Galata Residence Camondo Apart Hotel

Authentic 19th Century Ottoman grandeur

by happyatif about Galata Residence

I stayed at this place for 3 months March - May 2006.
The apartment block is very attractive with 19th Century character and big rooms with tall ceilings. It is a serviced apartment but the service was not all that great. Great Location and a funny bunch of staff. sometimes very good sometimes absolutely useless.
lots of pictures and video on website.

Here is an email they sent me in February 2006:
Dear Aatif,

First of all, thanks for your kind interest to our hotel.
As I said on the phone if you confirm the reservation I can help you to arrange the apartment.

Our big aparts include 2 bedrooms, 1 living room, full equiped kitchen and bathroom - 100sqm.
In monthly accomadations the rate becomes 1500Euro+VAT till 4 people. But because of you will stay longer I can make the price 1400Euro+VAT. And if you pay cash I won't charge the VAT.
Everyday room cleaning include dishes and etc., free internet connection from the aparts for 24 hour, safe box in bedrooms, satelite channels, discounted international phone calls, laundry service,etc.. are between our services.

I left a message to my friend, he will show you an apt.

1- With taxi from hotel to Levent takes about 15 min. You can use also tramway, it will be better when the traffic is crowded.
2-As I said I will make 1400Euro+VAT per month ( in cash I won't charge the VAT )
3- If your company will pay they need to send the money to our accont or you can bring the money. No problem. But if they pay, they need to send me an e-mail or a fax that define that they will pay for your staying. four poster beds are standard! Great location for visiting old istanbul but close to new istanbul - istiklal cadessa is 10 minute walk.
But becareful of all the steps!! lots of steps from street level at Karakoy - 73 and 31 inside the hotel to the first floor - there is a lift for 2nd-4th floor!!

Derya Zorali is the attractive and capable receptionist/manager. Average english.
Hussein is the night receptionist - ok english but dont write him any notes
Melehat - grumpy receptionist whose teenage kids always seem to be sitting around in reception.

Sultan's Travels?

by happyatif

"Working where the continents meet"

Merhaba! Istanbul was a good experience and a realisation that this country is much more important than recent history leads us to believe.... I enjoyed working here as i was recently married and my wife was here with me staying in the famous Galata Residence (http://www.galataresidence.com/eng/index.htm)

But my travel page is not your normal travel page - being a muslim...funnily enough i was interested in exploring more of the History of istanbul which is actually hard to find!!

"istanbul secrets"

This is a letter of the Prophet Muhammed (p) and its amazing that its here, in Topkapi palace.......

"Namibian Adventure"

In 2003 I was lucky enough to work for NGOs in Namiba - helping set up small businesses and train local business consultants. I also managed to have a great adventure driving from Vic Falls to Cape Town on my own itinerary with 4 friends in a Motorhome!!

Besiktas Football club.

by Tdiver

Besiktas Jimnastik Kulubu
Won the league here 12 times the most recently 2002/3 so always near the top.
Web site has page in English.
Founded 1903
Ground,Inonu Stadyumu
Capacity 32145
Nickname,Kara Kartallar,Black Eagles.

Cengelkoy.

by Tdiver

Pronounced Jen-g-ell-koy.
Take tea in a really local tea house as tourists are few and far between.
Cinaralti means under the plane tree and is a popular spot for locals always.
Weekends are manic and waiting for an outside table could be half an hour as people turn up with their own food and just order drinks from the establishment.They serve Turkish breakfast dishes so don't worry about taking your own.Week days are perfect.
From the ferry terminal turn right and turn down the alley not by but next after police station,just after the bakery,where you can buy borek and other local favourites.
After breakfast walk around the area,lots of old wooden houses still survive, across the road from the ferry terminal is the Greek Orthodox, church of ST.George and if you walk left up the Bosphorus you will come to the sultans old elephant stables and the Naval college.
To get here there are 2 main ferries with Line 2 leaving from Eminonu/Besiktas LINE 2 this one being the more frequent and LINE 1
Alternatively get a ferry across to Kadikoy #15F or Uskudar #15 local buses, probably other buses #15 something also go that way so just ask for Cengelkoy.

dish gift

by fouads about grand bazaar

if u want bring some gifts from istanbul you will find some hand made or ready dishes full of colors and arts
it,s good decorate items for home or office , or as gifts to friends . but try ask for the prices all time you must try have lower price all time .