May 4, 2014, 9:49 pm
DISCUSSION for Hilton Honors Hotels in Istanbul, Turkey {TUR}
Jun 21, 2010, 8:49 am
#166
Join Date: Jan 2006
Programs: HH LifeTime Diamond, Marriott Titanium, Hyatt, AA, Delta
Posts: 478
Many visitors to Istanbul rely on taxis; however, the city does have a very good public transport system. Using the trams it is easier to get into the old city than relying on taxis and bearing the traffic. From the Conrad it will cost about 5 TL to get 'Kabatas' which is the nearest tram station. From there, a tram will take you directly into the old city in about 15-20 mins.
Jun 21, 2010, 9:03 am
#167
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: SJC/VCE
Programs: AA PLT (2.9+ MM), HH GLD, Hyatt Diamond, SPG PLT
Posts: 10,161
Jun 21, 2010, 9:41 am
#168
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Benicia, California, USA
Programs: AA PLT,AS,UA PP,J6,FB,EY,LH,SQ,HH Dmd,Hyatt Glbl,Marriott Plat,IHG Plat,Accor Gold
Posts: 10,820
So...especially in view of your experience, I'm not sure what to make of this. Why would the hotel say the water isn't safe when apparently it is? Erring on the side of caution? Maybe one bad experience that they're extrapolating from?
Dec 31, 2010, 10:54 am
#169
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: YUL-YQB-BTV
Programs: SPG-Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 4,345
Where to stay in Istanbul on HH points?
I'll be travelling with my wife to IST next August and we are debating what is the best neighborhood to stay for a 2½ days stay, in order to maximize our time and get to do the most without wasting too much time in transit (taxi, metro, etc...)
We're thinking about the Old Town for the somehow close proximity to the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, but we haven't decided yet! The upcoming Doubletree Old Town seems very interesting, but we're not close minded, so any suggestions are welcome.
We're thinking about the Old Town for the somehow close proximity to the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, but we haven't decided yet! The upcoming Doubletree Old Town seems very interesting, but we're not close minded, so any suggestions are welcome.
Dec 31, 2010, 1:05 pm
#170
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: Juneau, Alaska.
Programs: AS 75K;BA Silver;AA G;HH Dia;HY Glob
Posts: 15,813
I'll be travelling with my wife to IST next August and we are debating what is the best neighborhood to stay for a 2½ days stay, in order to maximize our time and get to do the most without wasting too much time in transit (taxi, metro, etc...)
We're thinking about the Old Town for the somehow close proximity to the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, but we haven't decided yet! The upcoming Doubletree Old Town seems very interesting, but we're not close minded, so any suggestions are welcome.
We're thinking about the Old Town for the somehow close proximity to the Grand Bazaar, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, but we haven't decided yet! The upcoming Doubletree Old Town seems very interesting, but we're not close minded, so any suggestions are welcome.
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...light=istanbul
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...light=istanbul
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...light=istanbul
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...light=istanbul
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...light=istanbul
Dec 31, 2010, 3:57 pm
#171
Join Date: May 2003
Location: CA
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold, HHonors Diamond
Posts: 2,879
My wife and I are also going to Istanbul next summer. This will be our second time in the city. The first time we stayed at the Four Seasons. It was a fantastic hotel and in a great location. Right next to the Blue Mosque, etc.
Based on wanting to see more of the Grand Bazaar, Spice Market etc., we have decided to stay at the Doubletree. It is a "new build" and is slated to open, I believe, in April. So by July or August they should have worked out the opening problems. The only downside is that they will not have a lounge. But who knows what they will do for Diamonds (if anything beyond the normal).
One thing, you might want to look at the "weekend" rates that Hilton is showing. We had booked on points (AXON) but are reconsidering. The current "weekend" rate is 104.5E per night (about $560) vs the 145K points.
Based on wanting to see more of the Grand Bazaar, Spice Market etc., we have decided to stay at the Doubletree. It is a "new build" and is slated to open, I believe, in April. So by July or August they should have worked out the opening problems. The only downside is that they will not have a lounge. But who knows what they will do for Diamonds (if anything beyond the normal).
One thing, you might want to look at the "weekend" rates that Hilton is showing. We had booked on points (AXON) but are reconsidering. The current "weekend" rate is 104.5E per night (about $560) vs the 145K points.
Last edited by deant; Dec 31, 2010 at 4:24 pm
Jan 2, 2011, 8:37 am
#172
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: YUL-YQB-BTV
Programs: SPG-Marriott Titanium Elite
Posts: 4,345
We might just book it on points for the time being and see how things are progressing on the rate front!
Thanks for the information!
Jan 10, 2011, 11:02 pm
#173
Join Date: Aug 2005
Programs: AA Plt 3MM; UA 1K 2 MM; MR Lifetime Plat; HH Lifetime Diamond; HH Diamond; IGH Spire Ambas; SPG Gold
Posts: 2,149
I am doing the same thing for July this year. Have chosen the Doubletree even though there is no lounge because the reviews for the Hiltons (x2) and Conrad in IST are just not suggestive of a WOW experience....
Feb 11, 2011, 6:31 pm
#174
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: CGN
Programs: LH Sen, AF/KL gold, AB platinum, BA silver, HHonors diamond, SPG gold, ...
Posts: 280
Hilton or Conrad
The old Hilton is still one of Istanbul's best hotels in a prime location.
The Conrad offers incredible views. Just simply avoid the Novotel-like Hilton ParkSA.
The Conrad offers incredible views. Just simply avoid the Novotel-like Hilton ParkSA.
Feb 13, 2011, 3:58 am
#175
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Glasgow
Programs: BA Silver, KLM, HILTON HONOURS
Posts: 184
The Hilton Istanbul is a nice hotel with a good pool and a very good executive lounge which is open all day. it is about 10 minute walk to Taksim Sq. We used taxis to get to the sights and they were cheap. Rooms are spacious with balconies. The Bosphorus view rooms are nice. If you are going in August, it will be very hot so a pool may be very welcome.
Feb 13, 2011, 11:33 am
#176
Join Date: Dec 2006
Programs: LH SEN, FB Plat., HH D.
Posts: 5,050
The Hilton Istanbul is a nice hotel with a good pool and a very good executive lounge which is open all day. it is about 10 minute walk to Taksim Sq. We used taxis to get to the sights and they were cheap. Rooms are spacious with balconies. The Bosphorus view rooms are nice. If you are going in August, it will be very hot so a pool may be very welcome.
The main EL is closed for refurbishment until middle of next week, according to the letter they handed me at check in.
A small lounge is in operation on the 8th floor.
Still nice but the offerings were quite poor IMHO.
Last edited by more4less; Feb 13, 2011 at 12:57 pm Reason: wrong wording
Feb 13, 2011, 12:05 pm
#177
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold; Hilton Diamond; National C ar Executive Elite
Posts: 732
Feb 15, 2011, 4:23 am
#178
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Newbury, UK
Programs: BAEC Gold, Miles and more, Sofitel Privelege, Priority Club Platinum Amb
Posts: 100
Hilton Istanbul
I'm a regular at the Hilton Istanbul and think it's great. Lounge was closed last week for refurb, but hopefully open shortly. It's one of the best hotel lounges I've been to, great breakfast and very attentive staff through the day/evening. Views from Bosphorus rooms are great, with all rooms (I've stayed in) having a balcony. City rooms not so good but stll OK. Pool area is nice in summer when it gets really hot. 10 min walk from Taksim square which leads to the main shopping street and probably 15 min taxt ride to all the tourist sights (Blue mosue, grand bazaar, cistern etc).
Feb 15, 2011, 6:20 am
#179
Join Date: Mar 2009
Programs: BA Gold, Hhonors Diamond, SPG Platinum, AVIS Presidents' Club
Posts: 563
I'm a regular at the Hilton Istanbul and think it's great. Lounge was closed last week for refurb, but hopefully open shortly. It's one of the best hotel lounges I've been to, great breakfast and very attentive staff through the day/evening. Views from Bosphorus rooms are great, with all rooms (I've stayed in) having a balcony. City rooms not so good but stll OK. Pool area is nice in summer when it gets really hot. 10 min walk from Taksim square which leads to the main shopping street and probably 15 min taxt ride to all the tourist sights (Blue mosue, grand bazaar, cistern etc).
Mar 30, 2011, 11:46 am
#180
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Dallas
Programs: AA Plat, Hilton Diamond, Starwood Gold
Posts: 129
Istanbul- Hilton or Conrad?
I'll be cashing in points for a three night stay this summer in Istanbul. Any experience between Conrad and Hilton?
TripAdvisor has rated Hilton higher.
TripAdvisor has rated Hilton higher.