ACCOMMODATIONS IN TURKEY
Accommodations in Turkey reach from international luxury chain hotels to beautiful inns in historical Ottoman mansions and kervansarays to spacious but basic family-run pansiyons (guesthouses). It's prudent to plan ahead if you'll be traveling in the peak season (April–October) when tour groups usually book resort hotels.
Note that bookings should be confirmed more than once, especially at hotels in popular destinations. Phone reservations are not always accepted, so it's a good idea to email the hotel and get written approval of your reservation, as well as to verify again before you arrive.
The hotels we list are the cream of the crop in each price category. We always list the amenities that are available—but we don't specify whether they cost extra: when pricing agreements, always ask what's included and what's not. In all but the more expensive hotels, it’s wise to ask to see the room before checking in. It will often be much more fundamental than the well-decorated reception area. Check for noise, especially if the chamber faces a street or is anywhere near a nightclub or disco, and in simpler companies look for such amenities as air-conditioning. As well as basic ones like window screens and mosquito coils—small, when lighted, flat disks that, emit an unscented vapor that keeps stinging insects away.
Private bathrooms, room phones, air-conditioning, and a TV are assumed except otherwise noted. In the low season, you should be able to negotiate discounts of at lowest 20% off the rack rate.
Note that bookings should be confirmed more than once, especially at hotels in popular destinations. Phone reservations are not always accepted, so it's a good idea to email the hotel and get written approval of your reservation, as well as to verify again before you arrive.
The hotels we list are the cream of the crop in each price category. We always list the amenities that are available—but we don't specify whether they cost extra: when pricing agreements, always ask what's included and what's not. In all but the more expensive hotels, it’s wise to ask to see the room before checking in. It will often be much more fundamental than the well-decorated reception area. Check for noise, especially if the chamber faces a street or is anywhere near a nightclub or disco, and in simpler companies look for such amenities as air-conditioning. As well as basic ones like window screens and mosquito coils—small, when lighted, flat disks that, emit an unscented vapor that keeps stinging insects away.
Private bathrooms, room phones, air-conditioning, and a TV are assumed except otherwise noted. In the low season, you should be able to negotiate discounts of at lowest 20% off the rack rate.
HOTELS
Hotels are formally classified in seven classes in Turkey: one to five stars, "special class," also "boutique hotel." ("Special class" is for hotels that are different but don’t meet specific requirements of being a "boutique hotel.") There are also many pansiyons—guesthouses—outside this system. The star rankings can be misleading, however, as they're based on the number of facilities preferably than the status of the service and interior design, and the need of a restaurant or lounge automatically transfers the establishment to the bottom of the ratings. In practice, a lower-grade hotel may be far more charming and satisfying than one with a higher rating.
Though luxury services can be found in many places in Turkey, the standard Turkish hotel room, which you will find throughout the country, has bare walls, little wood-frame beds (usually twin beds, often pushed together instead of a double bed), and modern carpeting or kilims on the floor. Less expensive properties will probably have pipes and furnishings that leave something to be desired.
Wherever you stay, keep the following money-saving tips in mind:
High-end chains catering to executives are often busy only on weekdays and drop rates dramatically on weekends to fill up rooms. Ask when prices go down.
Watch out for hidden costs, covering resort fees, energy surcharges, and "convenience" fees for such extras as extensive local phone service you won't use and a free press written in a language you can't read.
Always check whether local hotel taxes are or are not included in the rates you are requested so that you'll know the real price of your stay. In some places, taxes can add 20% or more to your bill.
If you're seeking to book a stay right before or after Turkey's high season (April–October), you might save considerably by increasing your dates by a week or two. Many businesses charge peak-season rates for your entire stay, even if your travel dates straddle peak and nonpeak seasons.
Though luxury services can be found in many places in Turkey, the standard Turkish hotel room, which you will find throughout the country, has bare walls, little wood-frame beds (usually twin beds, often pushed together instead of a double bed), and modern carpeting or kilims on the floor. Less expensive properties will probably have pipes and furnishings that leave something to be desired.
Wherever you stay, keep the following money-saving tips in mind:
High-end chains catering to executives are often busy only on weekdays and drop rates dramatically on weekends to fill up rooms. Ask when prices go down.
Watch out for hidden costs, covering resort fees, energy surcharges, and "convenience" fees for such extras as extensive local phone service you won't use and a free press written in a language you can't read.
Always check whether local hotel taxes are or are not included in the rates you are requested so that you'll know the real price of your stay. In some places, taxes can add 20% or more to your bill.
If you're seeking to book a stay right before or after Turkey's high season (April–October), you might save considerably by increasing your dates by a week or two. Many businesses charge peak-season rates for your entire stay, even if your travel dates straddle peak and nonpeak seasons.
PANSIYONS
Outside the resort areas and cities, these small, family-run establishments are the most common option. They range from charming old homes furnished with antiques to tiny, utilitarian rooms done in basic modern style. As a rule, they are cheap and scrupulously clean. Private baths are standard, though they are rudimentary—stall showers, toilets with sensitive plumbing. A simple breakfast is typically covered. A stay in a pansiyon is an easy money-saver, especially if you plan on spending most of your time out and about.
