Stayed here with another couple,( we are middish(!) 50's), for three nights early October. We travelled scheduled with Turkish Airlines from Manchester - would recommend them. First time I remember actually enjoying an in flight meal for ages, and the seats were comfy too. Anyway, the hotel. I booked it direct having checked it out on TA. The booking was easy to do, the hotel responding promptly to my emails. As we stayed 3 nights we had complementary airport transfers and were also given a discount on the room charges for payment in cash - euros. Istanbul airport is large and very busy and we did wait a while for our lift to leave but we were promptly met and duly delivered to the hotel.

As we arrived,early evening, a local street market was on going by the hotel which added to the whole scene. The hotel is in the older, Sutanhamet, area, and it really felt that I had arrived somewhere different. Check - in was swift and friendly, and we then adjourned to the roof terrace, off the breakfast room, as the sun set, to enjoy a nice chilled glass of wine.( Do check at restaurants, before you sit down, as to whether or not they serve alcohol. This is a Muslim country remember, and certainly those within the shadow of the main mosques may well not serve it). The sunset over the Bosphorus was superb, as was the view of the Blue Mosque from the side terrace. We retired there each day for sundowners - lovely.

While mentioning the breakfast room, I would say that breakfast itself is adaquate, but they could complement it with some more fresh fruit perhaps. It's basically a savoury run and a sweet run with cakes,breads, and jams etc. There's tea and coffee and fruit juice.

The rooms are a very good standard. Not large but a good size, very nicely furnished, and comfortable. There's also a lift to the upper floors.The morning call to prayers can be a bit noisy, but you can just turn over!

The hotel is excellently placed for the main visitor attractions. All within very easy walking distance. We had a guide for a day - which the hotel will organise for you. It was a busy and informative day, and our guide got us into places quickly, using the locals' entrances.Brain was reeling a bit at the end of the day, but would recommend it, and it does give you a much better feel of where you are and it's history. It cost the four of us 100euros.

Thought that the smaller Spice Bazar was better than the Grand Bazar, and the trip along the Bosphorus gave a very good feel of the sheer size, and variety of lifestyles going on in this city. It is ancient and modern, as well as east meets west. The Cisterns are worth a visit too, but at the end of the day this is all personal choice.

Also, head towards the Blue Mosque and just wander around the local area at your own pace. We did and found a lovely little local bazar at the top of the road, and a lovely little area of nice cafes etc and hotels a bit further on. You can also walk down to the river through this area. The hotel are helpful for this and have maps they can give you.

We left Istanbul after 3 days, (our return airport transfer was right on time and although it was 5am, we were waved off by our friendly receptionist), and flew on to Ercan in Northern Cyprus for a further 4 days at the Bellapais Gardens hotel in Bellapais village. We have been there before. It's so good I hesitate to tell you about it. Will be reviewing that again. Again, flew there with Turkish Airlines, (about a 1 hour flight). We were at the pool by 10.30am!!

All in all would not hesitate to recommend the Erguvan to you. would give it 4.5 if could. Feel free to email me with any queries.