Still doing research and I've sent some inquiries directly to hotels. Some of the "S" hotels (specialty boutique hotels) in old renovated Ottoman homes sound quite nice, albeit smaller rooms but many have balconies and great views so this is a big plus. They all seem to include breakfast as well. It's fun researching so many options!

After the wonderful large apartment we had in Rome with Joanna & Tony for one week, we're quite spoiled....time for reality check!

The more I've read up on Istanbul, the more excited I am to go there....it sounds like such a great place!!