What Hilton to pick in Istanbul and question about Rome Waldorf Cavalieri

[hgwells01]

We are heading off on a cruise leaving Istanbul in Aug, when I check for Hilton properties I have a field day, there are several including a Conrad, is anyone familiar with them and can give a suggestion regarding which one is the best located for doing tourist stuff please. Also i've thrown my points (and pay) at 4 nights at the Rome Cavalieri after the cruise and the property does look very impressive, usually he who thinks he must be obeyed wears smart casual when in the exec lounge, though looking at the HSW and SYD exec lounge guests recently over Xmas thongs and ripped singlets were the go with sunnies and backwards baseball caps for evening drinks, usually he would wear nice jeans and a polo or short sleeved collared shirt or if warm dress shorts and deck shoes, would he be expected to dress more formally in the Waldorf in the exec lounge? Any tips on either place would be appreciated. cheers HG

 

[KitKat]

Only can comment on Hilton Istanbul at coughhuriyet Caddesi. Friends stayed there and I visited them a couple of times (I was at the W). Rooms a bit dated but comfortable. Good view if you can snag a Bosphorus view room. Executive lounge is not bad, great view. About 5-10 minutes walk from Taksim Square - walking could be a little warm in August though. Taxi from hotels will run on meters but expect that those you take to get back will not!

Conrad Besiktas - can only comment on the Besiktas neighbourhood as this is close to the W. More residential feel to the place, less touristy, where the "locals" live. You get to see the everyday life more here. A little far from the end of the tram line - Kabatas. But you could wander down to the Besiktas ferry terminal and catch that back to the old touristy parts of Istanbul.

 

[turtlemichael]

I'm in a similar situation doing a cruise out of Istanbul in October. I have been to the city a few times and know it passably as a tourist. At this point we've opted for the Doubletree in the Old Town. It is an ok new property in a good location and it's not too long a taxi ride to the port. I would prefer the main Hilton Istanbul as a superior hotel in most respects but its location is not as good for tourist things and its price for our dates is currently over the top. Keep an eye on prices too, whatever you book. They tend to come down in Istanbul as you get closer. I have a price point when I'd switch from the Doubletree to the Hilton. At all costs I'd avoid the Hilton Park SA which is a dump and I also think the Conrad is ordinary in a poor location for tourists. Hope this helps.

 

[serfty]

I have stayed at the Cavilieri - nice place.

Rome Cavalieri | Hilton HHonors® | Luxury Hotel Rome

There's a dedicated thread on Flyertalk with 1000's of posts. Here's from my first real involment in 2010: FlyerTalk Forums - Rome Cavalieri, The Waldorf Astoria Collection

With a four night stay it worth reading (note the Colleseo Lounge is no more.)

Diamond does not automatically get you Lounge access, you need to be on the "Imperial" levels for that.

There's a shuttle bus to town during the day - often popular ...

 

[mella2007]

I've stayed at the Cavalieri also. Serfty is correct in his comments.
Often if the shuttle is full (which during summer is full) they will whip out another car or two if people are waiting.
Depending on your dates, do check Hilton's website in about 4 hours onwards for a 24 hour sale..you may get one of the suites at a very good rate
The standard room is a very good size...if booking, ensure you go for the Rome view rather than garden.

 

[hgwells01]

thanks for your tips all, I booked the Cavalieri on points and pay and didn't get the e-upgrade option as I usually do. I was going to pick Imperial upgrade and pay since Diamonds don't get this free as advised, does anyone know if its not an option for points and pay?

 

[mella2007]

thanks for your tips all, I booked the Cavalieri on points and pay and didn't get the e-upgrade option as I usually do. I was going to pick Imperial upgrade and pay since Diamonds don't get this free as advised, does anyone know if its not an option for points and pay?

It's fine to pay...so no worries there. Have a wonderful stay!