ISTANBUL Hotels vs Airbnb – WHERE to STAY in Istanbul TURKEY

Mar 11

Our Istanbul Stay Guide: Hotels vs. Airbnbs & Neighborhoods We Love!

Istanbul is a city that captivates with its rich history and vibrant culture, and figuring out where to stay can be a big part of planning your perfect trip. Having experienced both hotels and Airbnbs across Istanbul and Turkey, we're excited to share our insights to help you decide what's best for your adventure, along with our top neighborhood recommendations!

Hotels: Comfort and Convenience

When we first brought our parents to Istanbul, we knew a hotel was the way to go for its amenities and comfort. Here's what we love about staying in hotels in Istanbul:

Amenities Galore: Hotels offer those essential vacation luxuries like room service, daily cleaning, and a guaranteed comfortable bed, which is perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.
Complimentary Turkish Breakfast: This was a delightful surprise! Almost all hotels in Turkey include a free, elaborate, and delicious Turkish breakfast spread, a far cry from a simple muffin. It’s a fantastic way to start your day.
Activity Booking Assistance: Hotel staff are often well-connected with travel agencies and can help you book activities and tours, taking some planning off your plate.
Reliability: Unlike Airbnbs, there's less risk of last-minute cancellations, and you're assured a comfortable stay.
Dining Flexibility (during restrictions): During times of capacity restrictions, hotel restaurants can often stay open later than independent restaurants, providing a convenient dining option after 9 PM.

However, hotels do have their downsides:

Cost: They are generally more expensive than Airbnbs, especially the more luxurious options.
Limited Kitchen Access: Without a kitchen, you'll be eating out for all your meals, which can add up. (Though, we encourage you to try the incredible Turkish street food!)

Airbnbs: Local Charm and Practicality

For a more immersive experience, Airbnbs offer a different kind of appeal:

Local Immersion: Staying in an Airbnb truly gives you a local feel, allowing you to live in a neighborhood and experience daily Istanbul life.
Cost-Effective: You can find Airbnbs for as little as $15-20 per night in some areas, making them a budget-friendly option.
Breakfast Freedom: While hotels offer breakfast, staying in an Airbnb lets you explore different local breakfast spots, where you can enjoy a huge Turkish breakfast spread for a very affordable price (around 300-400 Turkish Lira per person).
In-Unit Laundry: For longer stays, having a washing machine in your Airbnb is incredibly helpful and cost-effective compared to hotel laundry services.

But Airbnbs aren't without their challenges:

Old Buildings, No Elevators: Many Airbnbs in older Istanbul buildings might not have elevators, which can be a real workout when carrying luggage up several flights of stairs!
Fewer Amenities: You'll need to bring your own toiletries as Airbnbs typically don't provide the same range of products as hotels.

Our Favorite Istanbul Neighborhoods to Stay In

Now for the exciting part – where to base yourself in this magnificent city!

Kadıköy (Asian Side)

Why we love it: Kadıköy has quickly become our favorite neighborhood. It offers an incredibly authentic "old Istanbul" feel, with many local residents still living here. Yet, it also boasts a vibrant, modern mix of art shops, coffee shops, and cafes.
Affordability: You can find Airbnbs for as cheap as $15-20 per night.
Potential Downsides:
- Noise: If you stay close to the bar areas, it can get loud at night (though current lockdowns might mitigate this temporarily). The Moda area within Kadıköy is much quieter.
- Distance from Historical Sites: You'll be further from Istanbul's main historical attractions on the European side, but a scenic ferry ride across the Bosphorus is a fantastic way to travel and you can even feed the seagulls along the way!

Karaköy (European Side)

Why we love it: Located near the iconic Galata Tower, Karaköy has become very popular, even among Turkish locals. We loved a historical Airbnb our friend rented here.
Convenience: It's closer to the Old Town, which is great for sightseeing.
Potential Downsides:
- Noise: The narrow streets mean businesses open early and can be quite loud, even during the day.
- Cost: Prices are a bit higher than Kadıköy, averaging $30-40 per night for the convenience of its location.

Levent, Beşiktaş, and Nişantaşı (European Side)

Why we love them: If you're staying longer than 2-3 days and have already explored the historical sites, these neighborhoods offer a glimpse into the more modern face of Turkey. They are home to many malls and shopping areas.
Modern Vibe: Experience a different, more contemporary side of Istanbul.

Booking Your Stay: Our Top Tips

Airbnbs: Obviously, book directly on Airbnb.
Hotels: Hotels.com and Expedia are popular choices in Turkey. We also recommend checking out some local Turkish websites.
The Direct Call Trick: After finding a well-rated hotel within your budget on a site like Hotels.com, try calling the hotel directly. Sometimes they can offer you a cheaper price than online platforms, as they save on commission fees. However, it can occasionally be the other way around, so always compare!

Our Final Recommendation

For us, Airbnbs in Istanbul have become our go-to, especially since Gökçe knows the local side so well. However, if it's your first time in Istanbul, staying in a hotel closer to the Old Town on the European side might make more sense to easily access the historical sites and enjoy the amenities.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, and it depends on how you envision your Istanbul experience! If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments below!

Whether you are visiting Istanbul and Turkey for just a few days or staying for a few months, there are a few neighborhoods we can recommend that you should consider staying in. Local Turkish websites to search for hotels:

https://www.tatil.com/ https://www.tatilsepeti.com/ https://www.odamax.com/

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