







 



<rss version="2.0" xmlns:beenthere="http://ivebeenthere.co.uk/beenthere-rss">
    <channel>
        
                
        <title>Been there | Tips</title>
        
        <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/</link>
        
        <description>
            Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love,
            live in or have just visited - are what make this guide.
        </description>
        
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Muyan Suites Istanbul</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34208</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Premium service relying on the idea of Turkish Hospitality;<br>The Muyan Suites will give you the feel of unforgettable luxury and one-of-a-kind character go hand-in-hand.<br>Lively style and warm hospitality greet you with its elegance and inviting atmosphere; the look of Muyan Suites is distinguished and quietly reassuring.<br>First class amenities, personalized service, a friendly atmosphere and exceptional comfort combine with our ideal location just steps away from Sultanahmet, the heart of the city and history such as Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Archeological Museum, Basilica Cystern and many more historical monuments and 500 metres from the Grand Bazaar. The hotel is 17 kilometers away from the Istanbul Atatürk Airport.<br>]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34208</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Adamar Hotel</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34013</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Istanbul's skyline is magical at night and one of the best places to enjoy it is from the restaurant on the rooftop of the Adamar Hotel in Sultanahmet. Just a stone's throw from the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofia, the rooftop terrace has a 360 degree panoramic view, great food and a romantic atmosphere. The Bosphorus Bridge twinkles with ever-changing colours, the commercial district sparkles with modern skyscrapers, and the mosques and minarets glow with golden light. High above the rooftops, the sounds of the muezzins' evening calls to prayer echo and collide in the night sky around you.<br>And If the weather is less than kind, there is an indoor restaurant on the floor below with equally good views.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/34013</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>VIP Airport Transfers</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32114</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[I've used the service of this company for my transportation in Istanbul and all was arranged in a perfect way. <br><br><a target="_new" href="http://www.vipserairporttransfers.com/">www.vipserairporttransfers.com/</a>]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/32114</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Titanic City Hotel</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29557</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Titanic City is an excellent four-star rated hotel located in the centre of Istanbul in the popular city location of Taksim square. <br>The hotel is in an excellent location next to the array of shopping areas and in close vicinity to the historical sights of Istanbul.<br>The staff are friendly and hospitable and put us in touch with relevant sightseeing tours which allowed us to visit all the sights of Istanbul in only five days! It was well worth the money and we really enjoyed our stay.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/29557</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Rapunzel Guesthouse Istanbul</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28439</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[We discovered this small wonderful guesthouse/hostel on our return trip to Istanbul. It's around the corner from the Galata Tower, in the heart of the Beyoglu district, full of wonderful bars, cafes and a very local vibe. The location is spot on, away from all the tourist touts (Sultanamet) but even better is the wonderful vibe of the 'Rapunzel guesthouse' Its small but perfectly formed! in between a guesthouse and a hostel, basic but very clean, spacious rooms, run by a marvellous bunch of guys and gals. It is just a wonderful place to stay in and also very reasonable for Istanbul. Keep up the good work guys : )]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/28439</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Hotel Nena</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27834</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[We spent six nights in this hotel in 2008. It is in a great location in Sultanahmet near the Grand Bazaar, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque (which you have a great view of from the rooftop breakfast room) and Aya Sofia, as well as being a few steps from the tram that takes you across town. Our room was spacious and clean and we could hear the call to prayer, though luckily not enough for it disrupt our sleep! In any case, being able to hear the call to prayer adds to the experience of being in such a fascinating city. We loved our visit to Istanbul and would like to go again. If we do we plan to stay at Hotel Nena again.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27834</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Hotel Poem</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27497</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[War lover attached to my name is our room name in the hotel as rooms are identified by names rather than numbers. The location of the hotel is ideal. The room sizes are not standard - request the bigger size -it is much more comfortable. The breakfast was simple but very good and the staff are very good starting from Adnan, the manager, who is very proud of his hotel and whose vast knowledge was very useful in helping us. Oufoq (horizon in Turkish) is exceptionally nice, honest and helpful. Twice he made bookings for us and ensured the best seats by personally calling the functions managers.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27497</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Ulas Suites &amp; Apartments Sultanahmet</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27355</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[It is such a suitable apartment for family travellers. Location is superb just nearby Blue Mosque. We found the apartment extremely clean. Home owner Bahadir took a very good care of us during our stay in July.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27355</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Millennium Suites Sultanahmet</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27274</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[We have stayed at this lovely boutique hotel between July 5th and 10th. Perfect location in walking distance to all historical attractions Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar. Very attentive staff and beautifully decorated spacious rooms. ]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/27274</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Rast Hotel Istanbul</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26837</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[The location of the hotel is excellent for a sightseeing trip to Istanbul, being approximately two minute's walk to Sutanahmet Square (Blue Mosque Aya Sophia and Topkapi Palace) in one direction and about five minutes to the Grand Bazaar in the other. Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace that has an amazing view of some of the above mentioned sites, the Bosphorus straight and its famous bridge, and the Asian side of the city. We arrived early at the hotel, and while the room was being prepared for us, we were invited to relax and enjoy a complimentary Turkish coffee on the terrace - unforgetable. The level of professionalism of all, staff and management, combined with a genuine hospitability, made our five day stay at the hotel a memorable experience. Everybody was very helpful, trying hard to make our vacation as enjoyable as possible. The hotel is stylishly decorated and kept very clean. Our room was elegant, spacious, and quiet. We arranged transfers from and back to the airport with the hotel and this ran very smoothly. We highly recommend this hotel and we will definitely come back.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26837</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Beautiful residence hotel</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26676</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[We spent a wonderful week in Instanbul staying at pasha!place. The apartment is perfectly situated next to Galata Tower, restaurants and shopping areas and is walking distance to Galata bridge. The apartment is beautifully renovated and furnished with much taste. And there is an absolutely fantastic view out of the livingroom window across the water to the Topkapi, Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque!]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26676</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Hotels in Istanbul</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26619</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[The Best and The First istanbul Guide. We offer you selected hotels of istanbul with online reservation chance. In all the areas of istanbul you will able to find different class of hotels. From Historical district, Sultanahmet, Eminonu, Laleli, Kumkapi, Beyazit, to new city center Taksim, Beyoglu, Pera from new business district of istanbul Levent, Maslak, Atatürk Airport area, to Asian side of istanbul Kadikoy, Kozyatagi or Sabiha Gokcen Airport area, Tuzla, Pendik, from Tuyap Fair Center till CNR Fair center we do cover whole istanbul with the best prices and availability. We share our power being local in istanbul with you to bring you best availability and accommodation prices.  ]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26619</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Apartment</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26408</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[We really enjoyed Istanbul and had a beautiful time. This apartment in Cukurcuma is cozy and comfortable and the location fantastic. The area is an exciting mix of the old Ottoman tradition and new artistic trends and the Galata tower and bridge are within walking distance. We met Tarkan's family: lovely people!]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26408</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>The Empress Zoe Hotel</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26277</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[In the old quarter of Istanbul the Empress Zoe hotel is to be found. The rooms range from tiny to more spacious two roomed suites with kitchens and sitting rooms but what they all have in common is exquisite taste; hand painted Byzantine murals, antique furniture, traditional textiles and cool marble Turkish bathrooms. There are many twisting narrow stairs but they are worth the challenge to reach the cool, shaded courtyard garden. The breakfasts are to die for- plump cherries, freshly squeezed juice, crusty bread, olives, home baked cake, cheese and coffee. The staff are attentive and kind- when we arrived too early for our booking after a 12 hour overnight long-haul flight they offered us another room to rest for a couple of hours followed by a delicious breakfast free of charge. It is a popular hotel so book in advance.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26277</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Yesil Ev</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26273</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[This is a small hotel in a renovated wooden mansion of traditional Turkish design. We always make a beeline for it, whenever in Istanbul. It is an oasis of calm, just a few yards from the bustle of the blue mosque and the Hagia Sofia, and only a short walk from the Topkapi palace. There is a delightful garden, where drinks and snack meals are on offer, or there is a proper restaurant overlooking the garden. We recently (Nov '09) had a snack lunch of borek and beer, which was OK, and worth it for the sit down in such lovely surroundings. However, that was off season. In the summer there is a more imaginative lunch menu al fresco, and this peaceful lost world can't be recommended too highly if you are doing the sights. Sitting in the sun by the fountain eating plump Turkish Napoleon cherries is a treasured memory. Service is very proper, and prices are moderate. This is not a trendy boutique hotel - the rooms are all brass beds and antiques, but stylish and comfortable in a chinzy sort of way (with aircon). A double with breakfast is €250 in high season. And there's a Turkish bath!]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26273</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Kilios Kale Hotel</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26255</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[At the edge of the Black Sea and about an hour's boat ride from Istanbul up the Bosphorus River, sits the little known hillside town of Kilyos. A 20euro ride from the port, the Kilyos Kale hotel was situated at the top of this quiet town and holiday residents were all Turkish, except for my boyfriend and myself. <br><br>The rooms were large, with stunning views of the Black Sea and surrounding beaches, cleaned to pristine standards every morning and complete with quiet air con and coffee table and seating areas.<br><br>Food was inexpensive in the hotel and tourist prices in the town were unheard of makming it  the cheapest three nights of our trip and we enjoyed some of the town's freshest fish in local restaurants just a couple mins walk away.<br><br>The hotel boasts a quiet but pleasant outdoor pool complete with stunning backdrop views and is less than a five min walk to one of three potential beaches in the local area.<br><br>Would reccommend this hotel to anyone needing a break from the city style of Istanbul but wanting to avoid the tourist rife areas of Bodrum and Marmaris.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26255</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Ahmet Efendi Evi</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26254</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[This beautiful old hotel is traditionally decorated, serves a great Turkish breakfast and its staff will go out of there way to help you. It is situated only 20m away from the Akbiyik Mosque, established in 1453 and the street it's on is filled with 500-year-old wooden buildings making it feel as if time is standing still. It's owner Mehdi is a fountain of knowledge, speaking four languages fluently, making sure you make the most out of your visits to the wealth of attractions situated 5-15 minutes walk away. If you truly want to experience Istanbul's colourful history and culture then this is the perfect place to do it from.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26254</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Hotel Poem</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26245</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[Hotel Poem is a lovely, economical boutique hotel in the heart of Sultanahmet. <br>I think it's ideal for people travelling on a middling budget who would like comfort, cleanliness, character, charm and location without breaking the bank. People who prefer five-star luxury and facilities should expect to pay accordingly and would do better at the nearby Four Seasons (the ab fab refurbished prison in which Midnight Express was set). <br>The Hotel Poem however is set in a refurbished traditional 19th century Ottoman house. It's located in a quiet side street just off a characterful road lined with many shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. A few doors down from the hotel there is a wonderful traditional bakery - the smell of fresh bread is gorgeous and the taste even better. <br><br>It's a very short walk away from all the main sites (Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar etc) &amp; handy for the city hop-on-off tour bus stop. The Poem is just around the corner from the Fez bus office (if you happen to be hopping on and off buses all around Turkey). <br> <br>The Poem is a quiet oasis from the bustling city. It has a shady little garden terrace where you can eat a decent buffet breakfast or sit with a drink. There's also a lovely roof terrace that looks out to the nearby sea - great for catching the breeze with a cold drink on a hot summer evening.<br><br>The 17 rooms are named after traditional Turkish poems rather than numbered. I was travelling with two others and noted the rooms varied in size from large with balcony to a bit small and cramped - our bathroom was very small but everything was clean and worked fine. <br><br>Overall the Hotel Poem had everything we needed. It was charming, comfortable and clean, the staff were hospitable and the location fantastic. I would stay there again and recommend it as a great base from which to visit the exciting city of Istanbul.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26245</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>Hotel Poem</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26214</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[If hostels or huge faceless hotels aren't for you, chances are Hotel Poem will be. I stayed here last summer and the staff were so lovely to me - not only did they upgrade me to a three-bed room with views overlooking the Bosphorus, they also helped me out with my onward travels down to Selcuk. It was my first time travelling alone and they really made me feel welcome - in fact when I arrived at around 6pm on my first day, the hotelier said 'Ah, you must be Amy. We were wondering where you'd got to.' After the madness of navigating my way through the centre of Istanbul, it was a great relief to step into this homely hidden-away hotel and be welcomed like an old friend.<br><br>Smiles go a long way, but so does a good breakfast - especially when you're travelling on a budget. At Hotel Poem, you start your day with a help-yourself affair on a terrace hidden in the trees. Food was traditionally Turkish - and plates were piled high with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, eggs, bread and cake.<br><br>Lastly, there was the free-to-use computer in the lobby. Here, with the help of the reception staff, I mastered the Turkish keyboard, booked a bus to Izmir, and made contact with the Istanbul couchsurfing group - a really great bunch of people who meet every week.<br><br>For all this - and a gorgeous roof terrace too - it's pretty damn good considering rates start at 45 Euros.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26214</guid>
            </item>
        
            <item>
                
                
                <title>İstanbul Suite Home Aparts</title>
                
                <link>http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26106</link>
                
                <description><![CDATA[We have stayed at İstanbul suite home aparts in deluxe apartment five which was on the top floor with a big balcony and an amazing seaview.<br>The place was exremely clean, well decorated in a modern way and very well maintained with more then enough space for the five of us.<br><br>Very close to the all the historical sites - walking distance to everywhere. The hotel staff were very attentive and friendly and did an excellent job hosting us.]]></description>
                
                <guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/26106</guid>
            </item>
        
    </channel> 
</rss>

