Insider tips on Istanbul

Q: We have timeshare accommodation in Bodrum Turkey for September 2009 and we would like to stop over in Istanbul for 5 days. Can you advise on airlines and places of interest and reasonable accommodation in Istanbul? - Mrs T Jeena

A: Turkish Airlines is the obvious choice to get from South Africa to Istanbul, but you can check with a travel agent for cheaper fares on one of the European or Middle Eastern airlines. However, unless the price difference is fairly substantial, go for the direct flight on Turkish Airlines. A member of Star Alliance, you can also use the airline for your Bodrum-Istanbul flight. You will have no problem finding information on things to do and it is worthwhile taking a city tour to get yourself acquainted. The one place you must not miss is Aghia Sophia, the Byzantine cathedral church which dominates the Istanbul skyline. This is one of the world's great buildings, which is now a museum. Symbolic of the city's increasingly chic image is Istanbul Modern, a private gallery on the waterfront featuring contemporary Turkish art. Things to do include visiting a traditional Turkish bathhouse and taking a boat trip up the Bosphorus.



There are wonderful accommodation options in the city, so don't settle for the first 'tourist class' hotel you are offered. In a city exploding with unique guesthouses and small designer hotels, here are six options:

- Hotel Empress Zoe is one of the best bed and breakfasts in the Sultanahmet area. It is built around a 15th century bathhouse with stylish, small rooms, a wonderful garden and a quirky spiral staircase. Rooms from 60 euros (www.emzoe.com).

- The Terrace Guesthouse consists of seven rooms in a great Sultanahmet location just around the corner from the excellent Four Seasons Hotel. Simple, cheerful and clean, it offers friendly service from the owner, the view from the rooftop terrace and the Turkish carpets scattered everywhere. Rooms from 60 euros (www.terracehotelistanbul.com).

- Turing Ayasofya Konaklari is a delightful pension comprised of nine vine-clad wooden houses, all impeccable copies of Ottoman residences and furnished in 19th century Turkish style. Try the restaurant lit only by candles. Rates from around 100 euros (www.ayasofyapensions.com).

- The Turkoman is a historic hotel directly across the square from the Blue Mosque. A typical old-style Istanbul hotel with plain rooms, it is homely and charming in a splendid location. Rooms from 60-100 euros (www.turkomanhotel.com).

-I'zaz Lofts is a design hotel with only four rooms. Located in the colourful Pera district of Beyonglu, the studios are housed in a 19th century building which was once home to a Greek merchant. Affordable rates from 88 euros per night and its unique ambience makes this one a winner (www.izaz.com).

- Sumahan On The Water is a magnificent hotel on the riverfront built in the shell of a former distillery. The interiors are as stylish as can be, with superb views of the Bosphorus and the surrounding domes and minarets. Rooms start at 175 euros (www.sumahan.com).