Marcie, the Four Seasons is in the old, historic part of Istanbul right next to the Blue Mosque and easy walking distance to the Hagia Sophia, Grand Bazaar and Topkapi. I don't think you can find a better location. We could even see an archaeological dig from our window. It's on the Europe side of the Bosphorus and you can see the Bosphorus from the patio on the roof. A lot of the nicer hotels like the Kempinski, Conrad, etc. are on the other side of the river in the newer part of Istanbul--not nearly as convenient if you want to see the sights. But some of them are right on the river with fantastic views and one of the famous Palaces is over there. Be sure you take a boat ride down the Bosphorus to the Black Sea--great scenery.