Originally Posted by st8dm

Hello there,

In OCT, Mrs & I have an overnight connection in IST.
Inbound THU2330, outbound FRI0830. We travel in J, I am *G.
First time ever in IST, first time with TK.

Q1) Best overnight hotel
Recommended hotels?
Prefer min 4*, rates max 200EUR.
[Status with Hilton, Marriot, Melia, Discovery, Radisson]
Please mind it's only for a few hours, so most hotel amenities won't make a difference.
Transfer time is essential, e.g. something within walking distance would be an instant win, even if not the best compared to city or even 3* would do.

Q2) Shuttle
Would it be possible to have a free shuttle from the hotel?

Q3) or TAKSI
If no free shuttle, can you please advise about airport taxi in IST? Is it expensive? Any tricks they pull (e.g. scheming tourists)? can you pay by card? Any info thread about it?

Q4) Luggage
This is a single ticket. I expect we do not have access to luggage. Can you please confirm we won't be forced to check-out/check-in our luggage?

Q5) Outbound. Security & Pass control times
does IST have a functional security gold track actually saving any time? or it's a ruse --- e.g. you're forced with other ECO pax (as in FRA)?
our outbound is long haul to the USA. I expect clearing passport & checking visas to take a while. If you have any tricks - I'll take them.
How long before we should arrive? 2h'd be enough, too long or too short?
As *G travelling in J, would you expect long queues?

Q6) Lounges
When do the lounges open? (please mind this is an outbound to US so let's relate to lounges located in that area)
If multiple options, which one would you recommend?

Q7) Overnight options in the airport?
Is there any overnight option in the airport e.g. 24x7 lounge, sleeping pods or anything like that?

Many thanks for all info.
Safe journeys!
Stefan
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