ab007

I've been searching through various Istanbul threads but I'm struggling to find the answer to my query.

We're going to Istanbul in September, and at present I have booked 5 nights at the Conrad for 160,000. Nor1 suggests we will recieve an upgrade to the Exec Floor.

My question is, from the few bits of comparrison I can find I get the impression the Hilton is in a better location and a more modern property... was just hoping for some recent experiences.

The Hilton is an extra 40k as it's 50k/night, but I don't mind that. Both hotels have nice looking pools etc so the main thing is location and the likelihood of exec upgrade/ access.

Thanks in advance ^

pauleeepaul

Can't speak to the Bosphorus but the Conrad is not in a location where you will be walking anywhere. Nice hotel, good amentities inc lounge, but not a great (or horrible) location- just not walkable. If in a taxi i am less concerned with location, YMMV.

seychellesbound

I have stayed at Hilton and definitely did not seem "modern". In fact, I would call the decor dated if anything. Never stayed at Conrad, but the lounge with open air balcony does look appealing. Again, the location of Hilton is more ideal for touring.

sbams

The Executive Lounge and Terrace at the Conrad was superb on my last stay. And as for walking, I partially disagree - the walk down the hill to the river and ferry pier is easy. From there you can take a boat (which is lovely, and cheap) to the old city.

Have not stayed at the Hilton.

Enjoy!

denikon

I stayed at both properties recently and got upgraded due to my Diamond level. Both have a top floor lounge which serves alcoholic drinks (wine and beer in the afternoon and evening, spirits in the evening only) and evening food service after 18.30. (proper food in both properties, not just canapés) Quality is amazing for both. Conrad has open air terrace which has a very nice view. On the other hand you have your own balcony in your room at Hilton Bosphorus which also has an amazing view overlooking Bosphorus (if you get upgraded to a Bosphorus View Room). There is a major refurbishment going on at Conrad right now so some parts of the lounge's terrace is closed. They are also changing the windows of the rooms at Conrad, could be noisy sometimes. The room sizes are quite similar in both hotels. Hilton Bosphorus bathroom did not have a separate shower, only bath. Hilton Bosphorus opened in 1955 so the decor and interior is quite classic and warm, don't expect anything modern here. Location wise, I think Hilton Bosphorus has a better location than Conrad, but the distance between them is only about 1 km.

mzredhead

I would like to use a reward stay for 5 -7 nights in Istanbul. I am having a hard time choosing which hotel to stay at. My choices are :
Hilton Istanbul Bomonti
Conrad Istanbul
Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus
Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Istanbul-Old Town

I am leaning towards the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti but am concerned about the location.
Do you have any suggestions?

jerry a. laska

Review the following threads:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...light=istanbul
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...light=istanbul
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...=istanbul+town
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

whl

I see that there are about 9 Hilton and 1 Conrad in Istanbul. Which is the one in the most convenient location for sight seeing or close to everything?

jerry a. laska

Have a look at these threads:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...=best+istanbul
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...=best+istanbul
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...=best+istanbul
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...=best+istanbul
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...=best+istanbul
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...=best+istanbul
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...l-1-night.html

You might want to consider the DT Old Town, Conrad, or Hilton. It all depends upon what you want to see or do.

Bowgie

First time tourist should stay at the DT Old Town. Can get there from the airport on the trolley line (one change). Also on the same trolley line to Blue Mosque and all the top historical sites. I've had good stays there (two years ago) and free breakfast as a HH Gold.

zainman

We stayed at the Taksim Hilton and enjoyed it very much. Breakfast was provided complimentary (HH gold) and service was also good. Was very close to Taksim square which was very lively with lots of great places to eat including the world famous wet hamburgers.

UpperDeckJunkie

+1 - have stayed there twice. Staff were great. Breakfast buffet is good and the location is excellent. Rooms are a bit small. Spa is good also.

StephenW

I've been debating this as well. At the top of my list are the Hilton Bosphorus and the Conrad, but I understand that they are quite a ways from the regular tourist destinations.

When on vacation, I usually take public transportation and walk, but that seems to be a bit of a challenge from both of these properties. It seems like Google Street View hasn't made it here yet so I couldn't virtually "walk" from either of these hotels and see the immediate surroundings.

1. Can someone comment on the best means of public transport to get to the tourist sites from either of these locations?

2. It seems like the Conrad and Hilton both sit atop hills. Is getting from the bottom to the hotel easy or is this a San Francisco-like series of hills?

3. Google Maps shows that Taksim Square is about 1/2 a mile from the Conrad, which is about a 10 minute or so walk. Is this accurate?

rjmaype

I stayed at Hilton Bosphorus during a layover in late June.

Close to the river and nice view from the EL but the EL extremely crowded and frankly I was not impressed with the property, built nearly 60 years ago.

But it could have been the omelet chef in the morning when I asked what could be in the omelet; his reply - eggs.

pauleeepaul

No, sounds like the Hilton Istanbul. The Conrad might be under 2 miles but a hard walk.

AS I have posted previously a friend living in Istanbul dissuaded us (40s healthy couple) from staying at the DT due to the sketchiness of the area after dark.

YMMV.