I have no experience w/ this hotel. Do you mind if I ask why you have chosen this one?

Hi omerig,

From what I can figure out, this hotel is out past Kanyon Mall and MetroCity Mall, somewhere between Levent and Istinye. I, too, am curious as to why you chose this hotel, as it's much more convenient for tourists to stay in either Sultanahmet (the Historical District) or Beyloglu/Taxsim (the newer district).

Jo

Hello Omerig,

Maslak is far out of Sultanahmet!

And traffic is like really always stuck. So I would tink you have more problems than with the taxi's for other reasons.

To get an idea look at the map here (copy and paste):

http://www.adiyamanli.org/istanbulMap.htm

Sultanahmert area is the end where the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn connect, right of Fatih and Eminonu

Then Maslak is above the second Bosphorus bridge, small printed just under Sariyer.

You will spent so much time traveling up and down that I would suggest you either to find a 5 star hotel near Taksim square, or for the charm in Sultanahmet itself.

The Four Seasons might be a good choice for you.

I hope that local expert Alper will put his opinion in as well.

Hope this helps, good luck!

Hi all,

I also dont advice Sheraton. Maslak is the business center and far from historical area. Besides, traffic jam is terrible because of road & metro constructions all day.

If you like to stay at a 5* hotel, try to find one around Taksim area.

Best wishes, Alper

http://locallypera.blogspot.com

I just returned from an 8 night visit in Istanbul and am so glad that we stayed in the old city. We were able to walk to many of the sights and not have to constantly deal with the traffic, We did use the tram several times to get to other parts of the city,but it takes time and can be quite crowded. You will spend much of your vacation just trying to get to the sights, We loved staying in Sultanamet.

Thank you all for your replies. really appreciate them.

The reason why I was asking about the Sheraton was because we would be able to use our points to stay there, but from what I have read on this forum and some other research, it won't be worth it. We will be better off staying in the old city or somewhere more central.

We are really looking forward to seeing this beautiful city. My only concern is that we are planning to go in mid February. I read that it gets pretty cold there, but the crowds are minimal so its not too bad.

Any suggestions on whether we should change plans and go at some other time or we should be ok?

Thank you in advance for your help :)

Omer

Hello again Omerig,

Just from what I hear on the news, I think NY winters are much colder than Istanbul winters. Yes, there can be snow, lots, but not like blizzards or snow storms, it is pretty calm and can be freezing just a little bit. I can be also sunny and a bit warm, or it can rain.

I have seen all kinds over winter.

Being prepared you can have a wonderful time, good luck!

Hi --

Re using your points - don't waste them in Istanbul. There are many very affordable hotels in the historic area of the city. Use the points somewhere the hotels are sky high. Istanbul won't break the bank.