DoubleTree By Hilton Istanbul Moda Hotel

We stayed on the Asian side for the 5 nights we were in Istanbul because we were flying out of the airport on that side (airport code SAW) to Cappadocia for our next stay. We also watched a lot of YouTube videos that made us think that this was the best side and we concur. It may seem counterintuitive as all the famous tourist destinations are on the European side but don’t fret. The ferry system which crisscrosses the Bosphorus Strait has a stop 5 minutes from the hotel and there is a metro stop even closer that runs directly to SAW airport. Both means of transport have minimal cost and you just tap your credit card to enter (we read that the metro costs about 25 US cents! but chickened out and took a private transfer because we had some large luggage). The ferry takes about 20 minutes to get to the pier closest to the Haggia Sophia and all the other major sites (hop on the tram going to the left as you exit the pier or, follow the train tracks for a 15-20 minute walk (or, go straight ahead, like us the first time, and take 45 minutes). Anyway, the Asian side provides a more authentic experience . The hotel itself was very much like the ones you would encounter in the US with typical Turkish flair (it’s lit up with blue lights at night, can’t miss it which came in handy once or twice). Staff members were great and will take care of anything you need.