What is the Turkish time zone ?

Please Click Here to see what time and date it is in Istanbul right now.

When is the best time to visit Istanbul?

In our opinion, the best time to visit Istanbul is in the spring, between April and mid-June. Even though April can be rainy, the weather is moderate. The city is not full of tourists and the Judas trees blooming along Bosphorus are beautiful! The weather may be cold at night so we suggest you bring a sweater.

Summer can be very hot and sticky because of the humidity. Don’ t forget to bring a hat and your sunscreen lotion. A light sweater for cool evenings is advisable. The tourist rush usually begins in June.

Autumn, from mid-September to mid-November, is also a good season to visit Istanbul. The weather is mild but the days are shorter. There are less tourists around. After mid-October, the weather gets rainy.

Winter is cold. In January and February there is often snow. Even though the snow does not stay on the ground for weeks, it can be challenging for a traveler, but could also be fun.You will need warm woolen clothing and rain gear.

We would suggest you to check the weather forecast before you come to Istanbul.

Do you arrange free transfer from and to the airport?

If you would like to be picked up from the airport, we can arrange your transfer with a travel agency. A representative of the agency, holding a sign with your name on it, meets you at the airport. We charge 50 EUR up to 4 people or 65 EUR above 4 people per transfer from Istanbul or Sabiha Gokcen Airport—which is a secondary airport, on the Asian side. However, if your reservation covers at least seven nights, we pay your taxi fare from the Ataturk Airport. You can easily take a taxi from the airport and the payment will be made by our front desk clerk when you get to the hotel . This offer is valid only if the reservation is made directly to the hotel by the guest and when the full rate is paid.

Do you accept pets in the property?

Unfortunately pets are not allowed in the hotel.

Do you have a restaurant in the hotel?

No, we do not have a restaurant in the hotel, though we do serve breakfast between 8 and 10 in the morning. We also serve alcoholic beverages and soft drinks as well as snacks when you’re on our rooftop terrace during summer season.

There are many restaurants in Istanbul that are within walking distance in Sultanahmet area near our hotel. We would be more than happy to recommend good restaurants allowing you to explore rich Turkish cuisine.

Do you have triple rooms?

Yes, we do have one triple room. This room has three single beds. One extra single bed can also be put in the triple room to accommodate four people. We charge € 20 per night for the extra bed.

Do you have connecting rooms for a family?

We have two family suites. Each suite has two separate bedrooms and a bathroom with shower. In each family suite, one of the bedrooms has one double bed and the second bedroom has two single beds.

Do you provide a crib on request?

Yes, we have a crib and it is free of charge. If you would like us to put a crib in your room, please let us know when you make your reservation.

Do you have rooms with a view?

All the rooms in Hotel Sari Konak face either the patio or the street but none offer a view of the sea, though our rooftop terrace offers gorgeous views overlooking the Blue Mosque and the Sea of Marmara. Hotel Sari Konak is located on a quiet narrow street free of the city’s noise, allowing you a quiet night’s rest.

Do you have non-smoking rooms?

Please be informed that our all rooms are non-smoking. However, if you would like to smoke, you can always use our patio or rooftop terrace.

Do you have parking facilities?

You can park your car in front of the hotel and can always rest assured that someone at the front desk is looking out for your car. Additionally, the neighborhood is quite safe. Additionally, we do not charge a parking fee. If you would prefer to park your car in a gated parking lot, there are few within walking distance.

Do you have wireless Internet access? Can I use it? How much does it cost?

We offer complimentary wireless Internet access in the hotel. Those who don’t have a notebook can use our guest computer in the small downstairs Internet. This amenity is also free free of charge.

Do you have laundry service ?

We do not have a laundry facility in the hotel. However, our cleaning ladies can wash and iron your clothes on request and bring them the next morning. You can expect to pay between €0.80 – €2 per piece. Dry cleaning is also available nearby, in Sultanahmet.

Is there a TV in the room?

All of the rooms have a TV with international channels.

Are your rooms air-conditioned?

All of the rooms have air-conditioning.

Where can I change money?

For money exchange, you have several options:

You can change money at front desk of the Hotel Sari Konak 24 hours a day; at the banks within walking distance and at the exchange offices around Sultanahmet. Banks are open from Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. as well as 1:30 p.m. and 5 o’clock in the evening. Usually they are quite busy and you may wait in the line long time to get to the cashier’s window.
You can get the highest exchange rate at the exchange offices. Another option would be to change money at the airport.The exchange offices and banks at the airport are open twenty four hours a day and they are located in the terminal, close to the airport exit.
Are there ATM machines nearby?

There are several ATM machines within walking distance.

Do you accept travelers checks?

No, we do not accept travelers checks.

Is it possible to have a private guide? How much does it cost?

We arrange professional tourist guides for private full or half-day Istanbul city tours. Please be informed that they charge around 80 € for a half-day tour and 140 € for a full-day tour.

Most guides are quite busy during high season and you are better off making your arrangement in advance. There are also daily sightseeing tours organized by well-known travel agencies that offer a variety of pre-organized package tours in different languages. For more information and prices, you can send us an e-mail.

What currencies do you accept for payment?

We accept all major currencies as well as Turkish Liras.

What about the national and Islamic holidays? How can they affect my vacation?

Turkish national public holidays are April 23 (National Independence & Children’s Day); May19 (Youth & Sports Day); August 30 (Victory Day); and October 29 (Republic Day) Banks. On these national public holidays offices and businesses are closed. Museums are not closed during national and Islamic holidays. If by chance, one of these days is Friday or Monday, people obviously would benefit from this occasion and go on a short vacation for three days. Transport services may be particularly busy as people travel, so we recommend you reserve your seats in advance.

When it comes to the Islamic holidays, the dates differ each year, as they are based according to the lunar calendar, which is 11 days shorter than the solar (Gregorian) calendar. The two most important Islamic holidays are Kurban Bayrami (the Festival of Sacrifice) and Seker Bayrami (The Festival of Ramazan). Banks, government offices and businesses are closed for four days or longer during these holdiays. Transport services and hotels will be very busy. We highly recommended you book your stay in advance. Even though there are many ATM machines all around Istanbul, you may want stock up prior to the start of the holiday on Turkish lira cash.

Big shopping malls and museums are open during holidays but may be particularly busy. If you visit Turkey during Ramadan, you should be aware of how it may affect your holiday. Some businesses and offices may have shorter working hours. For this reason, you are better off checking times in advance. Restaurants may require reservations for the iftar meal—the time to break the fast— and may serve only elaborate fixed-menu without alcoholic beverages.