Be warned of that shuttle service from the SAW airport.
I mailed them:
I booked and paid for a shuttle (see below) and you confirmed it.
There was nobody at the airport with my name on a signboard to pick me up!
Amagrandi Spina Hotel in Sultanahment is good. Friendly staff, great view from roof terrace.
And on my way back to the airport i had to pay again even though i showed my confirmation print out. The driver said he is unable to check and confirm this via telephone.
So i got Zero service for my money! What kind of business is this???
If you want to avoid a very bad rating online by me (i am a german journalist) i would recommend to pay me back my money!!!
Kind regards from Berlin.
Favourite spots:
Beyoglu, Sisane. Small streets, where locals hang out. Few tourists. Reminded me a bit of the ramblas Barcelona. Take the funny old Lisbon style tram from Taksim.
What's really great:
the asian side. In Sultanahmet the Derwish cafe between the Hagia and the Blue Mosque features Sufi dance and life music in the evenings. The food is good but not expensive.
Accommodations:
Check out the small fish restaurants on the lower level of the Galata bridge.
Other recommendations:
The big shopping center in Levent near the sky scapers has a colani goes Sci-Fi flavour to it. The locals love it.