Visiting Istanbul?

[SeaCCruiser]

If you want to read a most entertaining review on Istanbul, beginning with info on the Ritz Carlton, go to http://WWW.fodors.com/forums

and at the top of page 'search' for "Thingorjus"

When various threads appear, click on "Turkey in the straw: Thingorjus sleeps in Istanbul" about this couples experience in Turkey. (The Fodor's talk forum is where fellow travelers share/give helpful advice.)

[Judyumcer@aol.com]

We just stayed 5 nights in Istanbul after a cruise. We stayed at the Intercontinental. It is a beautiful hotel! The rooms are nicer than any we have in anywhere. The hotel is within walking distance to alot of restaurants and shopping. I really enjoyed reading the Fodors notes about the Istanbul trip. If you are going there or thinking of going there read it. It is funny and right-on. We found the Turkish people very warm and friendly to Americans. There are many places to visit in Istanbul. We did not get bored at all in 5 days. The 1st day we went to the Grand Bazzar. It was a zoo! Crowded, high pressure salesmen but fun. Lots of jewelry stores but I didn't think there were any bargains on the gold. However, you can get a "Rolex" from a vender for 50 bucks. (You have to ask the watch vendors for the Rolex selection). The spice market was equally aggressive but smaller and lots of fun. The taxis are worse than NYC cabs. The city is crowded but we never felt afraid. Another interesting place was the military museum where every afternoon the military band performs for an hour. We really enjoyed hearing and watching them. We found the food good. Most places you pick out what you what from a case and they bring it to you. By the way, it is difficult for you to find anyone that will accept American Express. Most all take Visa or Mastercard and ATM's are plentiful.

[SeaCCruiser]

Thank you for the Intercontinental recommendation. We are trying to determine now, which hotel will best suit our needs, the Four Seasons, Swissotel, or InterCon.

(Thingorjus on Fodor's should write professionally, I love the "Muffy" references.)