Taşhan 
Taşhan Caddesi 57, Bakırköy, 34142 Tel (0212) 543 65 75 Fax (0212) 561 09 88 Rooms 40
Once a mediocre hotel snuggled In a leafy residential area, the Taşhan Is now a Best Western hotel. Refreshingly remote from city lights, it is a short walk from Ataköy Marina, the Gallerla shopping centre (seep220), and a ten-minute journey to the airport. This Is a friendly, efficient hotel, www.tashanhotel.com.tr

Kariye 
Kariye Camii Sokak 18, Edirnekapı, 34240 Tel (0212) 635 79 97/534 84 14 Rooms24 
Situated in the shadow of the Church of St Saviour in Chora (see ppl 18-19), the Kariye Is a wooden konak (mansion) renovated In the style of the early 1900s. The rooms feature polished wooden floors and latticed windows. The Asitane restaurant (see p204) Is famous for Its rare Ottoman recipes, www.kariyeotel.com

Village Park Country Resort
Ayazma Mahallesi 19, Ishaklı Köyü, Beykoz, Asian side, 81680 Tel (0216) 434 59 99 Rooms 20
This is a haven of peace and tranquility for those who do not want to be in the city. Weekend packages are available as well as country pursuits such as horse riding. Dogs are welcome and kennels are provided. A restaurant, several bars and a popular picnic area make this a sought-after retreat, www.villagepark.com.tr

Bentley Hotel
Halaskargazi Caddesi 75, Harbiye, 80220 Tel (0212) 291 7730 Fax (0212) 291 7740 Rooms 50  
The Bentley Is a reliable provider of luxury and style In the heart of the city. Many beautifully furnished suites are available and the guest list of the glamorous and famous Is Impressive. The fusion cuisine restaurant and stylish bar have won accolades, www.bentley-hotel.com

Çınar 
Şevketiye Mahallesi, Fener Mevkii, Yeşilköy Tel (0212) 663 29 00 Fax (0212) 663 29 21 Rooms 220 The Çınar borders the Sea of Marmara, so try to get a room facing the sea. It has wonderful restaurants and bars, and the outdoor pool area and terrace are great in summer. Guests can jog along the sea shore path with the locals. It Is only five minutes from the airport, www.cinarhotel.com.tr
 
Güneş
Nadide Caddesi, Günay Sokak 10, Merter, 34010 Tel (0212) 483 30 30 Fax (0212) 483 30 45 Rooms 130 This hotel is situated in a quiet residential suburb, but it is only 10 km (6 miles) from the airport and is an established and popular executive hotel. The tramway to the central sights Is a five-minute walk away. Book online for discounted prices, www.guneshotel.com.tr

Barcelo Eresin
Millet Caddesi 186, Topkapı, 34093 Tel(0212)631 12 12 Fax (0212) 631 37 02 Rooms 231
Not related to or near Topkapı Palace, the Barcelo was once the Eresin Hotel. It is a huge stone edifice situated away from the main hotel quarter. It Is run by a Spanish conglomerate and Is efficiently grand, with an excellent restaurant Public transport Is convenient and most sights are a short distance away, www.barcelo.com

Hilton 
Cumhuriyet Caddesi, Harbiye, 34367 Tel (0212) 315 60 00 Fax (0212) 240 41 65 Rooms 498
One of Turkey's first luxury hotels, the Hilton provides superb service and comfort. It has lovely rooms, restaurants, bars and tennis courts. Outside there is a peaceful, attractive garden, which has a pool and jogging track. It also has a world-class conference centre, www.hilton.com

Istanbul International Airport Hotel
Atatürk Airport International Terminal, Yeşilköy, 34831 Tel (0212) 465 40 30 Rooms 85
This is the first hotel within Atatürk Airport and is accessible by foot from the baggage claim area. It has everything you are likely to want, but at a cost. Nevertheless, the bars, food and excellent service exceed anything available elsewhere in the airport www.airporthotelistanbul.com

Swissotel The Bosphorus 
Bayıldım Caddesi 2, Maçka, 34104 Tel (0212) 326 11 00 Fax (0212) 326 11 22 Rooms 600 
Run by the Raffles Group, Swlssotel is the choice of many globetrotters when in Istanbul. Set within 65 acres (26 ha) of grounds and with Bosphorus vistas, it also has ten restaurants and bars, a spa and wellness centre and tennis courts. The glamorous shopping arcade will entice serious shoppers, www.swissotel.com

THE BOSPHORUS

Bebek 
Cevdetpaşa Caddesi 34, Bebek, European side, 34342 Tel (0212) 358 20 00 Fax (0212) 263 26 36 Rooms 21
This is the ultimate in sea breezes and sumptuous living, as well as dining and clubbing. The bar at Bebek has been a .legend for several decades and the renovated hotel has roomy, designer rooms. The restaurant is first rate and the setting, overlooking a bay, is particularly fine www.bebekhotel.com.tr

A'jia Hotel 
Ahmet Rasim Paşa Yalısı, Çubuklu Caddesi 27, Kanlıca, Asian side Tel (0216) 413 93 00 Rooms 16
This luxury boutique hotel redefines simplicity and minimalist design. Gone are authentic Ottoman Interiors or pasha's rooms; it boasts cool, calm, subdued and restful elegance. It is remote from the crowds in a district with no other hotels. Seclusion and anonymity are assured, www.ajiahotei.com

Bosphorus Palace 
Yalıboyu Caddesi 64, Beylerbeyi, Asian side, 34676 Tel (0216)422 00 03 Fax (0216) 422 00 12 Rooms 14 A meticulously restored summer house on the Bosphorus waterfront, this is one of Istanbul's "ultra" hotels. High ceilings, gilded furniture and fabulous chandeliers set the imperial tone and it Is more European than Ottoman In style. A private boat commutes to central Istanbul, www.bosphoruspalace.com

Çıragan Palace Kemplnski 
Çırağan Caddesi 32, Beşiktaş, European side, 34349 Tel (0212) 326 46 46 Rooms 315 
Designed to make guests feel like a sultan, the Çıragan is one of the city's leading hotels. A restored residence of the last Ottoman sultans, It retains Its glory and brims with five-star opulence. It has a glorious summer terrace with the Bosphorus lapping below, www.ciragan-palace.com