Thanks to Susan Korah, Canadian Journalist and Travel Writer

Sleeping in a deep cave of a room that had been hollowed out of an eighth century stone wall in Istanbul, Turkey, I could easily imagine myself transported to the world of the Byzantine emperors, fiercely defending their territory, first against the Seljuk and then the Ottoman Turks who finally vanquished them in 1453 AD and changed the name of the city from Constantinople to Istanbul.

The Naz Wooden House Inn, a restored Ottoman style private home is now a quaint, seven-room hotel, in the heart of Sultahahmet, the imperial city centre of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Lending it even more "atmosphere" ( at least in terms of stimulating a writer's imagination) is the fact that it is located near the route of the fabled, but now defunct Paris to Istanbul Orient Express, synonmous with luxury travel and international intrigue.

Then off to a day of exploring the city. The front doors of the hotel open directly onto a narrow, winding cobbled street, filled with scenes of day to day Turkish life- part of its charm from my perspective. Street vendors plied their wares- everything from glittering necklaces and bracelets to toothpaste- while calling friendly greetings to their neighbours. Bright, shiny cars and sleek motorbikes squeeze and squeal their way past one another negotiating bends, curves and slopes in the street where horse-drawn carriages once clattered their way to their destinations.

A+ for "character", atmosphere, friendly, courteous and helpful staff, excellent location close to both historical attractions, as well as cafes, bars, restaurants, etc., great view from the terrace, delicious breakfasts,year- round airconditioning, excellent transfer service from and to the airport provided by the hotel for a small additional charge.