Istanbul
This hotel is situated in Sultanahmet, just a few steps away from all the main tourist sites. The rooms are adequate with the superior ones slightly larger. We had a superior one at the start of our trip and a regular one at the end, and there is definitely a small size difference. The rooms are clean, the bathrooms function well with hot water but did notice some green mold around the tiles and bathtub. They provide a decent Turkish breakfast in their atmospheric courtyard comprising fresh bread, butter, feta cheese, olives, tomatoes, nuts, cereal, boiled eggs, tea and coffee and will do a hot chocolate on request. In the basement they provide a computer with internet connectivity which is quite useful. They also include a single transfer to or from the airport in the room rate. They have a very nice terrace with a view of the Blue Mosque on the one side and the Sea of Marmara at the other. The staff is polite and helpful with luggage as well as information and making restaurant reservations. On the whole, for its location, friendly service and affordable rates, we recommend this hotel.
Selcuk
This hotel is rated among the top two in Selcuk on sites such as Trip Advisor. Their email replies were prompt and we opted for their superior room which can actually sleep 3 people. the owners also run a carpet business from the adjoining shop and make a subtle pitch at the time of check in, but if you say you are not interested, they don't force the issue. They offer well thumbed guides to Ephesus for reference when you visit and you return them when you are done. They are also willing to schlep you around to the sites of Ephesus, Sirince, etc and can pick up as well after you finish sightseeing. Their terrace has a good view of the stork nests and the St. John Basilica and they provide a decent dinner at an very reasonable charge including 3 starters, a main non vegetarian course and tea or coffee. They also have a computer with internet on the terrace, but watch out for the Turkish keyboard. I was disappointed however with the room itself, the lighting is bad with low wattage lamps, the bed linen sacrifices comfort for a traditional look by being rough and scratchy. The general look is antiquated and worn. On the whole, I doubt there will be much better on offer in Selcuk overall, so if comfort is a priority, I would opt for staying at Izmir or Kusadasi and making the day trip to Epheses, its very doable. Otherwise, it is a can do option for a couple of days.
