Bue--I was just there--early June for my 60th Bday. Seriously, take the ferry and visit Asian side,; there is a HoHo ferry--there is TOO much on the Old City peninsula. Stay anywhere Sultanahmet--Apricot, Angels Home, Broken Columns, etc are all decent small properties. Root thru booking.com for best deals--plenty to be found and you can email props directly. Sirkeci area is ok too for transport--just lacks the charm of Sultanahmet. (many small hotels have rooftop terraces). Gotta leave for CVG/DTW flt for funeral. Will send more from SkyClub if I can find it.