic on the expressway, got to the hotel at 7 pm (Mercure) and ready to leave shortly.
I am scheduled to be picked up at 11:00 pm, IMO, way too early as I can just walz through special queue next to the lounge in no time.
So I only recommend hotel if you have at least 10 hours and it's not your first time going through IST and you know exactly where to go and what to do next. For first timers, just head to lounge and enjoy the food and amenities.