Finding good hotels at affordable prices in Turkey

[RusticBohemian]

I got cheap plane tickets to Turkey and will be there at the end of July.

I've made no hotel reservations or done much research.

Should I just show up and go hunting? Try to make reservations?

I'll be landing in Istanbul but also spending a few days in Anatolia. I'm sure Istanbul has upper-tier hotels. But I'm thinking that it might be nice to stay in the old city or some smaller local hotels.

What should I be looking for in terms of location and price? Should I make reservations?

Any suggestions welcome.

[travel2020]

Due to the pandemic, Istanbul shouldn’t be too busy at the moment, but still might be worth making arrangements beforehand.

If you are looking for central/touristy place, there are lot of hotels in the sultanahmet area near Hagia Sofia / Grand Mosque. It’s very walkable and there is also regular tram service from there to other parts of the city so easy to go places.

You can also look for a place along Istiklal street. Lot of shops, restaurants, bars as well as access to transportation but you are a bit further away from the main tourist attractions.

It’s a fascinating city to visit and spend a few days. Enjoy your trip!

[KCM5]

I turned up in Istanbul once without reservations - it was late, dark, and hard to find a place to stay. I second Sultanahmet area as the obvious location. After that night, I tend to make reservations for at least the first night (this was a theme throughout the trip, so I may have just gotten tired of the “excitement”)

Are you going to see Cappadocia in Anatolia? Completely worth it!

[RusticBohemian]

Are you going to see Cappadocia in Anatolia? Completely worth it!

Right now it looks like Ephesus is on the itinerary after Istanbul but I don't know what else we'll have time for. Is there anything in particular in Capadoccia you'd suggest? I've seen pics of the cool rock formations and the air balloon rides.

[KCM5]

Right now it looks like Ephesus is on the itinerary after Istanbul but I don't know what else we'll have time for. Is there anything in particular in Capadoccia you'd suggest? I've seen pics of the cool rock formations and the air balloon rides.

I just saw this - Ephesus is beautiful/completely worth it. The temple of Artemis and Basilica nearby are nice stops as well.

Cappadocia has houses carved in the tuft, so you can stay in a cave, basically. Also, a lot of carved temples, pathways, and underground cities. There were some gnostic Christians that lived there are lived underground for their safety. It’s fascinating and beautiful. I would definitely go if you gave the chance!