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Showing posts with label Hotels. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hotels. Show all posts

Thursday, 16 July 2015

Best City Hotels For Relaxing Massages



Istanbul can be a stressful city. If you are living in Istanbul for a long time, you feel urgent need to massages. Of course, everyone who comes to visit Istanbul for whatever time can benefit from relaxing massages.

I've been a couple of massage parlours, all of which were downstairs of a city hotel. I haven't been to independent massage parlours, because I have a feeling that the quality will be better not to defame the hotel itself.

Talimhane hotels


There are many hotels at Talimhane, most of which looks luxurious. So, I had kept away from them, until my family bought me a massage from a discount web site. I made a reservation at an incorrect hotel. Then I met "Avantgarde Hotel". The massage was fine, the parlous was a little bit complex and crowded. Then I found the correct hotel: Ramada Hotel (Talimhane, not Pangalti). This time parlour was better and the massage was very good.

Both of the hotels above hire at least one East Asian masseuse. The prices were rather economic, compared to the services (massage, sauna, pool, herbal tea). I haven't tried other hotels yet, but I think the prices and the services won't change dramatically.

Almost all the city hotel like Talimhane hotels, Taksim hotels, Pera Hotels and Sultanahmet hotels have SPA centres inside them. If you are staying farther than the city centre, such as at Avcilar hotels or airport hotels, you should look for more elaborated SPA centres and fitness centres to make the most of your time.

Monday, 13 July 2015

Besiktas: A Naval Neigbourhood


There is a district called Besiktas, which consists of Yildiz, Bebek, Ortakoy, Kurucesme, Arnavutkoy and so on. But I think every neighbourhood deserves an article of its own, so I will mention you about Besiktas, the neighbourhood, or Besiktas centre as the locals call it.

Besiktas is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Turkey. It is on the intersection point of Barbaros Boulevard Ciragan Street. The centre is also mentioned with the famous football team Besiktas. You'll see eagle statues here and there. Eagle is the symbol of Besiktas team.

History


Apart from Besiktas team, the neighbourhood have the traces of the admiral in chief from Lesvos Island, Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha, or Barbarossa (red beard) as he is known abroad. The original name of Besiktas is Bestas, meaning five stones. It is named after the five stones Barbarossa erected on the coast.

This area was a very convenient port in 17th century. It was used to anchor the ships of Ottoman fleet. The square with Barbarossa monument and the rest was all under water back then. Later, the coast was filled in and was turned into a private garden of the sultans. Today, it is a very busy coastal neighbourhood with various transportation means and flats for rent that are preferred mainly by students.

Sights


Sinan Pasha Camii: This is one of the works of Mimar Sinan for the admiral in chief, Sinan Pasa. It is on the opposite of Besiktas pier and Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa Tomb. It was being built in 1553, when Sinan Pasa died. The mosque was completed in 1555.



Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa Tomb: This is also a work of Mimar Sinan. It is octogonal with one tomb and with many windows. There are some other tombs on the small yard.



Barbaros Hayrettin Pasa Monument: The bronze casted monument is erected on Besiktas square. The controversial city planner Henry Prost decided the location of the monument.



Besiktas Pier: This pier was built in 1913 by the architect Ali Talat Bey. Until 2000's it was used for both Kadikoy and Uskudar ferries, but today it is used only for Uskudar ferries. There is also a pier called Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha, but it is fairly a new pier (from 2004-2005) to ease the burden on the former one.


Istanbul Naval Museum: It is the biggest naval museum of Turkey. There are about 20.000 artefacts in the museum. It was founded in 1897 and reorganized in 1914. It was transferred to Anatolia at World War II. It was brought back to Dolmabahce in 1946 and was placed its permanent building in 1948.



Let's get just a little bit farther than the center.

Dolmabahce Palace: There were gardens and mansions on the area now and then, but the palace was built in 19th century. The palace was built in 1843-1855 with the order of Sultan Abdulmecit I. Ataturk also used it for his Istanbul meeting. He died there on 10 November 1938. The room where he spent his last moments is still exhibited inside the museum.


Dolmabahce Mosque: The mosque was built by the Armenian architect Garabet Balyan and was opened to service in 1855. The building was started with the order of Bezmialem Valide Sultan and was finished with the order of Sultan Abdülmecit. This was the place where the Naval Museum had been carried back from Anatolia.

Ciragan Palace: In 17th century, the location of the palace was known as Kazancioglu Gardens. Sultan Mahmud II was the first one to make changes on the gardens and to order a palace. Sultan Abdulmecit made the first palace demolished in 1857, but he couldn't see the completed version of it. It was completed at the reign of Sultan Abdulaziz. The palace is a luxurious hotel today.

Transportation


Besiktas is one of the most central places in Istanbul. You can use the bus and the ferry to get in and out of Besiktas. You can also walk from Taksim or Kabatas in 15-20, if you like walking. You can also walk to Ortakoy and maybe to farther neighbourhoods on the coast.

There are frequent bus services from Taksim or Kabatas. Likewise, Uskudar and Kadıkoy ferries are also frequent. Uskudar is only ten minutes away from Besiktas.


Accomodation


Besiktas is a cosy neighbourhood that is usually preferred by students and young adults, because it is very close to central places. However, the rents aren't so economic as it was before. (All Istanbul rents have gone crazy.) You are more lucky, if you are to stay shorter.

There are many luxurious hotels, such as Shangri-la Hotel, Point Hotel, Ciragan Palace, Four Seasons Hotel and Raddison Blue Hotel. If you aren't addicted to the stars and the sea view, you can find more economic hotels at side streets.

Sunday, 17 May 2015

Fulya: Formerly a Stream, Today's Health Center


Fulya means "daffodil" in Turkish. It took this name because it used to be full of daffodils and other flowers and trees. Today, its flora is unfortunately made up of skyscrapers. (But I will recommend you to visit there for following reasons.)

Fulya had formerly a stream. You'll notice the landscape as soon as you're there. There are slopes coming from Mecidiyekoy (Ortaklar Street), Nisantasi, Cevahir Mall, and Dikilitas (Ayazma Dere Street, meaning Ayazma Stream Street, obviously explanatory). Then they all unite and end up at Besiktas and Marmara Sea.

I worked at Fulya for more than two years. I walked to and from the office because there is no frequent public transportation and I couldn't afford taxi every day. You may ask "What the hell am I gonna do there?" My answer will be anything you want.

The streets to Fulya, though though, are actually nice to walk. Fulya is a prosperous neighbourhood and so are other neighbourhoods around. If you are planning to rent an apartment, beware of the high prices. There are also nice hotels especially on the street that connects Fulya with Nisantasi.

There are many private hospitals which has visitor even from abroad (for eye surgery, in vitro fertilisation, hair transportations, or cosmetic surgeries). Fulya is close to city center from different angels, offers good accomodation and health servises.

There isn't much to visit at Fulya, but if you walk for five to ten minutes, you'll reach the beautiful Ihlamur Pavilion. If you walk more towards Besiktas, you'll come to cosy Ihlamur neigbourhood where lots of university students reside.

Sunday, 18 January 2015

5 Places to Have a Great Valentine's Day in Istanbul

There is only one month left before the Valentine's Day. If you don't have any plans, or are planning to visit Istanbul for the day, we have some destination suggestions to make the best of your time.

1. Buyukada


Buyukada is one of the Prince Islands. Actually it is the biggest one. It is rather calm at week days. At weekends, you can escape the crowd by visiting the upper part. You have three transportation choices: coaches, bikes and feet. Coaches may sound romantic, but the horses are working unfortunately too hard and the prices are somewhat high. You can rent a bike, but it is hard to bike upwards. My favourite choise is walking. You can enjoy the air, the blue sea, old houses, flowers and trees.

And Buyukada hotels...I have stayed at three different hotels at different times. If you don't want to walk much, pick a hotel that is near the port. If you have courage to climb a slope, then you can find hotels with an overview of the Marmara Sea. The one I stayed was restorated old mansion with a spectacular view and a great breakfast.



2. Taksim


Taksim would be a good choice for city lovers. If you like liveliness, that's the place. Istiklal Street is the street that never sleeps, so it won't take you long to find pubs and restaurants. Taksim Square is the most probable candidate for being the center of Istanbul. There you can use buses or the metro.

Taksim hotels are mostly beautiful and central. However, being central may bring the price up. Compare the hotels and distances. Istanbul usually have a heavy and sometimes unexpected traffic jam, so staying in the heart of the city can be advantageous.



3. Sultanahmet


Sultanahmet is the old city of Istanbul. Sultanahmet seems to me as a more religious place, but of course, it is highly touristic and there are many luxurious hotels that accept couples without any question. You can add a sightseeing tour to your romantic day.

Sultanahmet hotels, like Taksim hotels, can be also expensive, and again compare the prices. There are also hostels and pensions that may be lovely and cosy.



4. Bosphorus


The views from Bosphorus can turn an ordinary day into a romantic one. Bosphorus refers to a long coast, so you have many options both on the European side and the Asian side. The picture below is from Arnavutkoy. On the European side, there are Bebek, Kurucesme, Arnavutkoy, Tarabya, Istinye, Yenikoy, Rumelihisari, Baltalimani, Sariyer; on the Asian side there are Kuzguncuk, Beylerbeyi, Cengelkoy, Kanlica.

Bosphorus hotels vary by styles and prices. The idea is usually that if you are close to the coast, the prices are higher. It isn't hard to walk to the coast, so you can try hotels that are somewhat inside. You can stay at Besiktas hotels or Kadikoy hotels. They are close to Bosphorus, and have more options for backpackers or students.



5. Polonezkoy


Polonezkoy, previously Adampol, is in Beykoz. In the end of 1800's, Polish exiles settled in here. Polish traditions are still continued, and in the spring they have a cherry festival. Poloneykoy is one of the most natural places you can find in Istanbul. That is partly because it is far from the center. Public transportation may be tricky, so if you can, renting a car is a better solution.

Polonezkoy hotels are just inside this serene atmosphere. It is one of the best romantic places of Istanbul. I haven't stayed overnight here, but based on the unique environment of the district, I don't think the hotels and pensions will disappoint their visitors.



Quick tip: It is better to book a hotel from a trustable website than randomly book one when you come. You won't probably have a problem to find a room, but some hotels want marriage licence. If you don't have one, they don't accept you as costomers.(It happened to me once, and it is one of the most irritating things in the world.)

Thursday, 11 December 2014

Talimhane Hotels: The Address to Superfine Holidays

Talimhane is actually a neighbourhood of Beyoglu. It is very close to Taksim Square and Gezi Park. Talimhane was once an exercise place for the army. Today it serves an entirely different purpose. It hosts many superfine hotels. You can also find fine restaurants around.

The list of hotels at the entrance near Gezi Park.

There are many hotels at Talimhane. Not all of them may be suitable for backpackers and students, but you can check them out for they are so central. There are boutique hotels, 4 star hotels, 5 star hotels and luxurious hotels. When you walk straight from this entrance to the end of the road, you'll reach Tarlabasi. Some Tarlabasi hotels are also counted as Talimhane hotels, because Talimhane doesn't have strict borders and it is okay that way.

Only pedestrians!

Talimhane is closed to traffic. So it is fun to walk around. You can go there by any means that takes you to Taksim Square. It is only one or two minutes walk from the square. By the way, you see the "P" of the Point Hotel at the right of the picture. And the right of it, there are Havatas buses that takes you to either Ataturk International Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (with a fair price).
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