I recently stayed at The Shining Star Hotel and was thoroughly disappointed. The hotel is situated in a hard-to-find, dingy backstreet. One of my main concerns was the centralized air conditioning system. Despite the room feeling overly warm, the reception informed me that they had set it to warm air due to outside temperatures, leaving me with no control over the room's comfort level. The bathroom design is another major drawback; there's no partition which results in a completely wet and slippery floor post-shower. I would not recommend this hotel.
Very good hotel in the heart of the historic district. Just a few blocks from Sultanhamet square and the all the main tourist sites. On a side street and quiet. It was very clean and modern. Only minor, minor downside, is that the street out front seems to be a central garbage collection point. That had no real effect on the hotel, it is just that it detracted visually from the hotel access. Friendly staff. Would stay here again. Would give 4.5 stars if I could. A very good restaurant a few doors downhill from the hotel - Gulhane Sark Sufrasi.