Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe > Sleep and Eat, Europe
istanbul recommendations? istanbul recommendations?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Sleep and Eat, Europe Sleep: Hotels, B&B, rest stops, wild / free / bush / organized camping, helpful people, rest stops etc.
Eat: Restaurants, markets anywhere to get food.
List COUNTRY FIRST in the subject to make it easier to find.
Threads are sorted Alphabetically, NOT by date.
Photo by Ulrike Hahnel, Rock Formations on the Lagune Route, Bolivia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ulrike Hahnel,
Rock Formations on the
Lagune Route, Bolivia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 11 Oct 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 27
istanbul recommendations?
we are on route from london to africa. In Romania at the present (which i highly recommend!!!) heading through turkey in a few weeks. does anyone know of accommodation with off road parking in Sultanhamnetold, old town istanbul.

Cheers helen (F650) and gareth (R100GS)
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Oct 2007
ozhanu's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Izmir, Turkiye
Posts: 794
i dont have any clue for Istanbul, but, if you want to visit Ankara drop me a line..

have fun.
__________________
ozhan u.
website under construction
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Brisbane, QLD, Australia
Posts: 139
Hi helen and gareth,

Off street parking near Sultanhamet is hard to find. We had to go to a more up-market (read more expensive) hotel than I would have liked just to get secure parking. We stayed at Hotel Romance (Istanbul Romance Hotel, istanbul hotel, hotel istanbul, hotel in istanbul, lodging in istanbul, lodging istanbul, accommodation istanbul, airport, istanbul hotels, hotels in istanbul, 3 star hotel in istanbul, four star hotel in istanbul, istanbul re) and they had secure parking in basement of the building behind for no extra cost(off street, undercover and locked). Only hotel we could find with parking that wasn't a 5 star place. Rooms were normal hotel fair, good but nothing unusual. Rates were about 60 euro for a double. But it is in middle of Sultanhamet and tram goes past front of hotel.

I would have preferred to stay in the cheaper hostel/backpacker area, but no secure parking. If I went back again I would probably stay at a hostel and park bike out front on street, lock it up and use bike cover, and take the risk. But that decision must be yours.

Regards
John & Alanna
www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/skillington
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 12 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 738
Ditto to John's comments, not much secure parking. I left my bike on the street in front of our hotel for about three days. It was well lit and in plain view of the front desk. The hostel is well situated in Sultanahmet.

When leaving, not sure if you are heading east, but if you are it's a five minute ride from Sultanameht down to the ferry which takes you across the straight. That will save you a couple of hours that it would take to cross the bridge. Highly recommend it as the way out of town. As a bike you roll right to the front of the line.

I may have mentioned somewhere previously but coming into Istanbul in the very early morning is a breeze. The traffic and temperate is much better. Follow the signs to Sultanahmet and when you get close follow the tram line right to the mosque. Now you are in the center and can easily navigate your way on foot or by bike to find your hotel. There are a lot of old, curving, unnamed one way streets find your way to and through the neighborhood...
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Oct 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
With an F650 & R100GS, I wouldn't worry...I left mine curbside parking for about 3 weeks while processing visas.
Talk to the guys at the Sydney hostel or the Big Apple...they'll set you up.
Big Apple is probably a nicer place and off the "main drag".

Ditto on MM's recommendation about the ferry...speaking of whych...

MM, apologies for not making it to VC when I was nearby a few weeks ago...I got into a bit of travel fatigue and my internal compass had me focused on home...

edde
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Last edited by MotoEdde; 12 Oct 2007 at 04:23.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Oct 2007
Stephano's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 887
If you are willing to consider more upmarket hotels, have a look at the Hotel Sokullu Pasa (N41 00.233 E28 58.364). I've used it 3 times. It's in Sultanahmet in an old Ottoman building, with a nice secluded garden.

There is no off-street parking but there's a lamppost outside to which a bike can be chained and the hotel reception is slightly below ground level so the receptionist can see the lamppost through a window. Rear rooms (with A/C in summer) are best.

The downside is that it was taken over by Best Western and slightly lost some of its charm and the posted prices are very high. However, if you negotiate I don't think you have to pay those prices. About 3-ish years ago, we paid about $35-40 for a double.

Next time I go to Istanbul, I'll definitely e-mail them first to see what price they'll offer because the location is so convenient.

There are various cheap hostels on the walk down the hill to this hotel too.
Stephan
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Oct 2007
Caminando's Avatar
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DogZone Country
Posts: 1,218
Try Sinbads guesthouse in Sultanahmet. Chain the bike to their window bars. Theres a guard on reception all night. Theres less crime in Turkey than in the UK.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 15 Oct 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Estonia
Posts: 787
Quote:
Originally Posted by Caminando View Post
Try Sinbads guesthouse in Sultanahmet. Chain the bike to their window bars. Theres a guard on reception all night. Theres less crime in Turkey than in the UK.
I'd also vote for it if you want to save some money. They're called "backpackers hostel", so don't expect some 3+ star comforts. But they're very cheap considering it's located in the centrum of Istanbul with roof view to Bhosborus strait you can drink and enjoy the view.

I stayed there about a month ago.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 16 Oct 2007
bikerfromsark's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 211
Hey
My name is George, Im on my way down to Cape Town east coast, currently in Split. will be in Istanbul in next 3-4weeks so u will be gone then but if you want keep in touch and prohaps a somewhere along the way. send me a mail if u like george_guille@hotmail.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 27
Thank You!!!
Thanks for all your help and sorry about the tardiness of this reply.

we ended up staying in a Med Cezır Guest House. Hotel Med Cezir on the top end of Tevkıfhane Sokak. opposite the four seasons taxi stand and valet parking so had 24 hour security. we paid 50 ytl ( about 32 euro) for the double room with breakfast and the family are very friendly. I recommend it.

Thanks again for your help.

Helen

Last edited by theprinceofmince; 4 Nov 2007 at 15:35. Reason: Hotel Name.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Istanbul to Kathmandu by GPS drangan Middle East 3 28 Aug 2008 18:04
A good repairshop in Istanbul uzaklar Repair Shops, Europe 1 2 Oct 2007 12:16
4WD hire in Kenya or Tanzania - Any recommendations? Matt Roach sub-Saharan Africa 1 4 May 2005 18:16
Ferry Odessa - Istanbul ? ghorian Europe 4 22 Jan 2005 01:59
Magadan to Istanbul (via Silk Route) Adrian Route Planning 2 20 Feb 2004 03:32

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 01:05.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top