How to Find Luxury Hotels in Turkey

A historical bridge of the gap between Eastern and Western cultures, Turkey's long history entered the modern age with its secession from the Ottoman Empire in 1923. With a rich archaeological heritage, world-class cities and some of the world's finest beaches, there's something for every taste in Turkey.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access

Know Your Destination

1. Head to Istanbul. Straddling Europe and Asia, this booming city is unlike anyplace else on Earth.
2. Spread out your beach towel. Turkey borders both the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, and both coasts are popular tourist haunts during the warmer months.
3. Make your way inland. The capital city of Ankara is certainly worth a look to visitors interested in Turkey's long history, and the Cappadocian region is right out of a fairy tale.

Book Your Stay in Luxury Accommodations in Turkey

4. To book accommodations, contact the Turkey Hotel Guide at 011 ([phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources, below). Find yourself a villa if staying in coastal regions. The privacy these accommodations offer will be welcome if you're in Turkey during the busy summer vacation season.
5. Stick with what you know. Recognizable hotel chains offer accommodations in every popular destination in Turkey.
6. Expect wild fluctuations in rates. Luxury accommodations can cost many times more in the heart of Istanbul than what you'll pay in a quiet seaside town in Turkey.

Get Around in Turkey

7. Learn the word dolmus. These minibuses are more accurately described as shared taxis, and offer an inexpensive and convenient to get around in major cities, or to travel between them.
8. Travel by bus unless you're making a long journey across Turkey. Luxury coach services have sprung up all over Turkey in recent years.
9. Board a ferry, especially if you're heading to the Mediterranean coast from Istanbul. They're comfortable, fun and can save you hours of travel time.

Tips & Warnings

• Fly in to Istanbul's Ataturk Airport. It's by far the most serviceable in the country.
• Cover up and travel with companions if you're a member of the gentler sex. Unaccompanied women or those dressed immodestly are frequently the target of unwanted, even threatening attention.
• Ensure your room is equipped with climate controls. You'll need them if visiting during winter or summer.
• All phone numbers include the international prefix "011." When calling internationally but not from the United States or Canada, substitute that "011" with "00." All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.
• Rent a car if heading east from Istanbul. Though they're not recommended for use in major cities, it's a luxury you'll be glad you invested in once you hit the open road.
• Expect to encounter a language barrier. The vast majority of Turks are not fluent in English.
• Acquaint yourself with Turkish customs. As an Islamic country, religious intolerance is particularly frowned upon.
• Guard your passport closely.